The Gillard Government welcomes the in principle agreement reached between the Fremantle Port Authority and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten today thanked the MUA and Fremantle Port Authority for working to reach agreement. The Minister also thanked Fair Work Australia Commissioner Danny Cloghan for the very constructive role he played in assisting the parties to find a resolution.

“Workers have returned to work after both parties reached agreement on the one outstanding issue with the assistance of Fair Work Australia,” Mr Shorten said.

“I am very pleased that a positive outcome has been achieved.

“I wrote to the West Australian Government last week encouraging them to do all in their power to assist in resolving the outstanding matter of job security given the parties were in the dark about the Government’s plans for the Port.

“The agreement reached shows what can be achieved when parties are prepared to sit down, negotiate and seek the assistance of the independent umpire.

“The Government encourages the MUA and the Fremantle Port Authority to continue to work together in good faith to finalise the agreements and put them to the workforce for consideration and vote.”

Mr Shorten’s media contact: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804