Port Botany Workers Sacked via Text Message
Infuriated workers have formed picket line at Hutchison Ports in Botany, NSW after 97 employees from Sydney and Brisbane were sacked by email. Hutchison Ports Australia operates as Brisbane Container Terminals in Queensland. Brisbane port workers woke Friday morning to discover they had been sacked overnight, with Hutchison Ports Australia alerting them to the news via text message. The sent out a message to more than 40 workers just before midnight, stating the worker had been sacked and there would be "no redeployment opportunities". "You are not required for your allocated shift, please disregard your most recent work orders, you are not required on shift until further notice," the text message sent to 41 Brisbane workers said.
ITF Inspectors Visit Ships for Support in Walmart Campaign
ITF inspectors visit ships to ask captains and companies to raise concerns about the way Walmart treats its US staff. The ITF is urging shipping firms carrying cargo owned by US retail giant Walmart to raise concerns over its treatment of US warehouse workers and warning of impending industrial action at the company over the coming holiday period. They are likely to to embark on industrial action on 23 November in protest over poverty pay and the downgrading of working conditions.
