The

Issue 29 • Autumn 2010 MaritimesMagazine of the Maritime Union of New Zealand ISSN 1176-3418

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 1 LIVING WAGE

The Campaign for a Living Wage is going all out for 300 000 signatures on their petition. At the Pasifika Festival in Auckland in March, an awesome 9,250 signatures were collected in one day. The petition is being organized by UNITE Union and is supported by other unions including the Maritime Union of New Living wage campaign on the streets Zealand. The petition is asking for a national referendum to raise the minimum wage in steps over the next three years. There should be an immediate rise to $15 per hour and further increases until the minimum wage reaches 66% (two thirds) of the average hourly earnings in New Zealand. Lifting the minimum wage will give a massive boost to low income workers struggling with poverty wages. This is one thing every MUNZ member should help out with as a union member. We sent a copy of the petition to every member of MUNZ last year. Now we’re asking every member to get another 10 signatures. It’s easy – just take the form round family, friends and workmates, and get them to sign. Send the petition form back FreePost to the address on it. If you don’t get 10 signatures, don’t worry – send it back anyway, even 1 signature counts! (But more is better of course.) UNITE campaign organizer Joe Carolan says the campaign is having great success but there is limited time left to get the full 300 000 signatures required. Joe says Living wage campaign at the 2010 Big Day Out, Auckland, collects 3500 signatures the campaign is picking up big numbers recently but has to do even better. Let’s make sure MUNZ punches above its weight and help the Living Wage petition hits the 300 000 signatures it needs to get For more info http://www.unite.org.nz/livingwage a national referendum to indicate whether we want a living wage in New Zealand.

2 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz EDITORIAL The lights are on, but Edition 29, Autumn 2010 nobody is home Contents by Victor Billot Campaign for a Living Wage 2 Editorial and contents 3 No to outsourcing at Ports of Auckland We have a Government who seem to think a port is something General Secretary’s report 4 page 7 you drink in the evening to go with your cigar. Update from National President 6 That’s the impression you get when you observe their offhand Ports of Auckland outsourcing 7 approach to New Zealand’s maritime transport infrastructure. Methyl Bromide 8 New Zealand ports are in the firing line these days. News 10 Finance sector analysts want to sell ports off. Port company execs Boron Lockout 12 MUA Youth Conference 14 say we have too many ports. The shipping conglomerates and big Skin cancer case 16 New Zealand operators like Fonterra and Pike River Coal play National shipping shame 17 ports off against each other. ITF International Reports 18 That’s not even taking into account the withdrawal of support for ITF ship inspections 23 coastal shipping and the continued casualization of secure jobs. Interport 2010 26 Meanwhile, the Government is in snooze mode. Port Roundups 32 ITF check on crews, ships page 23 John Key’s only acknowledgement of ports has been to rabbit on Fishing Industry 42 about “party central” on Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup. Letters 43 Branch Contacts 43 The Minister of Transport Stephen Joyce has officially declared it is the season of the siesta as far as ports go, saying that the future ‘The Maritimes’ is published quarterly by of ports will be shaped by “natural market forces.” the Maritime Union of New Zealand. Sounds great. However, when it comes to subsidizing road transport, the Government is printing free money for the trucking ISSN 1176-3418 companies. Never mind road congestion, peak oil, and global warming. Just National Office: build more roads and bigger roads and put more trucks and PO Box 27004 Contact the Wellington bigger trucks on them – all subsidized by the taxpayer. New Zealand Maritime Union It has also been pointed out that while the National Government Telephone: 04 3850 792 has canned SeaChange and any kind of support for coastal Fax: 04 3848 766 National Office shipping, they have handed out grants to develop aquaculture. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 04 3850 792 No problem with aquaculture but if it is good enough to assist Web: www.munz.org.nz Fax: 04 3848 766 them, what about the maritime industry? Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington The punchline is that by relying on National’s “natural market Editor: Office administrator: Ramesh Pathmanathan forces” we might be looking at a New Zealand hub port across the Victor Billot Email: [email protected] Mobile: 021 482219 other side of the ditch. Fax: 09 9251125 General Secretary: Joe Fleetwood If New Zealand ports don’t get their act together, we could just Email: [email protected] Direct dial: 04 8017 614 become a side show to Australia, with minor Kiwi ports having to Mail: PO Box 339, Dunedin Mobile: 021 364649 send exports over to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for hubbing. New Zealand Email: [email protected] Farfetched? This prospect is now being openly talked about in the maritime Editorial Board: National President: Phil Adams industry by business, unions and commentators. Joe Fleetwood, Phil Adams, Garry Parsloe Direct dial: 03 4728 052 While John Key is hamming it up with “party central”, New and Ray Fife Mobile: 0274 377601 Email: [email protected] Zealand’s main hub port could soon have kangaroos jumping Deadline for all Port reports, submissions, around the perimeter fence. photos and letters: National Vice President: Garry Parsloe Decades of poor planning and lack of foresight have created the 1 May 2010 for next edition Direct dial: 09 3032 562 situation, but now we are approaching crunch time, the nation’s Mobile: 021 326261 leaders are out to lunch. Cover photo: Email: [email protected] When it comes to ports, this is a Government where the lights are MUNZ Local 13 members rallying for on but nobody is home. secure jobs and no outsourcing at Ports of Assistant General Secretary: Ray Fife The Maritime Union is promoting the “KiwiPort” concept which Auckland, Sunday 14 March 2010 (photo Direct dial: 03 2128189 by John Darroch) Mobile: 0274 475317 would involve a national, strategic ports plan. Rather than Email: [email protected] leaving things to chance and hoping for the best, we have to plan For more on-line photos, see for the future. www.flickr.com/maritimeunion ITF Inspector: Grahame MacLaren Public ownership of ports is a must and any rationalization of Direct dial: 04 8017 613 ports must be done in a way that does not disadvantage smaller Thanks to our photographers, including Mobile: 021 2921782 regional centres. John Darroch, Alex Hague, Terry Ryan, Email: [email protected] Ports should be operated for the public interest, as a vital part of Bill Connelly, Stu Crawford, Grahame our transport infrastructure, working together rather than against MacLaren, Luke Appleby, Harry Holland, Communications Officer: Victor Billot Tania Kahui, Mike Regan and others Mobile: 021 482219 each other. The current “competition” is simply an enormous Fax: 09 9251125 waste of resources and effort that only benefits shipping Address: PO Box 339, Dunedin multinationals and a few self-interested market players. Email: [email protected] In other words, we need a rational, planned system. New Zealand can’t afford to get its ports wrong. Someone better put a call through to party central and tell the Prime Minister.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 3 GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT Conference decisions put in action

National officials visit ports A letter was sent on 1 December 2009 from National Office requesting all branch secretaries to discuss this issue with their local executives then take it to their stop work meeting for discussion. All national officials have made themselves available to attend branch or executive meetings throughout New Zealand to explain these changes and answer any questions. We are just a phone call away. Could I make the point that there is no use complaining that no national official visited the port a year down the track? If you want us there to discuss these changes, get in touch now.

Union rules and structure Union rules are currently under review as they need to reflect what our Union needs now. The previous rules served to see us through the transition period following by Joe Fleetwood our amalgamation in 2002. General Secretary As we evolve we need to ensure that our “By being part rules are updated. The Maritime Union Triennial Conference Union structure is another important area. held late last year passed a range of remits. We need to ensure branch elections do of strategic These reflect the democratic decision of the not conflict with national elections and union members. the timing is right. We also need to put in union alliances The officials and executive of the Union place a training and education program. are now bound to put in place those we contribute decisions which are now union policy. This National bargaining isn’t an option. our help and Those decisions of the Conference must be, The Union is moving to bring our national and will be, implemented. bargaining in line by ensuring up to solidarity to other In other words – time to walk the talk. date national agreements with national The Union committee of management employers, and also provide national made up of the four national officials is templates that provide an industry workers, and reviewing a number of areas of action. standard for wages, terms and conditions. We are working on our Union financial This is part of moving towards a nationally when we face a plan and budget, in conjunction with based co-ordinated and effective union. the Finance Committee, made up of dispute we can some representatives from the branches Strategic Alliances and national officials, appointed by the A priority is the building of strategic count on their Conference. alliances with other unions. By being part of these alliances we contribute our help help” Union finances and solidarity to other workers and when One action point is to move to percentage we face a dispute we can count on their based union fees, as per remit 9 that was help. endorsed and carried at our Conference. As most members know, our Union is This means one union, one fee, with each affiliated to the New Zealand Council of member’s union fee based on a percentage Trade Unions (CTU) and the International of their earnings. Transport Workers Federation (ITF). This is a fair system, a national system However the Maritime Union is also part and a modern system that will take us of a number of other alliances that have forward and eliminate a lot of confusion been formed in our industry. and inequity.

4 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

We have just started the ball rolling on a Gas Tankers strategic alliance with the RMTU. Why? Garry Parsloe and I along with the A key goal is returning all waterfront Merchant Service Guild (MSG), Aviation Contributions workers back to ITF affiliated unions and Marine Engineers Union (AMEU), and (MUNZ and RMTU). This will be done the CTU, have had on going discussions through a national campaign targeting with Ocean Gas one of the owners of gas welcome. yellow/scab associations and non union tankers working the New Zealand coast. labour. By working together with a set of The Unions have laid claim to one vessel principles and guidelines we can be more with a dedicated New Zealand crew. effective. We are waiting to here back in the New This plan was discussed and endorsed at Year from a second owner Liquid Gas All members are the December 2009 telephone conference on a meeting to discuss a New Zealand call of the National Executive of our Union. dedicated crew on one of the nine gas welcome to send in 2009 was a busy year with the formation ships currently trading in the Pacific. of the Trans Tasman Oil and Gas Offshore contributions to The Alliance. Offshore M.O.U Agreement This alliance is between unions working in Maritimes. the Australian and New Zealand offshore I have been dealing with Christy Cain and industry in oil and gas. Mick Doleman of the MUA in negotiations We need photos, It involves MUNZ and the EPMU from with the Offshore Employers in Australia. New Zealand, and the Maritime Union The majority have agreed to sign the new letters, articles, of Australia and the Australian Workers memorandum of understanding between Union on the other side of the Tasman. The unions and the employers about the comments and offshore industry is a major employer of transfer of labour across the Tasman for our members and will grow in importance Offshore and Blue Water vessels. anything else you in the future. Another broader alliance is the Trans “The development of our understanding can think of. Tasman Transport Union Federation. On and our effectiveness as trade unionists and the Australian side this features some working class fighters cannot be separated heavy hitting unions and on our side of from our everyday activity in the defence and the Tasman we have signed up the EPMU, advancement of the working people’s interests. If there is something the RMTU, the National Distribution So our understanding and education cannot be Union (NDU) and of course MUNZ. divorced from our day to day practical work.” you’d like to see in One other big union initiative we are part of is the Mining and Maritime The Maritimes, send International, two areas of unionism that have remained internationally strong and it to the Editor: militant. We count amongst these grouping unions in America, Canada, Africa, Europe and Oceania. Mail These groupings allow us to build international support for each others PO Box 27004, struggles. Just as big business operates Wellington, globally, unions must operate globally too. New Zealand International Solidarity is very important to MUNZ and we must forge our relationships with all like minded Unions. Email [email protected] Fax (09) 9251125

