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.