The Guardian 5 March, 2008
MUA community picket
A section of the MUA/community picket at the entrance to Dive Construction Services (aka Dempsey Industries) desalination plant project at Port Botany in Sydney. The divers decided to go on strike in protest as the company is refusing to negotiate a collective agreement with the MUA. They are the only workers on the site not covered by such an agreement. "This company insists on utilising WorkChoices even after the Australian people have overwhelmingly rejected this anti-worker set of IR laws", noted Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) Sydney Branch Secretary Warren Smith.
The picket commenced at 7am on March 3, boosted by the participation of the Inner-West YourRightsAtWork group. Diving is an extremely dangerous occupation and the rates of pay and conditions for this work (particularly at a desalination plant) are far below community standards. Safety is also a central issue in the struggle. The company has reacted by calling the MUA to front the Federal Court on the issue. The picket is on Friendship Road, Port Botany at the Molineux Point end. Your support would be appreciated, but please check first that the picket is still on by phoning the MUA on 02 9267 9134 or e-mailing muano@mua.org.au