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 5 NATIONAL PRESIDENT REPORT Maritime strategy a priority for NZ

Retiring Pacifica CEO Rod Grout Social recently noted that the hub port for Many branches have some form of social New Zealand could end up in Australia, activity for members, ranging from picnic unless New Zealand had some kind of and family days, Christmas parties, and plan for the future of its ports. This view Old Timers functions. was repeated in a study by Auckland The annual Interport sports tournament Regional Holdings, owners of the Ports of is a long standing tradition of the Union, Auckland, in late 2009. held this year in New Plymouth. The Maritime Union is advocating a ports The importance of these events cannot plan at the very least, and has put out be underestimated. All members should the concept of “KiwiPort” where New support them as they provide a great Zealand ports are integrated and work opportunity to remind ourselves that life together under a long term plan under is not just about work. Thank you to all public ownership. the officials, rank and file members and It was also interesting to note recent sponsors whose hard work makes it all a comments in the Shipping Gazette reality. pointing out how the Government seems to have very flexible approach to Methyl Bromide supporting industry when it feels like it. After dumping the Sea Change strategy, The perennial issue of the use of Methyl and indeed any support for maritime Bromide gas as a fumigant in New transport whatsoever, they have decided Zealand ports has once again come to to back the aquaculture industry with public attention. The gas is meant to be phased out under by Phil Adams financial assistance for its development. international agreements, as it damages National President No problem there – aquaculture is a growth industry – but where’s the the ozone layer. We are well into 2010 and as usual some consistency? New Zealand is a maritime But there are vested interests in keeping it things have not changed. As soon as we nation, yet it appears the current in use in New Zealand as long as possible, deal with one employer determined to Government is asleep at the wheel. due to log exports to some countries. cook up some mad scheme and drag us These log exports of course come before into it, another one comes along. Political situation the safety of workers. Many of the issues that we face are coming Studies so far have found no link between to a head so our advice would be to keep The Maritime Union will be continuing methyl bromide and motor neuron your wits about you and watch this space. to work hard in the political field on all disease, the illness that claimed the lives the issues that face us, casualization, of several Port Nelson workers in recent Ports and maritime strategy unemployment, workers conditions, years. health and safety, ACC, no privatization, However that does not prove conclusively The Maritime Union has been calling yellow associations and all the other areas on the Government to provide some there is no link. Now more research is where a right wing anti-worker National being done at the University of Canterbury leadership in the ports and maritime area. Government will be on the attack. The current Minister of Transport Stephen and very early results show that methyl There is an old saying that stands true bromide does react with a protective Joyce has advocated a let the market today as in the past: decide approach for key areas of our chemical found in human cells. “No politics is bosses’ politics.” More research is needed. Just as transport infrastructure. The Maritime Union will be advocating But many voices in the industry have importantly, any maritime workers who hard for workers’ rights and we all have a have to deal with methyl bromide should not been so happy with this “hands off” role to play. attitude. ensure they comply with all health and safety measures, and report any bad The Maritime Union was heavily involved Minimum Wage in setting up a meeting between the practices or incidents with the gas. Minister and local representatives in There is growing pressure for a serious rise The Maritime Union continues to press for Timaru in December 2009 to discuss the in the minimum wage. The rise to $12.75 the immediate end to methyl bromide use. situation at the Port of Timaru. per hour is seen as inadequate at best. It’s on the way out anyway, so why risk it. The decision by Fonterra to pull out with Every worker must have the right to earn a One final thing – we have made it clear no warning has had a major impact on reasonable living. that if any links between methyl bromide the port. The point was made to the The current petition by the UNITE union and health problems of any kind are Minister that regional economies would be calling for an immediate rise to $15 per identified in future research, employers damaged if this situation was allowed to hour has gathered substantial support. and the Government can expect to be held continue. Labour, Greens and Alliance are all accountable. The consequences of a major market supporting a rise to this level in different player making decisions entirely based time frames. A rise in the minimum wage on its self-interest could be repeated on a would be one of the best ways to improve much larger scale with the process of port the lot of struggling families, unlike tax rationalization in New Zealand. cuts which mainly benefit high income earners.

6 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz NEWS

Photo by John Darroch

Maritime Union opposes outsourcing in Auckland

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says He says the focus of management should Mr Parsloe says managers were warned outsourcing at Ports of Auckland cannot be on maintaining its current workforce at at the time that they would be left replace a skilled in-house workforce. a level where it can service its customers. understaffed. Maritime Union Auckland Branch Local Mr Parsloe says Mr Madsen’s claims He says the current agreement contains the 13 President Garry Parsloe says any moves that outsourcing was common practice flexibility to meet the “peaks and troughs” to contract out work by port management overseas neglected to take into account of shipping. would meet strong resistance. that it was also a common source of major “The outsourcing concept from the Ports Ports of Auckland Managing Director industrial conflict between management of Auckland management is about trying Jens Madsen has claimed in media and workers. to cover a lack of skilled, permanent staff. interviews that outsourcing parts of Ports Maritime workers around the world were If it is such a good idea, why not outsource of Auckland’s workforce was being driven fighting outsourcing and job insecurity the managers?” by the need to handle peak demand. tooth and nail. Mr Parsloe says during the global But Mr Parsloe says the workforce “We have no doubt outsourcing will be economic downturn, the hard work of currently employed by the Port Company used to reduce the terms and conditions maritime workers saw an increased profit is one of the most flexible workforces in that our members receive under the of $4.6 million for the Ports of Auckland. New Zealand. terms and conditions of the Collective The profit from the Port Company is “Maritime Union members at Ports of Employment Agreement recently returned to the people of Auckland Auckland work 24/7 in all weather. They negotiated in good faith with the through the Auckland Regional Council undertake highly skilled duties operating Company.” and has contributed over $200 million in heavy equipment in a challenging He says workers feel that they have the past five years. environment.” been deceived by the Port Company management following major redundancies in 2009.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 7 METHYL BROMIDE Government– New methyl industry link bromide research questioned The Maritime Union has attacked Professor Ian Shaw Using Kiddle’s method the MND comments by the group Stakeholders in incidence is close to that in the rest of the Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR) world, but using Shaw’s method suggests which downplays valid concerns about the that the port incidence is many hundreds use of the poison gas. of times greater. Maritime Union of New Zealand General Shaw and his PhD student Amila Secretary Joe Fleetwood has condemned Bulathsinghala have carried out a statement from STIMBR (1 February experiments that show a reaction when 2010) entitled “Gas links with disease mixing methyl bromide with glutathione, unfounded” that asserts there is no proof a protective chemical found in human that methyl bromide is connected with cells. motor neuron disease. They believe the motor neuron cases Mr Fleetwood says there is no proof as yet, probably had a common factor, with but important new research into the health methyl bromide exposure being a hazards of methyl bromide has detected contributory cause of the illness. possible links and there has been criticism Motor neuron disease is rare, occurring in of past investigations. around 1.2 people out of every 100 000 on “On the one hand STIMBR is claiming a worldwide scale. no one knows what causes motor neuron That is why the number of motor neuron disease, yet the very reason that further by Victor Billot deaths of port workers in Nelson has research is being done is due to possible A leading New Zealand scientist is caused concern. In a small population like links. spearheading new research into methyl Port Nelson we would expect only a single “As responsible employers they should be bromide, the gas used in many New case in many years, but four port workers encouraging any new findings that build Zealand ports to fumigate logs. died of MND in two years in Nelson, says on current limited knowledge. STIMBR Four port workers in Nelson died of Shaw. also quote outdated research in their degenerative motor neuron disease Professor Shaw is a toxicologist with a public statement.” (MND) between 2002 and 2004 and there research background in motor neuron STIMBR is made up of businesses that have been ongoing concerns that methyl disease. have a direct financial interest in the use bromide was a common factor. He is supervising a small research team of methyl bromide, but until recently had A report from the Nelson Medical Officer and says the study will be expanding Government representation and financial of Health Ed Kiddle found no link. in scope as other academic colleagues contributions. But Professor Ian Shaw of Canterbury in other New Zealand universities have Mr Fleetwood says he is very concerned University disagrees with Kiddle’s joined the research efforts, which are that the Government has until recently conclusion because Kiddle used the focussed on causes of motor neuron been officially represented on what population of Nelson to determine the disease. was clearly a partisan organization that incidence on MND. In a recent interview with the Maritimes appeared motivated by the interests of Shaw thinks that since all of the cases were magazine, he stressed the study was in private businesses, and which had no Nelson port workers that using the port very early stages and the initial findings representation of maritime workers. population gives a much more meaningful did not mean that methyl bromide was a “STIMBR is not an industry group, it’s result. cause of motor neuron disease. an employers group. What Government But he suspects that methyl bromide could agencies were doing involved with be a factor and future research will look STIMBR is a major concern.” more closely at methyl bromide’s effects In the October 2009 STIMBR newsletter, it on human cells. was noted that government departments had advised they would no longer be members of STIMBR but would seek observer status due to perceived conflict of interest and “will be discussed further by the management committee.” The same newsletter lists as its first item under “Specific areas of progress” the achievement of “Protecting methyl bromide use”, which seems an odd area of progress for a group whose name is “Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction”. Are they protecting the use of Methyl Bromide – or reducing the use of Methyl Bromide?

