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Hutchison Australia and dockers extend truce to discuss mass layoffs
HONG KONG's Hutchison Ports Australia (HPA) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have agreed to continue conciliation talks before in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to keep the company viable and create a sustainable workforce.
The parties signed a new agreement to extend negotiations until November 16 under the auspices of deputy FWC president Anna Booth, according to a Hutchison statement.
A check of the union's website revealed a September 25 statement on the Hutchison dispute which was clearly out of date.
Under the terms agreed, a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) will be negotiated and made by November 16. The date can be extended by mutual consent.
HPA acting CEO Mark Jack said HPA had been vigorous in its pursuit of conciliation for more than two months.
HPA officers had attended conciliation and private talks on at least 10 occasions, and the company had kept on full pay all workers earmarked for redundancy nine weeks ago.
"This is not an easy time for our workers and the company. We have been working on solutions to keep the company viable and to demonstrate to the union how creating a sustainable long-term workforce is the only way forward for both the company and HPA's workers," he said.
Both parties agreed that a voluntary redundancy programme would be opened for workers in Brisbane and Sydney.
The parties also agreed that the Federal Court action brought by the MUA against HPA would be vacated, with each party bearing its own costs.
Mr Jack said he appreciated the MUA's clearer understanding of the serious challenges facing HPA.
The parties signed a new agreement to extend negotiations until November 16 under the auspices of deputy FWC president Anna Booth, according to a Hutchison statement.
A check of the union's website revealed a September 25 statement on the Hutchison dispute which was clearly out of date.
Under the terms agreed, a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) will be negotiated and made by November 16. The date can be extended by mutual consent.
HPA acting CEO Mark Jack said HPA had been vigorous in its pursuit of conciliation for more than two months.
HPA officers had attended conciliation and private talks on at least 10 occasions, and the company had kept on full pay all workers earmarked for redundancy nine weeks ago.
"This is not an easy time for our workers and the company. We have been working on solutions to keep the company viable and to demonstrate to the union how creating a sustainable long-term workforce is the only way forward for both the company and HPA's workers," he said.
Both parties agreed that a voluntary redundancy programme would be opened for workers in Brisbane and Sydney.
The parties also agreed that the Federal Court action brought by the MUA against HPA would be vacated, with each party bearing its own costs.
Mr Jack said he appreciated the MUA's clearer understanding of the serious challenges facing HPA.
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