MUA picket to continue until Monday

Unions and those supporting port workers sacked by text message and email will continue picketing Hutchison ports in Sydney and Brisbane on Sunday.

About 175 people rallied in the two cities on Saturday after 97 workers, including all senior union delegates, were told on Thursday evening not to come to work on Friday, the Maritime Union of Australia says.

Protests will not stop until the shipping company is willing to negotiate and the picketing will continue until at least Monday night, when the Fair Work Commission is due to hold a hearing into the matter in Sydney, the MUA says.

It has also sought a Federal Court injunction against the sackings.

The cull is part of Hutchinson's strategy to de-unionise its workforce and completely automate its workplace, the union says.

Hutchinson has rejected this and says it understands the difficulty for those who have lost their jobs.

A families day will be held at the picket line on Sunday, with sausage sizzles and activities for children.