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APT: ITF allegations on crew pay ‘misrepresent the situation’APT: ITF allegations on crew pay ‘misrepresent the situation’

Australian Pacific Touring (APT) fired back at allegations it owes A$2m in unpaid crew wages.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

September 5, 2023

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

In a statement, APT said a release by Ian Bray of the International Transport Workers Federation fundamentally misrepresents the situation in respect to Caledonian Sky.

The statement reads: 'APT has run a successful Kimberley program for more than 40 years, and prides itself on not only our operational excellence but also our care for staff and crew.

'There has never been, nor is there, any avoidance of payment of any wages to the crew. APT rejects in the strongest terms the unfounded allegations of wage theft and the baseless criticisms of its practices. APT's practices are consistent with industry standards and the applicable laws.'

'Final adjustments to wages to be made shortly'

The statement continues: 'As has been the practice for many years, and as the ITF is aware, APT is currently finalising the crew's wages consistent with their Australian entitlements. APT has kept the International Transport Workers Federation and Mr. Bray fully informed throughout this process. APT has also kept AMSA (Australian Marine Safety Authority) and FWO (Fair Work Ombudsman) properly informed. This process is in its final stages and it is expected final adjustments to wages will be made shortly.

'APT is disappointed by the stance taken by the ITF and the way in which it has misrepresented APT's processes and the current situation.'

Seatrade Cruise News has reached out to ITF for a response.

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

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