MUA backs down over Alcoa's use of foreign crews

The Maritime Union of Australia has backed down on demands that the government block aluminium giant Alcoa from gaining a temporary licence to use a foreign-manned vessel to move cargo from its refineries in Western Australia to its smelter in Victoria.

The MUA yesterday accused Alcoa of trying to "remove their Australian crew in favour of foreign labour" and demanded that Transport Minister Anthony Albanese not grant the temporary licences to allow a foreign-crewed carrier to do the work.

Alcoa is selling the MV Lindesay Clark because it needs significant investment to stay operational.

In a statement, the MUA insisted that Alcoa should reverse their decision to remove the ship from the trade "as a matter of urgency", saying the decision was "a real kick in the guts for the workers, their families, as well as the wider working community".

The crew is not employed by Alcoa but by the shipping management company ASP that Alcoa contracts with.

After a phone hook-up yesterday, MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said he was satisfied no Australian ships were available to carry the cargo in the short term.

"They are committed to working through it with us; if a ship becomes available, their preference is to have an Australian-crewed vessel and they want to work with us . . . it's mission accomplished," Mr Crumlin said.

An Alcoa spokeswoman said an Australian-flagged vessel would need to be part of a "commercially acceptable arrangement".

"Servicing the delivery of alumina to the Point Henry smelter is critical to Alcoa's operations, so to fill the gap Alcoa has endeavoured to charter an Australia-flagged vessel.

"However, the only coastal domestic operator capable of providing this service has advised Alcoa they are unable to provide a suitable vessel for several months. Alcoa has therefore sought a temporary licence (use of a foreign-flagged vessel) because no other alternative is available."

Mr Crumlin dismissed suggestions the lack of an available ship was a sign that Labor's shipping reforms were not working.