Maritime Union of Australia
In December 2020, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) passed several resolutions specifically addressing the need for seafarers, and other marine personnel, to be designated as key workers.
Australia is a notable omission from the cohort of 45 IMO member states who have already determined seafarers to be key workers.
International Transport Workers Federation President and Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said: “Australia must act immediately to align itself with international efforts, led by organisations like the IMO and ITF, to designate seafarers as key workers providing an essential service, and facilitate the safe and unhindered movement of seafarers for embarking and disembarking a vessel, accessing shore leave, and when necessary, access to shore-based medical treatment.
Photo: Walkerssk - Pixabay Australian maritime unions have called on the country’s government act immediately to declare seafarers as “key workers”.
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) described as “notable” the omission of Australia among 45 IMO member states that have determined seafarers to be key workers.
International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) president and MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said: “Australia must act immediately to align itself with international efforts, led by organisations like the IMO and ITF, to designate seafarers as key workers providing an essential service, and facilitate the safe and unhindered movement of seafarers for embarking and disembarking a vessel, accessing shore leave, and when necessary, access to shore-based medical treatment.
Maritime Union of Australia
Darwin port workers fear the lack of a cohesive and nationally-consistent policy on addressing COVID risks involving international shipping poses a significant threat of a community outbreak of the deadly virus in the Northern Territory.
The Maritime Union of Australia said the concerns of waterfront workers had been heightened after a 25-year-old seafarer from the Diamantina livestock carrier, which arrived from Indonesia on Sunday night, tested positive for the virus.
The union said vessels continued to dock around Australia inside the 14 day quarantine period imposed on other travellers, while the maritime arrival system remained reliant on a self-declaration system where a ship’s master is responsible for reporting if there are sick crew members on board.
NSW has reported eight new cases in the 24 hours up to 8pm Tuesday
Over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, people in greater Sydney will be allowed to have up to 10 guests at their homes, plus any children under 12.
The US is on track to record 3 million deaths from all causes this year - more than ever before
5.43PM – Dec 23, 2020
Recap of what happened today
Here s a summary of the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic and the major news in business and politics today. We ll be back tomorrow.
People are seen exercising at Manly Beach today.
Over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, people in greater Sydney will be allowed to have up to 10 guests at their homes, plus any children under 12. This will revert to 10 people max, including children, after Boxing Day
Union Rage at Use of Foreign Crew During Pandemic Outbreak
Covid Stretches into the Frozen Wastes
ANTARCTICA – An outbreak of Covid infections at a Chilean research base, forcing the costly and challenging air evacuation of 36 people from Antarctica, has encouraged the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) to reinforce its message regarding the use of foreign seafarers.
The union says the outbreak, at the General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme research base, which resulted in 26 members of the Chilean army and 10 maintenance workers becoming infected, while three crew members from a support ship that visited the base also tested positive, has highlighted the serious health risk posed by the Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) insistence on using foreign seafarers for their upcoming summer mission.