8 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz METHYL BROMIDE

Maritime Union of New Zealand officials, from left, Mike Clark, Joe Fleetwood and Glenn Wylie join with Green Party MP Sue Kedgely (centre) and Steffan Browning of Soil and Health (right, black jacket) and anti-methyl bromide protestors at the Port of Wellington, Friday 12 March 2010 (photo by Mike Regan courtesy of RMTU) WE SAY: Can the Gas “New research has shown a reaction Methyl bromide needs to go. Early reports of a possible link between The fumigant is on its way out anyway, methyl bromide and nerve damage, when mixing under an international agreement called while not surprising, should make it the Montreal Protocol, because it damages clear that use of methyl bromide must methyl bromide the ozone layer of the atmosphere. be immediately stopped while further But in “clean green New Zealand” the research is carried out. fumigation industry which profits from Why did the Government and its with a protective methyl bromide seems to be dictating the responsible agencies did not act to have rules of the game. methyl bromide thoroughly investigated chemical found in The best way to encourage the prompt when these concerns were raised in the development of alternative pest control past? human cells” technology is to ban methyl bromide. Is it because it is out of sight, out of mind? New research on methyl bromide gas at Would more action be taken if methyl the University of Canterbury is welcome bromide was being used to fumigate news to workers. It’s great that our the basement of Parliament Buildings researchers and academics are on the case. perhaps? Nowhere near enough is known about If there is any suggestion that lack of methyl bromide’s long term effect on safeguards by employers or state agencies humans to give it the benefit of the doubt. has resulted in preventable harm, then The Maritime Union has argued for legal action is the obvious course of action. several years that methyl bromide use In the meantime, let’s can the gas. Methyl should be stopped, along with the Council bromide needs to go. of Trade Unions and the Green Party.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 9 NEWS

The Maritime Union of New Zealand The AIMPE leadership need to figure out New Zealand has congratulated the Maritime Union whether they are representing workers of Australia (MUA) in its successful and or representing employers, says Mr ongoing campaign in improving wages Fleetwood. maritime and conditions in the offshore industry. Mr Fleetwood sayd the ongoing attacks Maritime Union of New Zealand General on the MUA in the big business owned Secretary Joe Fleetwood says offshore Australian media are to be expected workers maritime workers are working in a tough and need to be countered by getting the and unforgiving environment and all real story out through working class workers benefit from strong unions like communities. back MUA the MUA leading the way forward. “Any group of workers that is successfully He says the recent media attack from the organized and achieving good results are Australian Institute of Marine and Power regarded as a threat to the vast profits in offshore Engineers (AIMPE) on the MUA’s offshore corporate owners and managers are strategy has blown the credibility of the grabbing. So all the flak the MUA are industry AIMPE. getting is a sign you are making good The AIMPE is an affiliate of the progress.” International Transport Workers For more information see www.mua.org.au Federation, and the Maritime Union of New Zealand will be seeking an explanation of their leadership’s public statements attacking a fellow maritime union for doing their job.

Timaru Port Network Search and 1951 dispute meets with Minister Surveillance Bill inspires award of Transport by Sam Huggard National Distribution Union winning folk album Representatives of the Timaru Port Critics of the new Search and Surveillance Network met on Thursday 10 December Wellington singer-songwriter Chris Bill are warning of a massive increase in 2009 with the Minister of Transport Prowse won the 2009 Tui for Best Folk state powers to spy on New Zealanders, Stephen Joyce in Timaru to discuss the Album of the year with ‘Trouble On The and say the proposed law changes need to future of the Port of Timaru. Waterfront’. be stopped. The Port Network includes representatives Prowse conceived, wrote and produced The bill gives more state agencies the of the South Canterbury Chamber of the record, an innovative musical chroni- power to tap into personal conversations, Commerce, Aoraki Development Trust, cle of Auckland’s 1951 waterfront dispute hack into computers and install hidden Timaru District Council, South Canterbury inspired by David Grant’s book ‘The Big cameras. Federated Farmers and Maritime Union of Blue’. Instead of just the police and the New Zealand, an unusual grouping that The album is a collaboration of New Zea- intelligence agencies having these rights, shows the strength of concern. land singers, musicians and well known all sorts of other agencies like Inland Maritime Union General Secretary Joe broadcasters who have come together like Revenue, the Reserve Bank, the Ministry Fleetwood attended along with former actors in a film to explore the events of of Agriculture and Fisheries, and even General Secretary Trevor Hanson and the historic and bitter dispute through the the Pork Industry Board would have new communications officer Victor Billot who medium of contemporary song. rights of surveillance. had set up the original public meeting of On his website, Prowse describes the 155- Last year NDU Express reported that a the Timaru community in October. day 1951 waterfront dispute as an epoch in police informant had been caught prying This meeting called for dialogue between New Zealand history. into NDU and other unions’ affairs for the Timaru community and port users, and “Not only was it a struggle between the over 10 years (the Maritime Union was one the Government. left and the right, between the various of these). The point was made to the Minister that forces within the union movement, but Community groups including unions the Port played a vital role to the South also it was a struggle that raised serious and environmentalists have criticised the Canterbury economy, and the impact of questions about the importance of civil bill, but it’s not just campaigners that are Fonterra’s decision to withdraw much of liberties in a democracy during times of concerned. its cargo from the port this year could not internal conflict. Trouble on the Waterfront The Law Society and the Chief Justice have be underestimated. explores that time through the medium of also spoken out against it, and corporate The issue of KiwiRail, who was now contemporary song.” lawyers Chapman Tripp have called it moving much of that cargo long distance Chris and his band played a well-received “an extraordinarily wide proposal, of to Lyttelton, and the effect of Government show at the 2009 Maritime Union confer- unprecedented invasiveness.” investment and subsidy on different For more information see ence in Wellington. To listen and buy check out: transport modes, was also discussed. www.october15thsolidarity.info/surveillance For more information see http://portoftimaru.com/ http://www.amplifier.co.nz/artist/52096/chris-prowse.html

10 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz POLITICAL NEWS New ACC law “harsh and unfair”

A new ACC law passed by the Govern- ment in February will make it harder for injured workers to get the help they need to recover from work place accidents, says the ACC Futures Coalition. The ACC Futures Coalition is made up of unions, professional associations and health organizations, including the Maritime Union. Spokesperson for the ACC Futures Coalition Hazel Armstrong says New Zealand workers are now worse off than their Australian counterparts if they suffer Crackdown on Former maritime hearing loss. “While it is important for Government to “Loan Sharks” will leader appointed contain costs, our accident compensation scheme is substantially more efficient protect vulnerable Alliance spokesperson and our levies are lower than Australian schemes run across their country.” Protecting out most vulnerable New The Alliance Party has announced its She says the ACC scheme is not in crisis, Zealanders and their families is at the new spokesperson for employment and the changes are too harsh. heart of a campaign to crackdown on Loan relations, transport and fisheries as former She says the Government has embedded Sharks, says Labour MP Carol Beaumont waterfront and maritime leader Trevor changes to the law that will make it easier and Spokesperson for Consumer Affairs. Hanson. for the ACC scheme administrators to She’s introducing a private members bill to Mr Hanson retired at the end of 2009 from push people out of the scheme without Parliament to do that. his position as General Secretary of the regard to their previous earnings and The Credit Reform (Responsible Lending) Maritime Union of New Zealand, and whether or not they can return to full time Bill, will if passed prevents lenders (loan previous to that General Secretary of the work. sharks) from charging excessive interest Waterfront Workers Union. “These changes will make the scheme rates and will ensure that they are more He says that working class people in New more attractive to the Australian insurance responsible when lending money. Zealand have been under attack and have companies who want to profit from “Times have never been better for loan seen their share of wealth shrink even managing our accident scheme.” though they’re working harder and longer. For more information see http://accfutures.org.nz/ sharks. Unemployment is at record levels “Some of the issues that need immediate and more families are struggling to attention include casualization and make ends meet. For most the economic unemployment which are causing serious recovery has yet to find its way to their problems for working people and their pockets. The reality for many Kiwis is that families.” CTU opposes losing a job coupled to rising food costs Mr Hanson says he is also concerned about can often leave with a loan shark as the contracting out and wants to make sure all youth rates Bill only alternative”, says Ms Beaumont. registered unions operate independently Loan sharks lend out money at obscene of employers, which he believes does not The Council of Trade Unions says the rates, without checking to see whether always happen despite this being the law. Government should not support Roger the borrower will be able to meet the He says it is vital there is a strong left-wing Douglas’s youth minimum wage rates Bill repayment requirements. voice in New Zealand politics to promote because it is discriminatory and will do Increasing numbers of people are pawning a secure society. nothing to ease unemployment. items like bikes and children’s toys to Mr Hanson says the transport industry CTU President Helen Kelly says the borrow funds to be able to pay the bills, is heading in the wrong direction and minimum wage in this country is already she says. there needs to be a stronger emphasis low and expecting any group to work for “In some cases people are borrowing to on shipping and rail, for environmental, less than $12.75 per hour is grossly unfair. pay off interest and then incurring much economic and social reasons. “There is also no reason why two people higher interest as a result, leaving them He says there is also a need to protect New doing the same job should be paid different in more trouble than they were in the first Zealand’s fishing stocks which had been rates simply because of an age difference. place. damaged by overfishing, and to ensure The removal of youth rates in 2008 was a For those unfortunate enough to be use of unionized local labour in the fishing major step forward in improving human trapped in this ever restricting spiral of industry to create well paid local jobs. rights for this age group and in improving debt, the consequences can be severe.” “We need to get in their and start actively their standard of living.” Ms Beaumont says this Bill is “necessary fighting for our rights, rather than Ms Kelly says returning to a youth rate will but not a complete fix.” allowing New Zealand to drift further drive young workers into poverty and will “To get to the root of the problem we need down the path of unconstrained greed and have serious implications on the health and to ensure that the public is better educated social breakdown.” wellbeing of our working youth.” about budgeting and financial matters. For more information see www.alliance.org.nz For more information see www.union.org.nz We need to address the inadequacy of incomes by making sure that the minimum wage provides you enough to live on.” For more information see www.labour.org.nz

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 11 INTERNATIONAL Rio Tinto’s attack on working families in Boron: Mining and maritime unions fight back

