The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has called comments by the Australian consumer watchdog in its report on port delays an “unhelpful and inaccurate intervention,” adding that it was not their place to comment on workers’ pay disputes. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) noted in its report on Nov. 4 that industrial action and restrictive work practices have further disrupted the supply chain and exacerbated delays. “The ACCC should not recklessly conflate the astronomical international shipping costs, port congestion, and COVID-19 related pressures on Australia’s supply chains with waterside workers seeking fair pay, job security and safety at work,” MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said in a statement. “The ACCC’s role is to examine the regulatory and economic circumstances affecting Australian shipping, not to comment on the lawful right of workers to negotiate their employment agreements.” MUA-backed strikes occurred across several Australian ports in October, with more scheduled for …