Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has agreed to pay $875,000 to settle a class action lawsuit brought by crew members who claimed they were unpaid for months.
The suit, brought by lead plaintiff casino worker Dragan Janicijevic, alleged crew were ‘held hostage’ on an empty ship and forced to work without pay.
It is a speedy resolution, as the lawsuit was only filed a few weeks ago.
The cruise line never publically denied the allegations.
The suit said the cruise line ‘forced all crew members aboard the ship to sign a document stating they were voluntarily staying onboard, without pay.’
"This system of requiring crewmembers to work, without pay, is the equivalent of forced labor or peonage," it alleged.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line responded to the lawsuit, claiming it ‘worked tirelessly with local governments around the world to repatriate as many of our crew members as possible.’
According to the Miami Herald, the Bahamas Maritime Authority is investigating the cruise line over the issue.
The settlement will pay for each crew member’s unpaid wages and two months’ severance package under the terms of their contract.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