At 7 am on 31 January 2010, the Rio Tinto • The removal of scores of workers from Our brothers and sisters in Australia’s corporation locked out nearly 600 ILWU the union contract and power to declare Hunter Valley are facing the same kind members at the company’s Borax mine entire sections of the plant to be ‘non- of outrageous demands that families are and plant in Boron, California. union’ areas where employees could be facing in Boron. Rio Tinto is a foreign-owned, mega fired at any time, for any reason, or for no Rio Tinto is currently being sued in mining conglomerate that’s trying to reason at all. US Federal Court for mistreating the force a concessionary contract ultimatum • The ability at any time to change shifts, community and environment in Papua onto working families and communities hours and work assignments, and impose New Guinea. in California’s High Desert. Rio Tinto’s mandatory overtime, with no scheduled In 2009, Rio Tinto made almost $5 billion ultimatum includes: days-off or regular shifts, making life in profits, despite a world-wide recession. • The power to convert full-time jobs, impossible for families. Several years ago, the company paid whenever management wants, into part- •Require workers to give up their nearly $40 billion for Alcan - a decision time positions with little or no benefits. Constitutional and legal right as that left Rio Tinto heavily in debt. The • Authority to reduce employee pay, any Americans to go to court if the foreign- company is now trying to climb out time the company wants, regardless of the owned company discriminates based on of debt by driving down the working contract wage rates and without any right race, sex, age, disability, military status or conditions of their employees. of workers to file a grievance. religion, or if it violates any other state or The International Executive Board of the • The ability to outsource all jobs, any time federal laws. ILWU condemned Rio Tinto’s lockout of it wants, to contractors and temp agencies • Under the Rio Tinto lockout contract, Local 30 members. They are urging all that pay low wages and provide little or all legal rights would be transferred from unions, community groups, environmental no benefits, without any right to file a American courts to a private arbitrator, organizations and others who care about worker grievance. which the company gets to pick in at least working families to lend whatever support • If Rio Tinto violates any state or federal half the cases. they can to achieve a resounding victory labor laws, which it has already done, • Authority to eliminate long term over this greedy and abusive employer. workers would be required to pay for the disability coverage for any new employee, “Workers in Boron are fighting to save company’s legal penalties, fines, damages which protects workers - and provides good jobs and help our communities in the and even attorney fees. economic security to families - when an high desert, but they’re really standing up • The unlawful discrimination against employee is injured and can’t work. for all workers in America who are sick of military personnel by denying them • The drastic reduction of retirement seeing good jobs destroyed or turned into seniority credit for military service if benefits for current employees, and the ‘junk jobs’ without decent health care and they’ve served in the Armed Forces for less total elimination of pension benefits for retirement,” says Angie Holland-Young, a than one year or for more than four years, new employees who would only get a 17-year, award-winning employee with a which constitutes a violation of federal law small 401(k) contribution. perfect attendance record. (USERRA). Also among the company’s Rio Tinto has a long and ugly history of For more information see: demands is the elimination of the Veteran’s disrespecting workers and communities www.boraxminers.com www.ilwu.org Day holiday starting in 2011. here in the US and around the world.

12 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz INTERNATIONAL Update: Rio Tinto withdraws demands Workers at Rio Tinto’s borax mine in California’s Mojave Desert scored an important victory on 5 March when company officials suddenly and uncon- ditionally agreed to withdraw a series of illegal demands that figured prominently in the employer’s unlawful lockout against nearly 600 employees. Rio Tinto’s withdrawal of the illegal demands came after union members filed charges against the company with federal officials at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Workers allege that the employer commit- ted a host of serious labor law violations, including a series of unlawful demands and ultimatums that led to the illegal lockout. “Today’s action by the company con- stitutes an implicit admission of illegal behavior that won’t protect Rio Tinto from past violations or future liabilities arising from their illegal ongoing lockout,” said Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Joe Fleetwood addresses locked out miners in Boron, California, as ILWU spokesperson Craig Merrilees. part of a delegation from the Mining and Maritime meeting (photo courtesy MUA)

Statement by Mining campaign of repression and abuses of Signed power to eliminate the Los Mineros union, which is that country’s strongest independ- and Maritime Unions, Mick Doleman, MUA ent union led by Napoleon Gomez Urrutia. Dean Summers, MUA/ITF Palmdale, California, Rio Tinto, a multinational mining giant Jo White, MUA 16–17 February 2010 that many of us have done battle with in Andy Triplett, USW the past, locked out nearly 600 members Scott Mullins, USW on disputes with of the ILWU Local 30 at its borax mine Ken Neumann, USW and plant in Boron, California. This mega Stephen Hunt, USW Rio Tinto and Grupo mining conglomerate is trying to force an Adam Lee, USW Manny Armenta, USW extremely concessionary contract ultima- Mexico/Government of Ray Familathe, ILWU tum down the throats of Local 30 members Willie Adams, ILWU Mexico and their families. Kenny Riley. ILA Rio Tinto has a long and disgusting his- Mike D. Payne, ILA We, leaders of mining and maritime un- tory with respect to their mistreatment of Andrew Vickers, CFMEU ions representing workers from Canada, workers, communities and the environ- Garry Parsloe, MUNZ Joe Fleetwood, MUNZ the United States, Australia, South Africa ment around the world. The company is currently being sued in U.S. Federal Court Bob Ashton, ILWU-Canada and New Zealand meeting in Palmdale, Sikhumbuzo Phakathi, CEPPWAWU because of its treatment of the community California on 16 – 17 February, express our Joe Drexler, ICEM serious concern with the violation of work- and environment in Papua, New Guinea. Ismail Asland, Mineworkers Union of Turkey ers’ rights in Boron, California by Rio Tinto We intend to escalate the campaigns in Kenan Dikbiyik, Mineworkers Union of Turkey and in Mexico by Grupo Mexico backed by defence of workers at Rio Tinto and Grupo Oupa Komane, NUM the Government of Mexico. Mexico immediately, dramatically and Robert Mashego, SATAWU On 11 February 2010 a Mexican court, strategically to make them global bat- Kristyne Peter, IMF Eleanor Morton, ILWU without a full examination of evidence, tles. We will not cease until these workers receive fair treatment. Lewis Wright, ILWU ruled the termination of the collective bar- Russ Bargmann, ILWU Statement issued on behalf of the mining gaining agreement between Grupo Mexico Rob Remar, ILWU and Section 65 of the National Union and maritime unions coordinating com- Wes Furtado, ILWU of Mine, Metallurgical, Steel and Allied mittee by Maritime Union of Australia, Alberto Bonilla, ILWU Local 13 Workers of Mexico (Los Mineros). Construction, Forestry, Mining and En- Gary Harvey, ILWU Local 20 The court has ruled that 1,200 workers, ergy Union (Australia), SATAWU (South Rudy Domane, ILWU Local 20 members of Los Mineros Section 65, are to Africa), National Union of Minework- be dismissed, a strike they initiated in July ers (South Africa), CEPPWAWU (South 2007 is terminated and that the union’s col- Africa), International Longshore Work- lective bargaining agreement with Grupo ers Association (Locals 1422 and 1526), , Mexico is extinguished. International Longshore and Warehouse The dispute between Grupo Mexico and Union, Maritime Union of New Zealand, Los Mineros is a long-standing one. The International Metalworkers Federation, Mexican government has allied itself with International Chemical, Energy, Mine and Grupo Mexico in a more than four-year General Workers Union. www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 13 UNION YOUTH

MUA young maritime workers conference 1–3 December 2009 There was a presentation from the The day rounded off with a report back Brisbane, Australia National Young Maritime Workers from the delegation sent to Cuba earlier Committee, “Who you are, what you do, in the year and a report on the Cuban by Peter Torrance why are you in the Union.” Five Campaign. Speakers were Mick Maritime Union of New Zealand youth delegate There was a strong emphasis on making Carr, Mich-Elle Myers, Mick Firmin and It was a great privilege for me to represent unions work for youth and young people Paul McAleer. That night we were hosted MUNZ at this conference, which was under 35, and the need for a strategy to for dinner at the Plough Inn Tavern in hosted by the South Queensland Branch of encourage these young workers into the Southbank, Brisbane. the Maritime Union of Australia. union movement. The next day, Wednesday 2 December, On Monday 30 November, before the Support and delegate contacts, website was another full day. We started with Conference opened, the branch hosted a details, emails, Facebook, txt messaging, a DVD presentation on international BBQ where we got to meet other delegates, are all ways to encourage youth to solidarity and power in the Union. This followed by a session of lawn bowls which participate. was followed by an ITF global network was a nice relaxing start to a busy few After the morning break there were delegate report. We then had a report days. workshops on the expectations and on the Birmingham Six and Guildford After registration the following morning, hopes of the Conference, followed by a Four. This was by members of MOJO Tuesday 1 December, there was a welcome presentation by Mick Doleman on “My (the Miscarriages of Justice Organization) to Australia blessing by Uncle Des Sandy, Money” with the Maritime Mining and Paddy Hill, Gerry Conlon and John followed by the opening of the Conference Power Credit Union. McManus. They were imprisoned for by the hosting Branch Secretary Mick Carr. The afternoon session was a presentation bombings they never did. Once released The theme of the Conference was “to by Australia ITF coordinator Dean from prison they started this organization know the past and to own the future.” Summers on Flag of Convenience shipping to help wrongly imprisoned people around There was a strong focus on struggles of (FOC) and Ports of Convenience (POC) the world. the past and how that has shaped us into campaigns and how as members we can After morning tea, Mick Doleman, Ian what we are today. be part of it. Bray and Warren Smith spoke on the There was a welcome video presentation This was followed by Gordon Horn and history of the Hungry Mile. This street by MUA National Secretary Paddy Jim Steele on the veterans and the role they was so named because wharfies would Crumlin followed by a welcome from play. congregate hoping to attract a ticket from Assistant National Secretary Mick After tea we heard from Sharon McNeil the boss to work for the day. This was in Doleman. of Maritime Super, and Megan Young of the days of the Great Depression. Union Shopper with the discounts this They also gave us a rundown on the service offered to union members. battles that shaped the Union and what it is today.

