Dock workers in Australia are calling for a 28-hour working week without any reduction in pay as artificial intelligence and automation become increasingly common across the country’s ports.
The demand is aimed at global logistics company DP World, which plans to introduce remote-controlled cranes, autonomous vehicles and AI-powered management systems. According to the Maritime Union of Australia, the changes could affect more than 60% of jobs involved in cargo handling and maintenance.
Union representatives argue that if automation increases productivity and corporate profits, workers should also benefit through shorter working hours while maintaining their current salaries.
DP World maintains that automation is essential to improve efficiency and remain competitive in the global shipping industry. However, unions insist that technological changes must be negotiated with employees and should protect jobs, wages and working conditions.
The dispute has become one of Australia’s first major labour conflicts driven by artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing global debate over how the economic benefits of automation should be shared between employers and workers.
