The Maritime Union says redundant Air New Zealand crew could have filled jobs on a luxury cruise liner that has been refused entry into New Zealand.
Le Laperouse has an economic exemption to come here for the cruise season, but was left in limbo off the coast after Immigration refused 61 of its 90 crew visas because they are not considered essential workers.
The ship's owner says waiters, entertainers and bar people onboard must also have maritime safety certificates, and there are not enough qualified people locally to fill the jobs.
But Craig Harrison from the Maritime Union disagrees.
