Port blockaded as workers protest firing practices
PROTESTING workers have refused to unload the first cargo ship to arrive at Hutchison Port operations since the company sacked 97 workers in Brisbane and Sydney via email and text message last week.
The ship Capitaine Tasman arrived at Port Botany in Sydney about 9:30am on Monday, but went back out to sea about an hour later still fully laden.
Picket lines were drawn at ports in both cities after Hutchison axed staff at about 11:30pm last Thursday citing substantial financial losses.
Chanting demonstrators in Brisbane said the late night dismissals were disgraceful and un-Australian, and have vowed to continue the protest until the decision is reversed.
Staff at the Port of Brisbane are blocking the road to Berth 11, where a ship is due to dock around 11:30 am.
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