Arabic version: إضراب في ميناء بروم يعطّل وصول سفن الرحلات البحرية

According to ABC News, protected industrial action at the Port of Broome is set to continue for two weeks, affecting cruise ship arrivals during the Kimberley tourist season. Stevedoring and maintenance employees walked off the job last Friday after negotiations with the Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA) over wages and conditions did not produce an agreement.

The stoppage affects both port terminals. Two livestock ships and seven cruise vessels were due to berth at the KPA port this week, while another 12 were due alongside the adjacent privately owned floating jetty. Cruise crews have been hand-loading cargo, while passengers have been transferred ashore in small tenders.

Le Jacques Cartier had been scheduled to dock at the KPA’s main wharf on Tuesday morning but remained offshore, with passengers ferried to the slipway. Ponant Explorations chief executive Deb Corbett said the company was making arrangements to manage the vessel’s schedule and would update guests directly. Discovery One Cruises owner Erie Astrup said loading provisions from the slipway rather than using stevedores and cranes had a major knock-on effect for tourism and small businesses.

Maritime Union of Australia WA branch secretary Will Tracey said Broome tradesmen were paid the lowest rates for tradesmen at port authorities in the state, and argued the Broome area allowance should reflect the Kimberley’s cost of living. The KPA said it would keep meeting employees and the union and bargain in good faith. The Fair Work Commission is assisting conciliation, and the parties are due to meet again tomorrow.