Adsteam Cuts Towage Personnel

Adsteam Marine expects to reduce most harbor towage teams to three personnel from four after the Maritime Union of Australia accepted a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). Managing director David Ryan said the EBA and the reduction in crew members would result in a full year net saving of around $1.7 million, with the savings to be shared with its customers. The issue of crew sizes has caused disputes between management and the union since November, with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission stepping in to mediate talks.