Unions warn ferry bar plan would overload stretched crews
Unions oppose Brisbane City Council's plan to install bars on ferries. They say crews lack capacity and have stability concerns.
Brisbane City Council wants to try bars on 10 CityCat double-decker ferries after being inspired by Sydney ferry services. The Maritime Union of Australia and Australian Maritime Officers Union say the plan is risky.
Ferry workers are already under pressure, in a pay dispute with operator RiverCity Ferries. They deal with 50-cent fares, long shifts, few meal breaks, and drunk passengers on late-night runs.
Union officials warn bars would add work. Crews would need to watch the alcohol, serve drinks, and handle more drunk passengers in tight spaces.
One union officer asked if the vessels have enough power for bar refrigeration and if stability checks were done for the extra weight. Crews cannot safely run the ferry, serve alcohol, and meet responsible alcohol service laws at the same time, she said.
Council aims to try the bars next year but has not worked out staffing or operational details.
- 10 CityCats
- Ferries proposed
- up to 80 minutes
- Journey duration
- 50-cent fares
- Fare level
Why it mattersAdding bars to public transport raises questions about worker protections and passenger welfare. This happens during an industrial dispute over crew safety on busy urban ferries.
AustraliaThe plan affects commuters in Brisbane who rely on CityCats, plus ferry operators already competing with subsidised public transport for hospitality revenue.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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