Patrick to appeal against wharf strike action

Fair Work Australia has given the Maritime Union (MUA) permission to launch industrial action from this weekend after negotiations over pay and conditions with Patrick failed.

Patrick says it will appeal against the decision with the Fair Work Commission this afternoon.

The company says it does not believe the union is genuinely trying to reach an agreement.

In a statement, the company says it is keen to continue discussions but will not do so under the threat of strike action and has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a fair and sustainable outcome for its employees.

The dispute is set to be the biggest on the waterfront since 1998, with ports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle affected.

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin yesterday said there was no choice but to mount a campaign of industrial action.

"In frustration at the obfuscation of this company not being able to put any meaningful position on the table after eight or nine months, the guys have taken some limited action," Mr Crumlin said.

Mr Crumlin said productivity at the ports would not be affected.

"Some of it's just bans on overtime, and others there's some stoppages. That's all," he said.

"Limited in time, approved by the Fair Work [Tribunal], gives the company plenty of time to be able to reorganise their shipping to minimise the cost.

"I mean we're not trying to hurt them; we're trying to get their attention."