Port of Broome Industrial Action Threatens Cruise Turnarounds
Terminal 2’s floating wharf and landside support areas were developed to let vessels berth without waiting for tides in Broome’s tidal harbour.
Rolling protected industrial action at the Port of Broome is threatening cruise passenger turnarounds on Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, with stoppages notified into late August and mooring and stevedoring services uncertain. The Maritime Union of Australia action, tied to enterprise agreement negotiations with Kimberley Ports Authority, could affect hundreds of expedition and luxury cruise passengers scheduled to join or leave ships in Broome.
The port itself remains open. Pilotage and towage are still available.
Inchcape Shipping Services told customers that service availability remained unclear and that “existing work bans, including restrictions on overtime and shift extensions, also remain in place.”
Which terminals and ships fall inside the window
The notified action covers KPA Terminal 1 through August 22 and Kimberley Marine Support Base Terminal 2 from August 7 to August 22. Terminal 2’s floating wharf and landside support areas were developed to let vessels berth without waiting for tides in Broome’s tidal harbour.
Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier, which carries about 184 passengers, is scheduled at Broome on August 11 before a 10-night sailing to Darwin. Seabourn Pursuit, an expedition ship with capacity for 264 passengers, is due at Broome on August 14 at the end of a Darwin-to-Broome itinerary.
Additional calls fall within the notified action period. Ponant’s Le Soléal, which carries about 264 passengers, is due on August 18.
Disembarking guests may have onward air connections from Broome. Cruise movements in the town typically rely on transfers between the port and the visitor and cruise meeting point at Napier Terrace in Chinatown.
KPA turns to the Fair Work Commission
Kimberley Ports Authority sought exemptions for scheduled cruise ship calls, but Inchcape said the union declined those requests. “KPA has subsequently engaged legal representation and is seeking an expedited hearing in an attempt to obtain a stay of the protected industrial action for affected cruise vessels,” Inchcape said.
Will Tracey, the Maritime Union of Australia’s Western Australia branch secretary, called the stoppage a “campaign of last resort” in comments to the Broome Advertiser. The newspaper has identified regional allowances and time off in lieu among the bargaining issues after nearly a year of negotiations.
Under Australian workplace law, participants in protected action have limited civil immunity when the action meets Fair Work Act requirements during enterprise bargaining. The Fair Work Commission can order unprotected action to stop and can suspend or terminate protected action in specified circumstances, including threats to welfare or significant damage to an important part of the economy.
“KPA has indicated a willingness to assist with alternative operational arrangements, including supporting cruise vessels operating from anchorage should this become necessary,” Inchcape said.
Passengers due to embark or disembark in Broome are being advised to watch for updates from their cruise line or travel adviser. A Fair Work Commission conciliation conference is scheduled for next Wednesday.
