Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary served with legal papers at home after mass rally at VICT
In what looks like a serious escalation of the Webb Dock dispute that has halted container transport out of Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) says secretary Luke Hilakari was served with legal documents.
Hilakari is said to have received relating to union actions at Webb Dock, at his family home on Saturday afternoon.
“This is the first time any Secretary of Trades Hall has ever been directly targeted in such a hostile manner,” the VTHC says.
“This is a severe and unprecedented escalation by VICT, who have attempted to intimidate not just Trades Hall but all Australian working people through this extreme action.”
The VTHC cast the action as intimidatory and questioned how Hilakari’s home address was found and why the papers were not served at his Trades Hall office.
It has been reported that Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) partner the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has also received court orders to remove VICT pickets in the action that has halted truck movements for two weeks so far.
CFMEU secretary John Setka spoke at the multi-union rally at the terminal entrance on Friday.
The alliance effort that also involves the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) is listed for a Fair Work Commission hearing on February 2.
VICT has made determined statements since the start of the action that it would defend its right to operate unhindered in the courts and would sue unions involved for damages.