14 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz UNION YOUTH

Strachan Crang (left, holding banner) of the EPMU with Peter Torrance of MUNZ (right, holding banner) representing New Zealand at the MUA youth conference

Paul McAleer also spoke on the ITF Youth Next up was Rod Hodgson from Maurice Taskforce. Blackburn lawyers on compensation issues “There was a After lunch we heard from the officials for dockers and seafarers such as asbestos including Mich-Elle Myers on the and dust related diseases. strong emphasis principles of organizing national Many of us are aware of these horrible campaigns, Onshore Diving, TT Line diseases and the grief it has caused on making unions and Oil and Gas Alliance, followed by numerous families. workshops on organizing. Ian Bray gave an introduction to delegates’ Mick Doleman spoke on supporting roles in the workplace. work for youth White Ribbon Day to stop violence against This was followed by a web presentation women, and then Mich-Elle Myers, Cara by Raelene Jefferson on youth delegates, and young people Morris and Janet Morris on how to recruit who then led some group sessions on and protect women in the Union. the MUA youth web page and our under 35, and the We then had an indigenous report by expectations of what we want from the Patrick Neliman followed by the Timor page. need for a strategy APHEDA project report by Hayden Foster, After lunch we revisited the day one and a Tas Bull DVD and raffle launch with expectations of the Conference, resolutions to encourage Dave Schleibs. of the Conference, and nominations for the 2010 youth committee. these young Thursday 3 December The Conference then closed with a DVD of Adam McArthur opened the day’s the previous days hosted by Ian Bray and workers into the proceedings with a drug and alcohol Mick Carr. report followed by my fellow Kiwi I’d like to thank MUNZ for the union movement” Strachan Crang, national industry opportunity to attend the Conference and organizer for the Aviation sector of the also the South Queensland branch of the EPMU. Strachan spoke on organizing MUA for hosting the event. using social networking sites such as Thanks to all the speakers, officials, Facebook and toting. delegates and rank and filers who made it so successful. I would hope in the future we could host a similar event in New Zealand to educate our youth unionists.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 15 HEALTH AND SAFETY Successful skin cancer claim by worker by Craig Harrison Rob said the meeting lasted a couple of It was at this that Justice Orange ruled Local 13 hours with examination and a thorough in favour of Rob Powley and in his Stevedore Robert Powley, a union member question and answer session. words “Quashed the position of Ports of of MUNZ Local 13, has won a fight against Rob was up for it and went prepared. Auckland”. his employer Ports of Auckland over Basically it was his life history being In a side note it was interesting to see a skin cancer claim that the company questioned and his time on the Waterfront Ports of Auckland quote a report from contested. since starting in 1968. waterfront reform stating that watersiders The injury was not the usual you hear a It was on 27 March that Rob got the averaged only twenty seven hours a week lot of in the work place, like the strains, report back from the biopsy and he on the job. sprains and broken bones. But you would made arrangements to get the melanoma Having read the associated reports certainly rate the injury as being amongst removed. with this claim I can’t help feel that the one of the worst you could expect to get. Up until this stage the company, through company continues to put the health of The injury sustained by Rob was AON, had rejected his claim. its balance sheet before the health of the attributed to long term exposure to sun. So Rob had to fund the surgery and workers who contribute to the profits it The injury sustained by Rob was a Lentigo associated treatment himself, not to makes. Maligna on his right ear, translated in real mention the time off work and resultant It is worth noting that the workers at Ports terms, skin cancer. sick-pay. of Auckland have sun exposure recorded How did all this happen? The cost of treatment wasn’t cheap with in the workplace register. Well early in 2009 Rob was at home and the bill totalling $6000. It was blokes like Rob who sat on the his good wife was cutting his hair the health and safety committees over the day before his birthday. She noticed what years who we can thank for such a looked like black grease smudged on his comprehensive register. ear and made comment on it. The company’s undoing is that while they Not thinking much about it, Rob was later might have it in their register they have the same day around at a mate’s place who effectively done nothing over the years; also made comment about his ear. they should have educated and monitored On returning home Rob investigated the workforce. They are supposed to do so more and thought that what ever it was, it under the Health and Safety Act, including needed looking at. providing the right gear and protection for On returning to work and more thought the job. about the ear, Rob sought treatment at It was a great day when Rob walked into the clinic the company sends its workers the mess room and announced his victory to. On initial diagnosis the doctor on the over the company. As I write this article 6 February 2009 put it down as a “Rash - Rob has received the monies that are other specific skin eruption “. owed to him. I remember the day that Rob It was then that Rob told the attending started the claim. The shift manager at the doctor and nurse that he was going to time laughed at him and said he didn’t claim it as a work place injury. have a chance. This was when it started to get interesting. But as always Rob stood his ground and Firstly, the doctor and nurse were fought to prosecute his claim, to have the unwilling to complete the claim as a work skin cancer recognised as a work place injury but after much protest and a debate injury. This is not only a good result for on Rob’s account the paper work was Rob but also for all maritime workers completed. exposed to the sun over the years with no It was at this stage that Rob was referred You could imagine the predicament if all or little protection. to a dermatologist, Dr Wishart. Rob then of a sudden you had to find this. Throughout the article I have made started the paper trail involved in such The kick in the guts was on the 9 April. reference to the dates to give the reader an matters and on 9 March 2009, he filled The company sought to get an extension to idea of the time involved in relation to the in a “Gradual Process Claim Employee the time leading up to the dispute hearing company responding and how drawn out Questionnaire”. for the claim. It is worth noting that on 24 it was for Rob, as if being diagnosed with It was after this Rob was referred to February in Dr Wisharts own words “Rob skin cancer wasn’t enough. Doctor Fion Larsen (specialising in MOHS, has a sun induced Lentigo Maligna on his In closing I would like to thank Rob for micrographic skin cancer surgery) and it right ear and should undergo surgery”. telling his story so all workers might was on the 13 March 2009 that they did the On the 16 April Rob received a letter from benefit from his fight to get this injury biopsy on the lesions. AON saying that they were not accepting recognised. It was after this appointment that Rob the injury as a workplace claim. It was My hope is now that MUNZ look to form got a letter from AON, the workplace then that the ball started to roll for Rob; some sort of national register highlighting provider for Ports of Auckland who are he wasn’t going to accept this so the fight all the gradual harm injuries suffered by an accredited provider under ACC, that was on. the members in our industry so that we he attend a meeting with a specialist It wasn’t until 23 April that Rob received could establish a reference point to argue appointed by the company. a letter to arrange a dispute hearing on 4 the case for recognition. So on 19 March Rob went to see the August. Perhaps in the future a more detailed specialist, Mr David Ruttenburg. account of this case could be written for the members. Image licensed under Creative Commons BY 2.0 (Reprinted from the Port News, December 2009) http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/2615553710

16 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz VIEWPOINT

Photo by Alex Hague

National Shipping Shame

By Hector Thorpe National shock MUNZ 3111 However National shocked the maritime National out The National government was elected industry when without consultation they Given Nationals past and present shipping on the back of promised tax cuts for all. excluded coastal shipping from their policies it’s a credit to the Kiwi ship This was a politically good strategy which freight transport network. operators and maritime unions that a local appealed to many voters. This action effectively makes road and shipping industry still exists, particularly Those on the higher wage bracket rail companies competitors to coastal as local ship owners have tried to recoup currently benefit from this policy while shipping. National then subsidised these their losses sustained from these policies many of their lower paid supporters watch competitors to the tune of $2 billion for from MUNZ. as their day to day living costs increase. roads while increasing the allowable But maybe both organisations now have freight loads for trucks, plus $400 million something in common, an awareness that National transport policy was allocated to Ontrack. under National the final chapter could National introduced their road funding Shipping was further snubbed when they mean foreign ship owners finally wrestling policy as a means to stimulate New withdrew the Sea Freight Development complete control of shipping leaving them Zealand’s freight transportation network. Fund which was set to revitalise the free to dictate the terms of our coastal Domestic shipping naturally expected to industry after years of government trade and ports. be part of a co-ordinated and balanced neglect. Therefore to survive we all need rid of this freight transport system as it adds value in National led government. cost, integration, road traffic congestion, National strikes again environmental responsiveness, safety You may recall the previous National and regional economic development, as government passed the Maritime acknowledged by Labour in their 2007 Sea Transport Act 1994 which removed Freight Development Fund as part of the cabotage. Sea Change Strategy. Cabotage restricts foreign ships operating domestically as its designed to protect the local infrastructure. All our major trading partners retained cabotage. Foreign ship owners received further government assistance when they were exempt from tax charges imposed on New Zealand ship operators. As predicted these policies were responsible for destroying most of New Zealand’s coastal shipping.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 17 ITF

Other issues that were noted were the assaults on contract workers in Mumbai by Maesrk subcontractors, the Rio Tinto lock out of 600 workers in Boron, California, and the sacking of 1300 Mexican miners along with a mine explosion that lead to 63 deaths.

Mexico Enrique Lozano spoke on human rights abuses in Offshore Oil and Gas and the Mining Sector. Investigative journalist Ana Lillia Perez has authored a report for the ITF about labour exploitation “Campeche Basin: Paradigm of Labour Exploitation” (available from http://www.itfglobal.org/ press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/3886). She has a new book coming out on this issue which is about the exploitation of Mexican nationals in their own Government owned industry where health and safety and the right to belong to a trade union are virtually non- Members of the Offshore Task Force are seen here wearing their bloody T-Shirts, symbolising the violence committed existent. against members of the TDWU in Mumbai by employees of Thakur. This a must read for anyone who has an interest in the rights of working class people trying to make a decent living for themselves and their families. ITF Offshore Taskforce Group The Union will be purchasing copies of the book whose author is in hiding due to Mumbai, India, 22–24 February 2010 threats on her life.

Timor Leste by Mike Clark, Wellington Seafarers’ Secretary The Task Force now operates in 18 and Joe Fleetwood, General Secretary countries. Rigoberto Monteiro gave an update on Ancient yet modern, Mumbai is India There were traditional greetings and happenings in that country, where 10 in microcosm. Once a sultry tropical presentation of bouquets to leaders and trainees are now trained and 15 more archipelago of seven islands today it’s a also the lighting of the peace flame. going to Jakarta, hopefully another teeming metropolis, the commercial hub of The meeting opened with a presentation 50 in the pipeline with support from an old civilisation seeking to find its place by Mick Doleman on the MUA - AWU Government. in the new world. Alliance and coverage of Trans Tasman A minibus has now been purchased with Forty percent of India’s taxes come Alliance. the $25,000 donated by affiliates of ITF. from this city alone and half of India’s MUA, AWU, MUNZ and EPMU ensure The Seafarers mini van fund has money international trade passes through its union labour supplies coverage. left over that will hopefully be able to be splendid natural harbour. Nearly 13 We had an agreement in place for these used for maintenance. million people live here, all existing cheek workers. Now Maersk has reneged on the by cheek in soaring skyscrapers and agreement. They touched on the problems India facing Timor-Leste and the need to get sprawling slums. It was noted that Indian companies these issues on the Government radar. They come from diverse ethnic were exploiting seafarers in the offshore Also the need to communicate with the backgrounds and speak over a dozen industry. Currently cases are before Australian Government on Papua New tongues, add in colour and texture to the the courts in India. These Seafarers are Guinea and its massive LNG prospects great Mumbai melting pot. currently only getting quarter of wages of under investigation by global companies The ITF Offshore Task Force Group met their counterparts in other countries. in the Triton Hotel in Mumbai with such as Exxon Mobil, Santos Petrofina and approximately thirty-four delegates from Nippon Oil. Offshore Diving Agreement the Asia Pacific Region. 15,000 to 18,000 workers are required They gathered under the chairmanship of for the industry but the problem is only Divers trying to work under individual Norrie McVicar of the ITF, and vice chairs 30% will be local labour. The Northern contracts. This is not a good thing as their MUA deputy national secretary Mick Territory Government agreed to a joint people would come under contract law Doleman and ITF Asia Regional Secretary training centre in conjunction with and in a dispute if they withdrew their Mahendra Sharma. Australian Maritime College, Pacific Island labour they would be open to suing, also The Offshore OTFG (Offshore Task Force Australian Maritime College, and Pacific they would undermine genuine union Group) was formed in 1997 to enhance Island Australian Aid Training. members conditions. wages and conditions and health and safety to protect the country nationals in this industry.

