The Maritime Union of Australia has had a huge win in the Fair Work Commission in retaining current penalty rates despite opposition by well-resourced stevedoring employers.

Employers, particularly Qube and DP World, were also unsuccessful in their attempts to have the working week increased from 35 hours to 38. MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said the ability to maintain current conditions in the current political and industrial climate was no small feat.

“The employers launched a full assault on penalty rates, not only in Fair Work, but in submissions to the Productivity Commission and through comments in the media but they were unable to establish a coherent enough argument to convince the full bench,” Crumlin said.

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