Crew strike ends in voilence

The International Transport Workers’ Federation was called to the ship after 14 Indonesian crew voted to strike over underpayment of wages. The crew say they have been on the ship 14 months without leave and money has been taken from their pay without their permission.
When the captain ordered the ship to sail, the crew refused and the chief officer struck one of the ABs. He was taken to casualty at the Mater Hospital in Waratah where he received stitches for a facial injury before being released into the care of his fellow crew members.
Crew walked off the vessel and with the help of the International Transport Workers’ Federation were booked into a local hotel.
Australia ITF co-coordinator Dean Summers then negotiated a $60,000 pay settlement and repatriation for the crew who refused to return to the ship.
PHOTO Courtesy Newcastle Herald.
Full ITF report p36