Australian dock workers are pressing for a reduced work week (28 hours) with maintained income as port operator DP World accelerates the rollout of artificial intelligence and automation technologies across its Australian terminals. The Maritime Union of Australia argues that the company is deploying these systems without adequately consulting workers and is prioritising profit margins over employment protection and job security.

DP World operates container ports in Sydney, Melbourne and other major Australian cities and is currently piloting AI tools for workforce scheduling, remote-operated cranes, and driverless vehicles. Research commissioned by the union indicates the automation initiative could displace more than 1,000 workers—representing over 60% of the dock and maintenance workforce. Since current dock workers typically log 32–35 hours per week depending on location, the union's proposal for a 28-hour week represents a substantial reduction in working hours without any reduction in total pay.