18 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz ITF

Norway A large number of vessels on the first national register are being replaced by FOC vessels thus displacing Norwegian labour. Between 2008 - 2009, 64 offshore related vessels have been reflagged. The concern is that in the future there will no longer be any Norwegian flagged vessels in Norwegian waters and no Norwegian seafarers on board these vessels. The Norwegian Seafarers’ Union believes the only way to prevent social dumping is to demand Norwegian wages and conditions on these vessels. The NSU acknowledges that shipping is a globalised industry but believe Norwegian workers have a right to compete for jobs servicing the petrochemical industry based on Norwegian wages and conditions. The Norwegian ship owners are unwilling Trade unionist Navanath Balshiram Borhade holding up the bloodstained shirt he was wearing during the 2008 attack by to stop this unfair competition. company agents (photo ITF): send a solidarity message online at http://www.itfglobal.org/solidarity/solidarity-2920.cfm FOC Campaign Review Motion on violence There was a report on the Global Terminals Solidarity with India (GTI) Campaign. against workers at GTI, GTI is 70% owned by Maersk. This is an Mumbai ongoing campaign following a number of MUNZ and assaults on members of the Transport and Dock Workers Union (TDWU). Members The ITF Offshore Task Force which met were attacked by company supervisors from 22–24 February 2010 in Mumbai: RMTU including one in front of his family. Notes with extreme concern the continuing The workers were employed by a brutal violence against workers employed At the ITF Offshore Taskforce Group contractor SC Thakur, one of a number by contractors operating at GTI (Gateway meet in Mumbai between 22–24 February of non-union contractors. The company Terminal India) as they struggle to exert 2010 our meeting was made aware of a claimed that the attacks were the result their legitimate rights to freedom of developing dispute in New Zealand port of a drunken quarrel, but the ITF association and collective bargaining. of Tauranga. Commission has received an independent Also expresses serious concerns that The dispute centres on the allocation on report which shows that this is untrue. despite intense negotiations between the Dockers’ work from the legitimate unions A draft motion demanding an end to ITF (International Transport Workers the MUNZ and RMTU, both affiliates of violence and intimidation of union Federation) and APM Terminals and its the ITF, to a Yellow bosses’ union. members has been drafted. parent company AP Møller-Maersk to This is a serious development and can’t settle the issue since the first attacks took be allowed to succeed and comes at a time Port of Tauranga place in 2007, further violent assaults when the docker rights to handle cargo by contractors are said to have been is under attack via use of ships crews to The OTFG meeting endorsed the position perpetrated in October 2009. load and unload cargo without skills and of New Zealand unions at the Port of Demands: that Maersk’s subsidiary GTI training. Tauranga, New Zealand, in their campaign does the only responsible thing and sever Comrade Joe Fleetwood General Secretary for secure jobs. all relations with contractors Thakur Infra of MUNZ briefed the meeting on the MUNZ representative Joe Fleetwood put Projects (formerly SC Thakur) and MS importance and dangers of this dispute a motion that was endorsed by delegates Casby Logistics with immediate effect. and indicated the two unions will take all with the OTFG Chair to write to the Port Resolves: to participate in the public measures available to win this struggle. of Tauranga CEO. campaign to ensure that APM Terminals It was resolved: and GTI, engage only those contractors • That affiliates at the OTFG pledge full This is only a brief summary of the which recognise the TDWU as the support to our brother and sisters of discussions that took place. legitimate union to conclude collective MUNZ and RMTU in their dispute with But it’s clear that many of the problems we bargaining agreements. the Port of Tauranga face are global ones, although they are not Further resolves: to support the TDWU • The Chairman is authorised to write as bad in New Zealand as some countries and its union members working at GTI to the CEO of the Port of Tauranga where workers are stripped of their terminal through all lawful, financial expressing our support of the MUNZ and legitimate rights to earning decent wages and industrial means available, in their RMTU and call on them to withdraw back and conditions. struggle to exercise their basic trade union to the status quo. I would like this opportunity to thank and human rights. • The OTFG members stand by to act on the Indian Seafarers’ Union, especially Calls upon: ITF affiliates to make advice from our New Zealand affiliates to Abdulgani Y Serang for his and his representations to AP Moller – Maersk to assist where ever needed. fellow members contribution in making demonstrate our deep concern with regard this a very successful and informative to their behaviour in regard to the GTI conference and to all the other delegates business in Mumbai. for their input. The OTFG confirm and fully support all actions around the GTI Campaign. www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 19 ITF New Zealand Country Report to ITF Asia–Pacific Section Meeting, Mumbai, India

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vorn/484889025 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/ by Garry Parsloe 1. National Distribution Union - Bus Lastly I would like to talk about Regional New Zealand ITF convenor drivers striking to obtain $14.00 an hour and International Solidarity. MUNZ National Vice President wage. Whilst at our MUNZ Triennial Conference Brothers, Sisters, Comrades, 2. Engineering, Printing and last month we received a call from Robert In New Zealand we have just completed Manufacturing Union – employers Patchett from the Melbourne Branch of our first year of a right wing National contracting out of their members’ jobs. the Maritime Union of Australia, through Government after 9 years of a supposedly 3. Dairy Workers Union – members locked our good friend Dave Schleibs who was worker friendly Labour Government. out for joining a union. at our Conference, asking for assistance In their 9 years the Labour Government 4. Teacher Unions – nil wage increase. over a MSC vessel that had sailed out of did deliver, where they removed some 5. Service and Food Workers Union - Melbourne with the seafarers lashing the of the most draconian aspects of the anti Healthy Hospitals campaign, contractors last couple of bays that had been loaded worker industrial relations policies of the not passing on government funded wage just before sailing. National Government. increases. The vessel arrived in Auckland and we Labour also delivered where they doubled 6. Corrections Association – prison took 3 or 4 hours out of the vessel when the minimum wage, policies around wardens being made redundant. we refused to work it. working for families and giving workers 7. Engineering, Printing and We met with the Captain who initially an extra weeks annual leave. Manufacturing Union – Miners striking on was a bit cheeky but when we produced What they did not do is give us the right to the West Coast of New Zealand. Ray Familathe, National Vice President strike or cabotage. So, on a Thursday we are on pickets with from the ILWU, who was in New Zealand The present Government has not attacked the SFWU Union over healthy hospitals, attending our Conference, the Captain us fully yet as they have been pre-occupied on the Friday we are on pickets with the started sweating and then started with the global economic crisis, but now EPMU Union over contracting out and on panicking. that the crisis is over they have started by the Saturday on pickets with the CANZ Finally we secured an apology in writing, attacking workers accident compensation Union over redundancies. a recognition in writing that Seafarers (ACC) and we will need to fight back to So it seems to me that the employers don’t do Dockers’ work, an assurance that protect our ACC provisions. and manufacturers have instructed all it won’t happen again in writing and an What encapsulates it for me, in my other employers to take the unions on. assurance that those Seafarers who did the role as a President of the Council of Trade What’s happening is that we are not able lashings would be paid double time for Unions in Auckland, and chairing those to concentrate on any one dispute. that work. meetings and when opening up for reports The Trade Union movement is divided and So that is regional and international on disputes, every union was on its feet running around with all kinds of disputes Solidarity at work: Maritime Union reporting on theirs. and is therefore unable to spend quality of Australia, Maritime Union of New Recent disputes included: time fighting their own disputes and Zealand and the International Longshore we need to organise better around these and Warehouse Union working together in issues. that victory. Thank you.

