Cruises face delay as fuel crew set to strike at Brisbane Port

Cruises liners out of Brisbane could be impacted by planned industrial action by the crew of a fuel vessel operating out of the country’s third-biggest port.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal last year.

Cruises liners operating out Brisbane could be impacted by planned industrial action by the crew of a fuel vessel servicing the country’s third-biggest port.

About seven crew working on the Champion 63 have voted for protected industrial action after enterprise bargaining over weekend rosters broke down with the vessel operator ASP Ship Group and BP.

The crew, who include members of the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers, and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), are expected to stop work for eight hours on Saturday as part of the industrial action.

The Champion 63, which is chartered by fuel giant BP and managed by ASP, regularly supplies cruise vessels while in port at Brisbane.

MUA assistant branch secretary Paul Gallagher said the crew of the Champion 63 and the maritime unions had bent over backwards to make the vessel work.

“Maritime unions will not tolerate the big multinational fuel barons of this world undermining Australian maritime wages and conditions of seven local mariners who are trying their best to support our own local shipping and cruise ship industry.

“If your cruise holiday gets delayed it is because, after recording over $40bn profit in the last two years, BP has decided they can’t pay industry standards in Brisbane and want to keep their workers’ wages low.

Queen Mary 2 arrives into the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

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The cruise industry contributes about $1.15bn to the Queensland economy year with the new $177m Brisbane International Cruise Terminal serving most major liners.

AMOU industrial officer Tracey Ellis said the union filed a bargaining dispute after ASP refused to take a claim for a roster that does not demand that crews work every weekend seriously.

“Having to work every weekend because ASP does not have suitable relief arrangements is unacceptable,” said Ms Ellis. “Crews have a right to be rostered time off to spend with their family.
“The bargaining dispute in the Fair Work Commission did not work, so the crews will take protected industrial action until their concerns are taken seriously.”

The crews onboard the Champion 63 voted up an unlimited number of stoppages of work of between one hour and 48 hours.

ASP Ships Group said it acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions regarding the ongoing negotiations.

“We understand the frustrations expressed by our valued crew members and are committed to finding a fair and equitable resolution that addresses their concerns regarding wages, working hours, and rostering arrangements,” the company said.

“ASP Ships Group values the well-being of our employees and recognises their essential role in our operations. We are actively engaged in discussions with the unions and are hopeful that a mutually agreeable solution can be reached promptly.”

The company added it was aware of the potential impact on cruise ship schedules and apologisedfor any inconvenience this may cause to passengers. “We are working diligently to minimise disruptions and ensure the smooth operation of our services,” it said.

A BP spokesperson said:the company hoped a mutually agreeable solution between ASP Ships Group and its employees could be reached as soon as possible. “BP encourages all parties to continue to negotiate,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as Cruises face delay as fuel crew set to strike at Brisbane Port