The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) condemns the actions of the Australian fertilizer importer Incitec Pivot, which has recommenced importing illegal cargo from occupied Western Sahara through the Port of Geelong, according to a press release from the union today. 

“The Maritime Union has a long and proud tradition of solidarity with international campaigns for sovereignty and self-determination, and we join with representatives of the Saharawi people here in Australia in condemning Incitec Pivot for their decision to recommence trade in this illegally plundered resource,” said Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.

The MUA’s Victorian Branch Secretary, David Ball, expressed his solidarity with the people of the Western Sahara, stating that “MUA members are concerned to know they’ve been told to work a ship carrying an illegal, plundered cargo. Our labour here in Australia should not go towards turning a profit for those who are illegally occupying the Western Sahara,” he said.

Western Sahara Resource Watch also received images of Clipper Isadora, taken 18 October 2022, at the port of Geelong. 

Incitec Pivot on 27 September 2022 confirmed to local Australian trade unionists that the vessel was for them. WSRW wrote to the company one month ago, on 20 September, and has still not received a response.

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