The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has said it is outraged at the import of seafarers from “Covid-19 hotspots” to work in the country’s coastal shipping sector.
The MUA claims that 58 foreign seafarers were granted Covid-19 exemptions allowing them to fly to Australia and work on coastal trading vessels despite local workers being available to do the work.
“CSL Australia, the largest operator of dry bulk coastal vessels in Australian waters, was granted permission to fly the seafarers from the Philippines to Australia on a chartered Nauru Airlines flight,” the MUA said.
