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Posted: 2018-03-18 05:47:45

“We're simply trying to bargain for occupational health and safety rights and protect workers from extreme fatigue conditions under the current rostering system,” he said.

Qube Ports condemned the action.

“Given the ongoing threats and intimidation by the MUA, we decided the safest way into the site was by helicopter,” Qube Ports director Michael Sousa said.

“This morning we flew 36 qualified managers into the site who are now unloading the vessel. We are simply servicing our customers,” he said on Sunday.

Mr Sousa said Qube had moved from offering reduced pay at the beginning of the bargaining process to offering pay rises close to 10 per cent over the next four years, conditions most of other port sites operated by the company had accepted.

The MUA and Qube have agreements in place at 15 sites, with negotiations stalled at two others: Webb Dock and Newcastle.

Mr Smith said the Qube application at the Fair Work Commission to terminate the agreement would create a “flashpoint”.

“The company is seeking to escalate this by terminating the agreement and we will fight it to the end,” he said.

The 1998 waterfront dispute was a seminal moment in Australia's industrial relations history that led to confrontational protests and a 14-day lockout, with dock workers replaced by Fynwest-trained SAS commandos flown in from Dubai.

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