Union Protests Aimed at Shipping Giant with Regard to Staffing Agreements
Work Ceases as Row Continues to Simmer
AUSTRALIA – It appears the ongoing row between the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the A P Moller Maersk group is continuing unabated. According to the union last year Maersk Supply Service sought to have its members paid international rates, something that was dismissed out of hand.
The MUA says subsequently the company then moved to engage foreign crews to replace the Australian crew even though the vessel concerned was still working in Western Australia. It accused Maersk of using cost mitigation initiatives, including replacing Australian workers on union agreements with cheaper overseas workers, to increase profits to improve operating earnings by 25%.