The stand-off between Carnival and the Maritime Union of Australia has escalated with the line saying it will not be threatened by unions which had no authority to board Carnival Adventure docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney yesterday.
Yesterday, officials from the MUA accompanied SafeWork NSW attempted to board Carnival Adventure but were met by crew and a team of security personnel, who refused them entry.
“We won’t be threatened by the CFMEU. They have no authority to board our ship, bully our crew or violate security protocols that create risks for our guests,” the line said.
“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the proper regulator for protecting seafarers’ working and living conditions, and they are always welcome onboard.”
“SafeWork NSW had written to us on Sunday saying they would not be seeking to board the ship, which had been communicated to our crew.
“We were certainly surprised by SafeWork’s about-face and the pressure applied to our crew.
Carnival has since said the MUA’s claim that it refused access to SafeWork NSW is false.
“SafeWork NSW confirmed today that their officer was present in a dispute resolution capacity and was not seeking to access the vessel for an inspection,” Carnival told Travel Weekly.
“We appreciate SafeWork’s clarification given the misleading impression created by the MUA.”
Carnival Adventure will no longer sail year-round in Australia
The escalating situation follows Carnival announcing that Carnival Adventure will only sail seasonally in Australia from April 2028, after the line announced her relocation to North America for the northern hemisphere summer.
“The actions of Carnival Cruises alongside Circular Quay yesterday were a breach of state safety laws and they will now be prosecuted,” MUA assistant national secretary Jamie Newlyn said.
The union said changes to the laws in NSW activated this month allow worker safety organisations such as the Maritime Union of Australia to launch proceedings in the state’s industrial courts against companies that refuse, delay or obstruct the entry of a WHS entry permit holder. The union said it and SafeWork NSW have now been refused entry on three separate occasions.
The MUA said Carnival is currently promoting multiple vessels as being “home ported” in Australia yet continues to resist the lawful rights of workplace health and safety officials and union representatives to ensure the safety of crew.
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