The dockworkers at some of Australia's major bulk and general cargo ports are gearing up for industrial action as their contract talks with Qube stall. The National Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has reported overwhelming support for job actions, with 100 percent backing in Melbourne and Port Kembla, and over 99 percent in Brisbane. These actions are set to target Qube, an integrated terminal operator. The current contract for these "wharfies" expired in June 2024, and the union accuses Qube of dragging its feet on negotiations. According to the MUA, they’ve been trying to get constructive discussions with Qube's management since October 2023. The MUA's grievances echo a familiar pattern seen in labor disputes globally. For instance, Germany's container ports were without a contract for much of the summer, only reaching a tentative agreement after several rounds of strikes. Similarly, Canadian dock workers are moving towards a strike, and the International Longshoremen’s Association in the United States is poised for a major strike that could impact ports from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast. The MUA is particularly frustrated by the rising profits of Qube over the past four years while dockworkers' wages have lost purchasing power due to inflation. They argue that the real value of wages has fallen by 14 percent, even as the company's profits have increased. Warren Smith, the MUA’s Deputy National Secretary, emphasized the union's determination to secure a fair share for workers, stating, “We are going to fight to get our share.” The union plans to initiate action this week, starting with bans on overtime and restrictions on work assignments in Melbourne, Port Kembla, and Brisbane. They have also secured authorization for work stoppages ranging from 1 to 24 hours, giving them flexibility in how they proceed. Australia has seen several prolonged and contentious labor disputes recently, with interventions from the Fair Work Commission often marking the end of these conflicts. The disputes with DP World and Svitzer Tugs, for instance, were marked by significant disruptions before settlements were reached. Qube, which operates across over 40 ports in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk materials, and automotive goods. The company also manages sites for the forestry industry and provides supply chain logistics for the energy sector, supporting numerous onshore and offshore operations.