Last-minute bid to stop wharf strikes

A Patrick spokeswoman said it would seek an order from the tribunal because it did "not believe the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia) [is] genuinely trying to reach an agreement with the company".

Patrick has said the strikes and work bans a?? which could involve more than 1000 wharf workers a?? could have a major effect on exports and imports.

The first strikes are due to take effect in Melbourne from tomorrow and at other ports around Australia in the coming days, although the MUA said it may exempt Brisbane.

It would be the biggest industrial dispute on the wharves since the 1998 waterfront dispute.

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin accused Patrick of "once again" failing to negotiate in good faith after the company flagged the action in Fair Work Australia.

"This process has been going on for more than nine months and Patrick has continually shown a reluctance to improve safety standards and a complete lack of genuine negotiating," Mr Crumlin said.

"We have seen four deaths in five years, so the issue of safety on the wharves is very significant."

Patrick, which is owned by listed transport company Asciano, said it was keen to continue discussions with the union but not under the threat of "significant" work bans and stoppages. The MUA is asking for a 6 per cent-a-year pay rise, as well as higher superannuation and a $5000 sign-on bonus.

The company says the union's demand would add more than 30 per cent to total salary costs, or more than $46,000 an employee.

The Patrick spokeswoman said there was "nothing" in the MUA's demands that would increase productivity.

"We've made an offer of a basic salary increase above CPI and are willing to go higher if we can get guarantees on productivity and efficiency, which is at the heart of the Fair Work Act," she said.

"The average annual income for a stevedore is fair at around $100,000 per year. What they are seeking is unreasonable and unsustainable and will add more than 30 per cent to the company's cost base."