Operations at both Broome port terminals are quiet, after stevedores and maintenance workers began two week's protected industrial action last Friday. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)<\/p>\n
Strike action is set to continue for two weeks at the Port of Broome, affecting cruise ship arrivals to the popular tourist town.<\/p>\n
Workers walked off the job after failing to reach an agreement with the Kimberley Ports Authority over wages and conditions.<\/p>\n
The KPA says it will continue to meet with employees and the union to resolve the outstanding terms.<\/p>\n
Cruise boat passengers on luxury tours of Western Australia\u2019s remote north have been ferried to shore using tenders and provisions loaded by hand onto ships as work stoppages at Broome\u2019s port begin to take effect.<\/p>\n
Stevedoring and maintenance employees walked off the job last Friday after failing to reach an agreement with the Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA) over wages and conditions.<\/p>\n
Cruise ship crew have been forced to hand load cargo and transfer passengers in small boats. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seabourne)<\/p>\n
The strike action is set to impact both of the port\u2019s terminals for two weeks.<\/p>\n
It's the second major industrial action in the state's north in less than a week, following unrelated work stoppages at BHP's facilities in Port Hedland over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Two livestock ships and seven cruise boats were due to berth at KPA port this week, while another 12 vessels were due alongside the adjacent, privately owned floating jetty.<\/p>\n
Discovery One Cruises owner Erie Astrup said her crews had been forced to load provisions from the slipway near the wharf, instead of relying on stevedores and cranes.<\/p>\n
"I support the negotiations that are going on but it really does have a huge knock-on effect for the whole community, all the tourism industry, the small businesses," she said.<\/p>\n
"And that can feel a bit unfair and challenging for many because it's a short tourism season in the Kimberley."<\/p>\n
Discovery One has operated cruises in the Kimberley region for 26 years. (Supplied: Erle Astrup)<\/p>\n
It is unclear how larger cruise boats, due alongside this week with up to 300 people on board, will manage the massive amount of food and fuel required for voyages.<\/p>\n