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Melbourne port workers have been reportedly stood down without pay as pro-Palestine protesters continue to hold a picket line at Victoria's biggest ports.
Protesters have entered their fourth day blocking workers from unloading an Israeli-owned company, ZIM ship.
A heavy police presence has gathered around the protesters this afternoon, with reportedly around 50 officers descending on the protesters on horseback.
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It comes after 4000 people gathered in Melbourne's CBD yesterday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
A group of protesters have hindered the Israeli-owned shipping company from loading and unloading vessels over the past four days, including blocking dock workers from entering the premises.
No ZIM ships have been moved in the past few days as protesters remain at the site round the clock.
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On Saturday, around 85 protesters were at the site, as police attempted to move them on.
One woman was arrested and pepper sprayed after several protesters became hostile and aggressive towards police.
"Police were forced to deploy OC spray toward several protesters and one female was arrested for spitting at police," a spokesperson from Victoria Police said.
A 32-year-old Yarraville woman was charged with assault and will appear in court.
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Overnight, police facilitated the entry of a small number of workers to dock by boat, but the protest action has reportedly led to workers being stood down without pay.
The protest has not only affected ZIM, but a number of other shipping companies at the port.
Protesters overnight published a fundraiser to compensate workers that were stood down due to the protests.
The fundraiser has raised more than $20,000
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In a statement, the port's landlord, Port of Melbourne, said the safe movement of goods was a priority.
"As the landlord, safe operation of the port and the movement of goods for Victorians are our critical priorities," a spokesperson said.
"We are aware of congestion at the port and are working to mitigate the effects."
Police are continuing to monitor the area.
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It comes after thousands of people walked through the streets of Melbourne on Sunday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
About 4000 people attended the rally, which started at the State Library of Victoria before moving through the streets of Melbourne towards Parliament House.
The Gaza Health Ministry said the death toll had reached nearly 25,000 since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7.
A revised Israeli death toll for those terror attacks is 1139.
ZIM and operating tenant VICT have been contacted for comment.
