Australian dock workers are seeking a 28-hour work week with no reduction in pay, as port logistics companies increasingly integrate artificial intelligence and automation into their operations. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has stated that companies like DP World are placing workers' jobs "in the crosshairs" of these technological advancements.
The union argues that the benefits of AI and automation should be shared with workers, rather than solely increasing terminal operator profits at the expense of employment. The MUA commissioned a study by the Centre For International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, which suggests that DP World's automation program threatens more than 60% of the dock and maintenance workforce, potentially impacting up to a thousand jobs. The company has reportedly been testing AI tools for managing employees and work schedules, and has proposed the use of AI-assisted remote-control cranes and driverless vehicles.
The union's proposal for a 28-hour work week was made on July 3. The MUA emphasized that new technology should be used to improve workers' lives, not jeopardize them. Current work hours for DP World dock workers are reportedly between 32 to 35 hours per week, depending on their location.
DP World, headquartered in Dubai, is a significant global port operator with operations in 84 countries. In Australia, the company handles millions of shipping containers annually through its facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, and other locations. The firm manages approximately one-tenth of global container traffic. The MUA indicated that DP World has been pushing AI into operations without genuine consultation with the workforce.