Productivity down, says Sharp

Productivity at Australian ports has dropped despite an agreement to cut costs between one of the country's largest stevedoring firms, P&O Ports, and the maritime labour union, Transport Minister John Sharp told Parliament.

In the 10 weeks since the agreement was signed, crane movements an hour dropped from 17 to 14.4. P&O Ports' labour costs had increased by A$100,000 (about HK$612,000) a week since the deal was done.

The only way to get an internationally competitive waterfront was through the government's industrial relations reform legislation, said Mr Sharp.