The MUA has applied to the Fair Work Commission for a protected action ballot that, if approved, would allow Patrick employees to engage in strikes ranging from four hours to 48 hours as well as overtime bans.

The union’s deputy national secretary, Will Tracey, said on Tuesday that the union was committed to working with Asciano in a “productive and mature way” to try and reach a “workable but fair agreement”.

But while the union had held off on pursuing a wage claim, it was determined to secure changes to current rostering arrangements.

“This agreement is not about money, in fact, the MUA had agreed initially not to lodge a wage claim until other cost items had been addressed,” Mr Tracey said.

‘When wage increases were brought to the table the union agreed to take into account all of the cost items in total, including the state off the industry.”

He said the union was “refusing to compromise” on job security measures and safety.

“Fatigue issues are prevalent, as some current rosters prevent reasonable breaks between shifts, or short notice when transitioning from afternoons into day shifts,” he said.

“Patrick workers are only told if and when they are working with less than a day’s notice. This creates chronic uncertainty and does not allow wharfies to properly manage their fatigue and personal affairs. Job security measures are of critical importance after the problems associated with the Botany automation exercise.”

More at the Australian Financial Review