Darwin Port faces strike action as early as next week as workers push back against Darwin Port penny pinching and disrespectful treatment of its workforce. They are demanding a fair bargaining outcome.The Protected Action Ballot was returned today with a unanimous vote in favour, demonstrating the determination and anger of the port workers. Darwin Port won “Port or Terminal of the Year” at the 2025 Daily Cargo News Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards, announced on 20 November 2025. The port itself credited its workforce’s dedication as a reason for the win. The Maritime Union of Australia says Darwin Port must get serious about resolving negotiations and stop picking fights with the workforce who have created the Record EBITDA of $42.4 million, up from $34 million the previous year. Workers are seeking annual wage increases of 5 per cent over a four-year agreement, a $5,000 sign-on payment and superannuation contributions two percentage points above the statutory minimum.

“Our members want a fair pay rise and their conditions protected. Darwin Port are penny pinching on the back of a 25% increase in revenue. Port workers keep Darwin Port operating. They deserve a fair agreement. Profits are up; productivity is up – there is no excuse.” MUA Deputy National Secretary Warren Smith commented “Every compromise the workers made was met with extra claims from management till the workers had had enough and are now prepared to fight for a better deal. The MUA will back them all the way.”

“Darwin Port has an opportunity to resolve this dispute before action begins. There is still time to avoid industrial action. The responsibility sits with management to put forward a deal workers can accept. They know what they must do, and we encourage them to do it.” MUA NT Branch Secretary Andy Burford commented “We have reached agreement on a range of issues and made clear what is needed to settle the outstanding matters,” 

Darwin’s annual CPI inflation was 5.2% in the 12 months to September 2026, compared with 4.3% nationally. The MUA has agreed to a four-year term ending on 30 June 2030 and several other bargaining items, but management belligerence and ego have stalled what should have been an easy fix.The union is also prepared to accept changes to the agreement’s coverage clause, provided safeguards prevent management from using new job titles to strip workers of agreement coverage. Strike action is likely in approximately one week, with timing and details yet to be confirmed.