Around 100 members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) rallied at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay on October 9 to oppose harsh exploitation of crews aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and demand the right of employees and linesmen on the dock to be union members.
Sydney MUA secretary Paul McAleer told the rally: "This cruise company imposes a huge level of exploitation on its crews, including underpayment and poor conditions on board. Up to now, the company and the shipping agents, Port Jackson Holdings, have refused to allow port workers to join the union.
"We have now got the company to meet with the union and recognise the MUA as bargaining agents for the workers. AusPort linesmen have organised this rally to demand an EBA that reflects fair wages and conditions.
"For the last 40 years, there has been a growing assault on unions as part of the neoliberal policies of all Australian governments. As unionists, we fight for justice for all workers.
"We welcome the members of the Hutchison Ports dispute who are here today in solidarity with the Royal Caribbean workers.
"We warn Royal Caribbean, we will keep coming down here until we win a union agreement in this port," McAleer said.
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