OCEANIA

Docked trouble at Port Kembla

13 years ago

The crew of the Egyptian government-owned coal carrier, ‘Wadi Alkram’, which is currently docked in Australia’s Port Kembla, are on strike over poor working conditions.

A total of 11 men are said to have taken action after being deprived of food and drink for 12 hours a day at sea and seeing their “paltry” wages cut by half, without explanation.

On top of this, it is understood that Australia’s Immigration Department has revoked the crew’s maritime visas, making the situation worse.

“We have come to expect this kind of behaviour from some overseas governments and employers, but I never thought the Australian government would treat international seafarers with such disdain,” said Matt Purcell, assistant coordinator, International Transport Worker’s Federation (ITF) Australia.

Gary Keane, secretary, Maritime Union of Australia southern NSW branch, was onboard the vessel earlier this week to check on the men’s welfare.

Apparently, a couple of the crew are seeking medical attention so Immigration is reinstating their visa for that purpose.

“These men want the policy of no food between 7pm and 7am reversed permanently, not just until they sail out of Australian waters, and they want their previous wages reinstated with back pay from June when the wages were cut, added Mr Keane.