Wharfies Refuse To Unload Boxship Over COVID-19!

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  • Wharfies refuse to unload a container ship due to COVID-19 concerns.
  • MUA claims that the vessel Xin Da Lian docked in breach of the Federal Government’s 14-day coronavirus quarantine period.
  • MAU insisted that allowing the vessel to breach the coronavirus quarantine period will be too great a risk.
  • Shipping Australia said that the union has falsely claimed that the vessel is docked in breach of 14-day quarantine rules.

The Victorian branch of the Maritime Union of Australia refused to unload a cargo vessel in Melbourne, due to health and safety claims, reports Safety4Sea.

Cargo unloading 

The Victorian branch of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has refused to unload a cargo vessel in Melbourne, due to health and safety claims. 

Shipping Australia condemned the action.

Risk to workers and the community

Wharfies refused to unload container vessel Xin Da Lian at the DP World terminal in Melbourne, identifying it as a risk to workers and the community. 

The MUA claims that the vessel Xin Da Lian docked in breach of the Federal Government’s 14-day coronavirus quarantine period.

Great risk!

The MAU insisted that allowing the container vessel Xin Da Lian to breach the coronavirus quarantine period will be too great a risk.

Protection of workers and supply chain

The union is also calling for a suite of measures to be cooperatively implemented to protect workers and the community and to keep the supply chains operating.

Union’s false claim?

Shipping Australia said that the union has falsely claimed that a cargo vessel has docked in breach of 14-day quarantine rules.

  • The fact is that the 14-day quarantine applies to crew members who must remain onboard until the 14-day period has elapsed. 
  • The Federal government has not imposed a 14-day quarantine on commercial cargo vessels, which are permitted to berth and work cargo on arrival.

It also added that the Union’s statement confuses cruise ships with cargo vessels, which have completely different risk profiles.

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Source: Safety4Sea