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Port blockade comes to an end in Melbourne

A weeks-long blockade at a Melbourne shipping port that left millions of dollars worth of goods stranded in the lead-up to Christmas, is coming to an end.

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Source: AAP


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After nearly three weeks and two court orders, protesters are preparing to end their action at a Melbourne port where millions of dollars worth of shipping goods have been put on hold.

The decision to end the lengthy blockade came on Friday with a deal struck between the Maritime Union of Australia and the Victoria International Container Terminal.

Parties agreed to reinstate a worker who was refused security clearance to work at the Webb Dock.

His sacking had prompted several unions to blockade the port and prevent trucks from enter or leaving.

"The MUA expects that the ongoing community protest at Webb Dock will end some time today (Friday)," national secretary Paddy Crumlin said.

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The union will continue to work with the terminal to resolve "many outstanding issues", he added.

Union members defied Supreme Court orders demanding they not attend the site.

"'Our employees, who played no part in the illegal picket, will be able to enter our site this afternoon," terminal chief executive Anders Dommestrup said.

A spokesman for the company told AAP people at the illegal picket had been packing up the tents, chairs, flags and other items from the site about midday.

The dispute started on November 27 with rallies held in support of the sacked worker.


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