The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has warned workers that illegal industrial action is a serious offence and is punishable by law.

The ministry has issued the warning following unconfirmed reports that some stevedores at the Hunt Deltel Company initiated an illegal strike on Wednesday January 8 at the Fishing Port in Victoria.

In a statement issued to the press on Monday January 11,  the ministry says it is continuing its investigation of the reported incident and should evidence of violation of the law be established, the case will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Office for the initiation of legal action against those responsible.

The ministry says it was informed by the Hunt Deltel Company late last week that a group of workers had refused to unload vessels, an action that has reportedly prompted some vessels to seek other ports in the region for unloading.

"This ministry would like to advise all workers and the public in general that the Government condemns any industrial action taken in violation of the existing legislation," says the statement.

"Such actions constitute an offence and as such legal action will be swiftly initiated and those responsible will be prosecuted in accordance with the law," it continues, adding that industrial action can only be initiated legally after negotiations, as established by law, have failed to resolve the disputed matter and the time limit for resolution through negotiation has been exhausted.

The ministry is urging all workers to seriously consider the consequences and costs of illegal industrial actions to themselves, to the company they work for and to the economy of the country. 

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