Possible Tugboat Captain Strike at Australian Iron Ore Port

Reuters reported today that Tug Boat captains at Australia’s Port Hedland have approved several potential strike action plans following a strike vote by tugboat deckhands earlier this month. Although the groups have not set a formal date for job action, a major producers have warned that a stoppage of exports from Port Hedland could severely diminish global iron ore supplies, according to Reuters.

As quoted in the publication:

The unions have come under pressure to compromise with Teekay, as any strike would result in the loss of $100 million a day in iron ore sales and millions in royalties and taxes to the state of Western Australia and the country. Tugboat engineers are holding a separate vote to strike for up to two days. Their ballot result is due on June 10. Teekay and the unions are due to hold another mediation session on June 5.

Click here to read the full Reuters article.