ARA calls for end to DP World pay dispute.

 

The Australian Retailers Association has called for an end the current impasse at container terminals, claiming that back-to-school shopping supplies are running low as the DP World pay dispute drags on

 

The peak retail body is urging the country's second largest port operator and union members to come to a deal.

 

"Some of our biggest back-to-school stationers are saying up to 50 per cent of their catalogue is out of stock in the last week heading back-to-school - this is of great concern of us," ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said.

 

“Australian retailers need unimpeded access to the global supply chain to operate and this industrial action is starting to have an unacceptable impact on the flow of goods from overseas suppliers into our sector,” Zahra said.

 

“All categories are affected but we are particularly concerned about perishable food, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods including back-to-school merchandise,” he said.

 

DP World says 54,000 shipping containers are in limbo, causing an $84 million hit to the economy each week.

 

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is bargaining for an eight per cent per annum pay rise over two years as 16-hour work strikes shut down the company's Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle terminals, while limited work is being done at its Melbourne terminal.