20 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz ITF International Transport Workers Federation Asia–Pacific Section Meeting 4–5 December 2009, Mumbai, India by Garry Parsloe Resolution on violence against workers at He spoke of the difficulty of organising National Vice President GTI, Mumbai workers in Thailand and expanded on On 4–5 December 2009 General Secretary The ITF Asia Pacific Dockers’ Conference the opposition from employers against Joe Fleetwood and I attended the ITF Asia which was held on 4-5 December 2009 in organising workers into unions. Pacific section meeting in Mumbai, India. Mumbai: Frank Leys then gave a presentation under The meetings opening session speakers • Notes with extreme concern the the heading “ITF and Young Transport were: continuing brutal violence against workers Workers.” 1. Mr. P.M. Mohd Haneef, Welcome note. employed by contractors operating at GTI He stated that we must work hard to 2. Mr. Mahendra Sharma, ITF Asia/Pacific (Gateway Terminal India) as they struggle organise young workers and to do this we Regional Secretary to exert their legitimate rights to freedom must make ourselves available and have 3. Mr. Frank Leys, ITF Dockers’ section of association and collective bargaining. the energy to involve ourselves in issues Secretary Also expresses serious concerns that that young workers relate to. 4. Mr. S.R. Kulkarni, ITF Asia/Pacific despite intense negotiations between the After morning smoko we had another Dockers’ section Chair. ITF (International Transport Workers presentation from Frank Leys under the 5. Mr. Paddy Crumlin, ITF Dockers’ Federation) and APM Terminals and its heading “Container Traffic”. section Chair. parent company AP Moller-Maersk to Frank addressed the current downturn in In this opening session Paddy Crumlin settle the issue since the first attacks took container traffic. It seems that there is not stated that there is no campaign that will place in 2007, further violent assaults a country in the world that is not suffering deliver unless the Dockers’ section is there by contractors have been perpetrated in with the downturn. driving the campaign. October 2009. The following motion was discussed and It was stressed that the timing of this • Demands that Maersk’s subsidiary, GTI adopted: conference is most important. do the only responsible thing and sever It was taking place at a time when the all relations with contractors like, Thakur Resolution on Container Cargo Safety drastic worsening of the financial crisis Infra Projects (formerly SC Thakur), with The ITF Dockers’ Section Meeting which of September/October 2008 and recent immediate effect. was held on 17 November 2009 in financial crisis created by non-payment • Resolves to launch a public campaign London: of debts to the financial institutions by to ensure that APM Terminals and GTI • Resolved to urgently set up a working Dubai World, which have led to massive engage only those contractors which group within the ITF for establishing job losses and painful cuts in wages of recognise the TDWU as the legitimate international safety standards for container millions of workers worldwide. union and conclude collective agreements cargo transportation, which is made up of After morning smoko Frank Leys gave an without further delay. representatives of the related ITF sections up-date on the Maersk–Mumbai dispute. • Further resolves to stand by and support such as Road Transport Section, Dockers’ Frank expanded on all the violence and the TDWU and its union members Section and Seafarers’ Section. intimidation that is being directed at these working at GTI terminal through all • The working group will hold its first workers. legal means available, in their struggle to meeting by the ITF 43rd Congress in In this section Paddy Crumlin exercise their basic trade union and human Mexico. acknowledged the massive input of rights. • The working group will report the MUNZ into the Patricks Dispute. He After lunch on day one we had the country result of the meeting to the Congress expanded on the dispute especially the reports where MUNZ and New Zealand and propose the Congress that the issue excellent fight around the Columbus issues were reported on. of container cargo safety be addressed Canada, and how we as an international In my country report I reported on the throughout the ITF. Trade Union movement turned the vessel political situation in New Zealand and on (Submitted by the National Federation of away from West Coast of America. issues facing our union and other unions Dockworkers’ Unions of Japan Zenkoku We sent the vessel back to where it sailed affiliated to the Council of Trade Unions. Kowan.) from with the cargo loaded by scabs and Mick Doleman gave the Australian There was a session before lunch on the had that cargo unloaded and reloaded Country report where he addressed issues ITF data base. This was a very informative with union dockers. facing the Maritime Union of Australia session with a lot of input from all the At the end of the above session we carried and other Transport Unions in Australia. unions. the following resolution in support of After the Country reports the Chairman After lunch we went into workshops those workers at GTI, Mumbai. closed day one. under the heading “Key issues for Dockers’ Unions in the Region” and “Way Day two ahead for the Dockers’ section in the Day two opened with the Indian Unions region.” giving reports on current disputes in India. This session took up all of the afternoon After the reports on disputes we had and concluded the meeting. a Country report from the Thailand representative.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 21 ITF ITF International Transport Federation Meeting London, 16–20 November 2009 by Garry Parsloe Day two opened with Paddy Crumlin Fair Practices Committee Section National Vice President giving an update on the Mumbai situation. On 19 November 2009, we held the Fair The above was followed by a discussion Practices Committee Section. Dockers’ Section Committee on attendance at the International Safety There was a presentation then debate on On the 16 November 2009 the Dockers’ Panel meeting that was set down for 27 total crew costs and wage increases for section meeting was held in the ITF November 2009. Seafarers covered by ITF Agreements Building, London. The next session was on Health and Safety, which took up all of the morning. The meeting opened with a report on the Certification and Training. In the afternoon we addressed Fishing problems in Mumbai, India where workers There was a lengthy session on Container Industry matters, TCC 2 Year Special are being bashed for trying to join unions. Safety with speakers talking about Agreement Draft Guidelines, Welfare Paddy Crumlin started with giving a brief container stacking and the stowing of Funds, Union Membership Fees, the overview on the situation in Mumbai with containers. Inspectorate Audit, the Seafarers Section Maersk which had been going on for two After lunch we went into the Flag of Committee report and the Dockers Section years. He explained that Maersk had hired Convenience Campaign and discussed meeting report. a number of contractors to provide dock how best to progress the campaign. The Dockers Section report contained the trucking at its GTI port in Mumbai. The meeting carried a resolution MUNZ/RMTU resolution on Tauranga For over two years the drivers had committing continued support for the Flag which was endorsed along with the been trying to join unions, only to be of Convenience campaign. Section Report. met by violence and intimidation from On the 20 November 2009 we had the contractors. The process had been very Resolution of support for Tauranga second day of the Fair Practices Committee long and tiring and he thanked the ITF maritime workers Section. Maersk Committee for their hard work. In the last session I had the opportunity to The meeting addressed the IBF Agreement He emphasized the importance of securing again give a report to the Dockers’ section and fully discussed the content of the a legitimate agreement and not to forget on our problems in Tauranga. memorandum of agreement and the the hard work of the brave workers in After my presentation the Committee accompanying addenda. Mumbai. He also said that succeeding was carried the joint MUNZ/RMTU resolution This debate went on for most of the day as the only option and that we needed to on the Port of Tauranga which reads: every speaker seemed to have a different show APM and the rest of the world what “The New Zealand Dockers’ affiliate’s slant on what direction the Bargaining the ITF stands for and is capable of. joint report highlights the issue of non Forum should head. We next addressed the Minutes of union dockworkers in New Zealand After a long and hot debate we finally the previous meeting where I had the (currently confined to the smaller general reached a point of agreement. opportunity to report again on our dispute cargo operations) increasing dockers’ Overall the ITF meeting itself was with the Ports of Tauranga. work market share to the disadvantage informative and productive. I explained why the RMTU did not want of traditional dockworkers affiliated to the Port becoming a Port of convenience the ITF and states that this situation is but that we have agreed to some degree to unacceptable. work together in a joint campaign in the “The Dockers meeting; Notes that Port of Tauranga. the recent actions by “Zespri” a New Whilst there is no agreement with the Zealand kiwifruit exporter in awarding RMTU to take the Port Company on they a stevedoring contract to a non union/ have agreed to develop a campaign to yellow union company is condemned by target Zespri seasonal Kiwi fruit contracts this meeting. by all lawful means. “Pledges support to the RMTU and Both unions, RMTU and MUNZ, state that MUNZ to take joint action agreed between New Zealand port employers who actively the Unions to ensure that Dockworkers engage in fostering and supporting work is returned to ITF affiliated non union/yellow union associations unionized Dockworkers’ in the Port of will be held accountable nationally and Tauranga, New Zealand. internationally to ensure that dockers’ “Affirms that New Zealand Port work in New Zealand is done by members employers who actively engage in of bona fide ITF Affiliated trade union fostering and supporting non union/ dock workers. yellow union associations will be held I also reported on our current dispute in accountable nationally and internationally Timaru and concluded by stating that we to ensure that dockers’ work in New could need assistance and support from Zealand is done by members of bona fide the ITF in both Tauranga and Timaru. ITF affiliated trade union dockworkers.” There was a long discussion around the After some further discussion on disputes ITF Mapping Programme and the Port of in other countries the meeting was closed Convenience Campaign. for the day. The above concluded day one.

22 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz ITFITF

None shall pass: ITF South Australian FOC Offensive 1–10 February 2010 by Grahame MacLaren Another vessel, the Hong Kong flagged It turned out that there was little or no New Zealand ITF Inspector “Mount Owen”, was visited in the port of food on board and the Chinese crew were Wellington based MUNZ activist Ray Ceduna. The vessel was loading fertiliser so hungry they had resorted to catching Cook and I were invited by Australian ITF bound for Auckland. crabs from the stern of the vessel for food. Coordinator Dean Summers to participate The crew were happy to see the ITF, citing Ray Cook was interviewed by Channel in the second half of this ten day offensive problems with payments on board. They Seven and gave a great account of the against flag of convenience (FOC) vessels were demanding these payments be met or situation on board. from 4–10 February 2010, the offensive the vessel would not sail. Due to our intervention $8,500 worth of being split into two 5 day periods. After some negotiation they agreed to sail food was eventually put on board with The offensive’s main aim was to target to Auckland where the matter would be every last box examined by Ray to ensure vessels coming in to South Australia to followed up. the quality was top notch. export last season’s bumper grain crops. Several days later on arrival in Auckland, This vessel was also the subject of a Although grain vessels were the main MUNZ Local 13 walking delegate Dave US$50,000 back pay claim which we were focus, it was also the intention to blitz all Phillips and Local 13 exec member assured would be paid at the vessels next FOC vessels and sub-standard shipping in Craig Harrison attended the vessel and port of Sydney. the region during the period. witnessed a back pay of US$9,208. During our time with the ITF team several As the motto on our t-shirts proclaimed: They also oversaw the repatriation of education sessions were held at the Port “None Shall Pass” three crew members who were over their Adelaide MUA branch office. Assistant Australian ITF Coordinator contract periods. This was a good example Other topics were the expectations of Matt Purcell led the team that comprised of networking between our two countries. and for ITF volunteers in Australia and myself, Ray Cook and 17 other ITF Ray and I began our activities with the ITF New Zealand, the implications and contacts and volunteers from around offensive on the afternoon of 4 February requirements of the ISPS (International Australia including six from Victoria, and during our stint a further twelve Ship and Port Security) code, the two from Tasmania, two from Western vessel visits took place in ports around importance of the media and how best to Australia and seven from South Australia. SA including Port Pirie, Wallaroo, Port use it. Assistance was also received from MUA Lincoln and Port Adelaide where a variety Everyone involved found the exercise a stevedoring members at various terminals of problems were again uncovered. great success and a valuable experience, and ports. These included a US$45,000 back pay and all were keen to make it a regular The five days prior to our arrival saw claim, a vessel under arrest in Port event around Australia and New Zealand. twelve vessels already inspected with Adelaide whose crew were being denied We certainly made our presence felt a variety of problems checked out and shore leave, a vessel where the European with the ship owners attempting to hide mostly resolved. officers were covered by an ITF agreement from the ITF, and the media attention we These included an ITF agreement being but the Tongan ratings on board were not, received was second to none. To have the signed for one ship, a US$18,000 back and were only receiving wages near ILO headline news story on South Australia’s pay for one Captain, and two Indonesian minimums, and the Hong Kong flagged main TV station was nothing short of a Seafarers repatriated after being well over vessel “Tien Hau” whose story became the coup. their contract periods having done a two lead item on the Channel Seven news that On behalf of Ray and myself, I would like year stint on board. night. to thank Dean Summers, Matt Purcell and all the Australian volunteers for the opportunity to participate in this event. www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 23 ITF

Hakula (Tongan flagged): “This vessel has Ukrainian Officers on ITF rates with Vships and they are covered by the appropriate agreement. The Tongan ratings do not have such coverage and are basically receiving ILO minimum rates. A point of interest is that the Tongan 1st Mate is receiving ITF wages and not being paid like his fellow countrymen. The managers of the vessel, INCO Shipping Australia, claim the vessel is not an FOC but in fact the Tongan Flag is considered an FOC. Therefore the vessel was subject to several press releases and scrutiny from the Shipping Inquiry in Canberra. The vessel will now be hounded throughout Australia and New Zealand until such time as they cover the Tongan ratings with an ITF approved Agreement.”

