Hundreds of Western Australian wharfies and more than 1500 around Australia, have walked off the job for 24 hours in protest at a death at Melbourne Port yesterday morning, the West Australian reported.

Ship containers at Fremantle, Port Hedland, Dampier and Bunbury ports were left dockside after wharfies employed by P&O Automotive and General Stevedoring (POAGS) walked off in an illegal protest.

Maritime Union of Australia secretary Chris Cain said the wharfies wanted the Federal Government to introduce national safety guidelines.

A spokesman for POAGS defended the company’s safety management system, saying it was consistent with national industry standards.

The 24-hour stoppage delayed the loading and unloading of 15 vessels.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)