Sydney: A ship with a 60 thousand tonnes of iron ore destined for China is stranded at a port in Western Australia after the 24-strong crew from the Philippines refused to set sail over what they claim is the owners failure to pay them.
The seafarers claim they are owed US$140,000 in back pay for their work on the Liberian registered Grand Esmeralda, according to the International Transport Workers Federation's Australian representative.
They argue a promise by the vessel's owner that they would be paid by Tuesday of this week has not been honoured. And shipping company Newfront Shipping says it has paid the workers - claiming the company had simply fallen a few days behind in its payments. The dispute has now lasted close to a week. [14/05/09]
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