THE MUA has lodged another complaint with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority alleging Carnival Cruises’ non-compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.
AMSA is reviewing the formal allegations, which claim Carnival Cruises is not meeting its crew's right to collective bargaining under the MLC.
Ironically the complaint was lodged with the Authority in Canberra on Tuesday [30 June] just one day after AMSA published its 2025 MLC report which disclosed a 2.3% reduction in complaints compared to 2024.
In confirming the MUA’s latest submission AMSA reiterated that it takes seafarers’ welfare seriously.
“All vessels operating in Australian waters must comply with applicable international maritime safety and labour standards," the regulator stated.
“AMSA regulates and enforces the MLC in Australia through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation and has zero tolerance for MLC breaches. Where minimum standards for seafarers’ living and working conditions are not met, AMSA takes swift action, including banning vessels and their operators from Australian ports.
“This can result in significant financial losses for operators, in some cases amounting to millions of dollars through lost revenue, supply chain disruption and increased scrutiny in future inspections.
“AMSA is reviewing the [MUA’s latest] complaint and will advise the MUA of the outcome once its assessment is complete.”
The MLC sets global standards for seafarer living and working conditions. AMSA ensures compliance through responding to complaints from seafarers and conducting inspections of vessels operating in or visiting Australian waters.
The 2025 Annual Report highlights key findings from the year, including complaint trends, inspection outcomes, and broader indicators of seafarer welfare and working conditions.
AMSA received 169 complaints, a 2.31% decrease compared to 2024.
The MUA and Carnival have been at odds for many months, with protests supported by other unions, held in major Carnival ports of call. AMSA found no grounds for an earlier complaint lodged by the union.
In January this year a Carnival spokesperson described MUA actions as "an organising drive to increase membership and raise revenue for their organisation".
"They don’t care about our employees except to try to get a portion of their paycheck for their treasury," the spokesperson said at the time.
“This so-called campaign is offensive to the dedicated shipboard team members who take pride in their work and in the culture of respect that defines Carnival Cruise Line.”