Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has joined unions protesting the sacking of almost 100 dockers by late-night texts and emails.
Hours before a Fair Work Commission hearing into the sacking of 97 Hutchison Ports workers in Sydney and Brisbane, Mr Pitt showed his solidarity with unions who have been picketing the company's Port of Brisbane premises for four days.
The treasurer called Hutchison Ports's method of firing the workers a "cowardly act".
Mr Pitt urged the federal government to intervene and promised state government assistance for those who had been sacked.
"You do have support of your work colleagues, you've got the support of your friends and family, you've got the support of the broader community and you do certainly have the support of the Palaszczuk government," he told protesters.
Mr Pitt said the state government had tried to open talks with company representatives, but they were based overseas and were not able to be contacted.
The treasurer's visit brought tears to the eyes of Hannah Matthewson, a dock worker who was sacked along with her brother and father.
"At the end of the day Hutchies doesn't deserve any of us, but we deserve our jobs," she said.
Hutchison Ports has claimed the job cuts are part of a move to downsize and financial losses.
But Maritime Union of Australia state secretary Bob Carnegie said the sackings were just another step in the company's "sinister" plan to replace workers with machines.
"Hutchison is trying to break trade unionism on the docks so they can establish automation without negotiation," he told AAP.
Hutchison Ports also cut power to the picket line on Monday morning, but at least 29 different unions are supporting the protesters by providing food, tents, generators and portable toilets.
Mr Carnegie vowed to continue the picket into Tuesday and called for more workers to join on Tuesday.
"Get the phone ringing tonight, get out there, get all your mates here," he said.
"There's a sausage, and a barbecue, and a tonne of hatred for Hutchison to have for breakfast."
The Fair Work Commission hearing into the sackings was due to start at 5pm in Sydney.
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