Holidaymakers travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania in the coming days are being warned to expect delays due to industrial action by deck officers.
The Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) says seasonal double day sailings between Devonport and Geelong mean its members are working ‘unsafe’ hours.
The union says the protest action will slow down departure times as many travel in both directions for the holiday period, with delays of between 30 minutes and two hours possible.
“During the current double sailing season members are working up to 80 hours per week instead of the normal 56 hours per week,” union executive Jarrod Moran said.
“The result of working these extra hours results in a lack of rest and causes fatigue.”
TT-Line said the company was working with the union.
They said any disruptions will be communicated directly with passengers and freight customers.
The union wants an extra deck officer rostered on each voyage to avoid fatigue and related safety issues.
“For some time now the AMOU and its members have been attempting to resolve an important safety issue in relation to the number of working hours currently worked by deck officers,” Moran said.
