Filipino crew on board the Singapore flag of convenience bulk carrier Grand Victoria loading coal in the port of Newcastle have won US$170,000 in back pay owing after intervention from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Australia. The cash payment of US $100,000 was personally made to 19 crew members, with confirmation that a further $70,000 owing in family allotments has been paid into their home bank accounts. The company also signed an ITF agreement giving the crew a pay rise and better working conditions on board.