AUSTRALIA

Strike Strands Ships: The nationwide action begun Thursday by 7,000 seamen and dock workers of the Maritime Union of Australia is to protest what members fear will be a selloff of government-owned shipping interests. About 100 ships were stuck in ports Friday. Ship owners say the action is costing shippers and exporters an estimated $4.5 million a day. Late Friday, the government invited union officials to meet with Prime Minister Paul Keating today. At issue is the future of Australian National Line, the troubled shipping company owned by the government.