How the DP World pay dispute at Australia's ports could see prices rise, reigniting inflation

Could the current row between the Dubai-owned stevedore, DP World, and the Maritime Union of Australia, see a repeat of the 1998 waterfront dispute? DP World has carried out economic modelling — but only released selected excerpts from that modelling to the media — suggesting the dispute is costing the nation more than $84 million a week, equating to 0.17 per cent of Australia's weekly gross product. He's among a growing list of people including DP World's DP World Oceania vice-president Nicolaj Noes, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Victorian Opposition Ports spokeswoman Roma Britnell and a number of importers and exporters who want Minister Burke and/or state governments to call in the Fair Work Commission for mandatory arbitration. Dr Richardson says DP World's modelling suggesting the dispute is costing the nation more than $84 million a week is feasible, noting "that degree of economic damage is potentially possible". But DP World on Monday cited other figures in a media release suggesting that "the industrial action taken to date has cost the nation $34 million in lost productivity per day, building on an average impact of $84 million per week since the MUA's action commenced in September 2023".