Australian Dock Workers Demand 28-Hour Work Week Amid AI Expansion

Australian dock workers are advocating for a 28-hour work week with no reduction in pay as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation grows in the country’s ports. This demand was made by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) on July 3, 2026, highlighting concerns over job security as DP World, a major logistics company, pushes for AI advancements.

AI Implementation Threatens Jobs

The MUA claims that the ongoing AI initiatives by DP World could jeopardize up to a thousand jobs, affecting more than 60% of the dock and maintenance workforce. According to a study conducted by the Centre For International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research and commissioned by the MUA, the automation program is being rolled out without adequate consultation with workers.

DP World, which has its headquarters in Dubai, has been experimenting with AI technologies aimed at optimizing employee management and work schedules. The company has proposed using AI-assisted remote-control cranes and driverless vehicles as part of its operational strategy.

Worker Concerns Over AI and Automation

The union argues that while technological advancements are necessary, they should not come at the expense of workers’ livelihoods. The MUA stated, “If DP World wants AI and automation, then they must pay the social dividend.” The organization emphasizes that new technology should enhance workers’ lives rather than threaten their job security.

Currently, DP World dock workers typically log between 32 and 35 hours per week, depending on their location, as reported by the Australian Financial Review. The union’s push for a 28-hour work week is seen as a proactive step to ensure job preservation in the face of rapid technological change.

DP World’s Role in Global Shipping

As one of the world’s largest port operators, DP World manages a significant portion of global shipping activities, handling about 10% of worldwide container traffic. The company operates in 84 countries and employs over 126,000 people globally. In Australia, it plays a critical role in moving millions of shipping containers annually through major ports in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond.

In a statement made last year, Glen Hilton, DP World’s Asia Pacific chief executive, acknowledged the essential nature of AI in managing increasingly complex supply chains, asserting that “the use of the technology is no longer optional.”