1998 Australian waterfront dispute

The Australian waterfront dispute of 1998 was a severe and protracted industrial relations dispute mainly between the Maritime Union of Australia and Patrick Corporation, a stevedoring and transportation company led by CEO Chris Corrigan that had the support of the Australian federal Howard government, particularly the then Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith. The dispute, which became the most contentious industrial relations battle fought in Australia for many years, centred around attempts by Patrick and the Federal Government to improve efficiency on Australia's wharves, primarily by reducing worker entitlements and the power of the MUA. It also acted as a litmus test for the workings of the governments "new industrial relations" system.

Related Topics:
Industrial relations - Maritime Union of Australia - Patrick Corporation - Stevedoring - CEO - Chris Corrigan - Howard - Peter Reith

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