AI is coming to Australia's ports. Dock workers want a 28-hour week in return

Australian dock workers are seeking a 28-hour working week with no reduction in pay as automation and artificial intelligence gather pace across the country's ports, arguing that workers should share in the productivity gains rather than bear the cost of technological change.

According to Financial Review, the demand has been put forward by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) during ongoing negotiations with DP World, Australia's last major stevedore yet to automate its terminals.

The union said the shorter work week has become "a key demand" as DP World progresses plans to introduce AI-powered technologies and automation across its Australian operations.

Automation concerns

The MUA argues that the company's automation programme could significantly reduce jobs on the waterfront if adequate worker protections are not introduced.

In a statement to members, the union said, "If DP World wants AI and automation, then they must pay the social dividend."

It added, "The new technology doesn't have to cost our members their jobs or put their livelihoods at risk just so a terminal operator can boost profits."

The union further stated, "It should be used to improve workers' lives, not destroy them."

According to a study commissioned by the MUA and conducted by the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, DP World's automation plans could threaten up to 1,000 jobs, representing more than 60% of its dock and maintenance workforce. DP World has disputed those claims.

Technology rollout

DP World employs around 1,800 workers in Australia and operates container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle. 

The company notified the union in October 2024 of its intention to introduce automation following the completion of enterprise bargaining negotiations.

The proposed changes include driverless container vehicles, AI-assisted remote-controlled cranes and automated systems capable of scanning and managing container movements. 

Discussions are continuing on a terminal-by-terminal basis, with Brisbane currently the only site where implementation has been scheduled, beginning in February 2027.

Dock workers at DP World currently work between 32 and 35 hours a week depending on their location, with overtime paid beyond those hours. The proposed 28-hour week would be the shortest standard working week across Australia's waterfront industry.

Broader debate

The dispute extends beyond a single employer and reflects broader questions about how the benefits of artificial intelligence should be shared across the workforce.

MUA National Secretary Jake Field said, "If they can operate these machines from a data centre in Sydney, they will seek to operate them from a data centre somewhere else in the world at the lowest possible cost."

He added, "The MUA's position is that there can be no automation or AI without agreement and there can be no loss of jobs and no loss of pay."

The union is also calling for stronger workplace protections, including the right to reopen bargaining when AI is introduced, expanded arbitration rights, and greater union access to audit automated workplace systems that allocate work or monitor employee performance.

DP World has declined to comment on the negotiations.