Stevedoring is the beating heart of our union

Stevedoring members make up the majority of the MUA's membership. Our union was created by stevedores for stevedores, and it is a part of our history that we are immensely proud of.

For over a century, the MUA has been the voice of wharfies, container workers, and cargo workers. Some of the most iconic moments of the union movement in Australia have involved MUA stevedore members.

We have fought countless times to improve health and safety protocols on the docks, fair pay and entitlements for all of those on the wharf, and for essential job security.

We hold terminal operators to account, pressing them on undercutting the industry with non-local labour, and demanding that all their employees get the pay and awards that they are entitled to.

Across every state in Australia, the MUA is lobbying to make sure safety standards have no ceiling. There have been far too many workplace injuries in our industry, and we're aiming to change that once and for all.

We have also advanced the voice of stevedores across the country, bringing in some critical and innovative procedures that have benefitted all dock workers. Wharfies built the MUA, and now together we're building a better industry for all.

When you join the MUA as a wharfie, you're joining a community of people just like you. We all strive to make the wharves a better place for all for the present and the future.

The MUA is only strong because of wharfies such as yourself, and with your help, we can make sure the maritime industry is strong for many years to come.

Become a member of the MUA today

By becoming a member of the Maritime Union of Australia, you are joining a real force for positive change on the wharves across Australia.

The best thing you can do for your career is to join your union. Join the union that was built by wharfies such as yourself, and let's change the maritime industry for the better. 

Become a member today!

Benefits for stevedoring members

• A union that fights for your workplace entitlements and your job security
• Representation in pay and rostering disputes, amongst other issues
• A united front to improve workplace safety on the docks
• Access to the MUA's employment support services
• Discounts and savings via the MUA's member benefit scheme

Your local branch for stevedores

Latest Stevedoring News from the MUA