Australian port workers return to work after strike called off

Wharf workers are returning to full- time duties at ports across Australia after the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) called off industrial action, the MUA said on Friday.

The MUA said Sydney port workers returned to work at 6 a.m. ( local time) on Friday and those in Brisbane expected to head back to the ports at 3p.m. (local time) on Friday.

Fremantle port workers are expected to follow suit to return later on Friday, the MUA said.

The MUA had planned a week of work restrictions at Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle after negotiations over a pay dispute stalled.

The union's deputy national secretary, Mick Doleman, said the action was never intended to shut down the ports and concerns from rural exporters have prompted the MUA to lift its limited work bans.

The MUA said it wished to resume talks "in good faith" with Patrick in an attempt to reach a resolution.

Patrick director Paul Garaty welcomed the workers' decision to return to full-time work.

"We are pleased that the union has recognized what they were doing to the importers and exporters of Australia," Garaty said in a statement on Friday.

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