ITF delegation meet with the Master of the “Hakula”

24 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz ITF

Red Sea (Hong Kong flagged): “This was a vessel chartered by ABB and they were particularly nervous with a big contingent of ITF visitors to the vessel. The vessel was covered by our Hong Kong Affiliates MNOG/HKSU and after a very long wait we were able to secure paperwork that suggested the vessel was in compliance. Once again we used our touring caterer, Ray Cook, to check the Galley and stores and he gave them an overwhelming voice of approval. The master was very open about things and was critical of some HKG operators with holding wages and taking money from them at the end of their contracts by way of commissions.”

Inspecting the Athena, a Portuguese flagged, 1948 built cruise vessel (refitted in 1984). ITF Report: “Although extremely ancient the vessel seemed reasonably comfortable for passengers and crew alike, but there were a few problems. The crew payments for part December and January had not yet been processed and we had an issue regarding the crew’s gym access and recreational needs . . . we arranged to come back to solve these.” www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 25 INTERPORT 2010 Interport Sports New Plymouth, 7–10 February 2010

by Terry Ryan Port Taranaki, this year’s Interport host, is the only deep water sea port on New Zealand’s western seaboard, 373 kilometres south from Auckland and 357 kilometres north from Wellington. The port was established in 1875. In 1881 work began on a breakwater to provide safe anchorage from the Tasman Sea. Today Port Taranaki is well sheltered by two breakwaters which extend from either end of a naturally curved bay. The Port is situated in Taranaki’s main centre, New Plymouth, a modern city of 55,000 people. The Taranaki region boosts 105,000 residents with the dominant landmark being Mt Taranaki/Mt Egmont, and is one of the world’s premier dairying regions. It is also the only area in New Zealand where commercial quantities of oil and gas have been discovered and since Fred Salalea of Auckland Local 13 (left) with Maritime Union General Secretary Joe Fleetwood (photo by Terry Ryan) the beginnings of major offshore oil exploration in the 1960’s has been a provider of related maritime, support and heavy lift services, along with jobs for MUNZ members. This scenic region of the North Island is lorded over by the snow capped Mt Taranaki/Mt Egmont and a great place for the sports men and sports women of MUNZ to meet and contest the 55th Interport tournament. A very successful tournament was held in New Plymouth due to the organisation of Bob Surrey and his committee. The 56th Interport Sports Tournament will be held in Port Chalmers on 14 February 2011.See you there.

Dave Mora (left) receives his prize from Harry Mayn (photo by Terry Ryan)

26 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz INTERPORT 2010 Fishing

Fishing got away to a bad start when one of the boats broke down. The local officials finally sorted it out at midnight by convincing local charter operator, Happy Chaddy, to take the remainder of the fishermen on out on his Welsh lifeboat “Rescue III”. Interesting day - lifted craypots to score half a dozen crayfish as a bonus, tall tales from the jovial skipper, Chaddy, and a new member for the Veterans Association as John (Ian) Dow, an ex bosun and seafarer who had sailed with Mike Clark and Glen Wylie and happened to be the deckhand on the “Rescue III” was signed up. No bait was a feature until a few trawls landed a dozen large Kahawai. As sea shanties rang out from the “Rescue III’s” microphone and feasting on crayfish Fred Salalea of Auckland Local 13 (left) with Maritime Union General Secretary Joe Fleetwood (photo by Terry Ryan) cooked by Mark Larkin, MUNZ New Plymouth Branch President, a few gurnard were plucked from the ocean. Sadly this enjoyable fun boat with 10 fishers on board was too slow to go deep water to the rich fishing grounds where the big woofers were waiting. However rough seas on the Wednesday saw the Rescue III the only boat to put out to sea. The rough ride was worthwhile as Wellington’s Glen Wylie fluked a decent snapper before running back to Chaddy’s for a few warming rums. The three faster boats working deep sea harvested the most fish aboard the “Sporty” with skipper Kev, “Lahiana” Peter, and “Keeper” Bas making for a most enjoyable week. Every year the fishermen have a prize for the tallest tale. This year was a close call with Steve Conroy saying to Joe Raymond “I’m having no luck, I’ll put on my Parramatta Eels hat”. Believe it or not he then caught an eel! Even this story was beaten by Ray Munce Some of the crew of “Rescue III”, from left, Doug Phillips, Trevor Hanson, Dianne Babbington, Mark Larkin, Mike Clark and Glen Wylie (photo by Terry Ryan) entering his room, picking up the soap on his towel and straight into the shower. Ripping off the wrapping of the soap he Largest Gurnard: thought it was a funny colour, so after a Fishing Results Trevor Hawkins (Joe 90), Port Otago little rub he picked up the wrapper to see not Palmolive but Whittakers. Pacifica Trophy Largest Tarakahi: (The other boys ate their welcome gift of Andrew Shaw (Forrest Gump), Port Otago Largest Snapper: chocolate rather than showering with it.) Glen Wylie, Wellington Largest John Dory: Andrew Shaw, Port Otago Port News Cup Largest Kahawai: Largest fish: Clive Giles, Port Otago Andrew Shaw, Port Otago, 11.46kg Groper Unluckiest Fisherman: Largest Blue Cod: Dave Mora, Auckland, Dianne Babbington, Port Otago Kingfish (illegal by 3cm.)

Largest Red Cod: The fishing group is most appreciative of the Jeff Hindle, Port Otago generous Hunting and Fishing sponsorship.

Largest Tuna: Suggestion: Maybe if Steve Conroy Fred Salelea, Auckland, 4.655kg wanted to catch a big fish he should have donned a Cronulla Shark’s hat! www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 27 INTERPORT 2010 Golf Results

Interport Cup – 54 Hole Nett 1st D. Manu, New Plymouth 2nd B. Masters, New Plymouth

Rare Cup – 54 Hole Gross 1st S. Campbell, Auckland 2nd B. Williams, Tauranga

Flett Black Memorial – 54 Hole Par 1st G. Hindley, New Plymouth 2nd G. Butler, Port Chalmers

George Waller Memorial – 54 Hole Stableford 1st N. Stokell, New Plymouth 2nd D. Belsham, Auckland

Crockett & Lewis Cup – 18 Hole Stableford 1st B. Johns, New Plymouth 2nd B. Souter, Lyttelton

Bill Brown Memorial: Best Nett Golfers recovering after a hard day on the links (photo by Terry Ryan) Outside Main Trophies K. Loredo, Lyttelton

Norm Fisher Memorial: Best Gross Any Day J. Behrent, Auckland

KereKere Canoe: 36 Hole Gross Nett Teams 1st Auckland S. Campbell, C. Waretini, J. Behrent, A. Peke, D. Belsham, A. Slade 2nd Port Chalmers G. Waugh, C. McWilliam, G. Butler, F. Adams, G. Donaldson, R. Richan

Tarera Cup Winners: 4 Ball Best Ball 1st S. Koote, New Plymouth 2nd J. Presland, Tauranga

Wellington Cup: Runners Up 4 Ball Best Ball 1st T. Brown, Tauranga 2nd D. Brown, Tauranga

Tom Heenan Memorial Trophy: B. Surrey, New Plymouth

Credit Union Cup: Ladies 18 Hole Stableford 1st V. John, New Plymouth Trevor Hawkins (left) of Port Otago receives his prize from Harry Mayn (photo by Terry Ryan) 2nd T. Hemopo, Dunedin

Visitors Trophy: 18 Hole Stableford S. Koote, New Plymouth To illustrate the comeback Auckland were Golf 14 shots off the pace after the first day Most Honest Golf and won by 12 – a 26 shot turnaround. M. Myers, Auckland The golf was played at the Fitzroy None played better than Arthur Peke who Golf Club, a genuine links course, with was a big mover with a nett 63, while a Artie Pitrcher Visitors Trophy: Best Nett panoramic views of the North Taranaki prominent Otago stalwart blew up with a G. Graham coastline, New Plymouth city and Mt 90. Taranaki/Mt Egmont. Mike Myers won the most honest golf Ray Dobson Memorial: Best Gross Visitors P. Austin, Timaru A challenging course of 4977 metres with trophy, however George Ward feels a par of 68 and easy walking undulations robbed. For 40 years he has never broken and slopes. Ten ports contested the golf. 100 and this year he carded a 99 and was Timaru was a welcome addition to the 56 chopped 2 shots and probably lost the contestants. most honest trophy on the basis of it. Auckland was down and out after two The caterers at the Fitzroy Club were days of competition for the KereKere like the members – first class and very Canoe, before a spectacular recovery saw accommodating – even put Lion Red them leap into the lead and secure the win. on tap during the tournament for the Northerners’ convenience.

28 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz INTERPORT 2010 Indoor Sports

Indoor sports were contested at the New Plymouth Workingmens’ Club and demonstrated the strength of the South Island in indoor sports. 24 contestants entered into the darts drawn pairs with many enjoyable and memorable moments as the field was whittled down through best of three 501 games. Indoor Sports Results

Winners: Dave Thorpe (Lyttelton) and Raewyn Napier (Pt Chalmers) Auckland athletes preparing for competition (photo by Terry Ryan)

Runners Up: Brian Collins (Lyttelton) and Dennis Sewell (Lyttelton)

Highest Score: Mike Myers, Onehunga - 138

Four competitors from Lyttelton dominated the pool competition with Dave Thorpe and Dennis Sewell emerging as winners of their respective semifinals over Jeremy Wilson and Dave Beckett.

The final was a close tussle and just like the flick of a coin could have gone either way. Finally Dave Thorpe was to emerge as the winner. Lyttelton Port Company provided all four of the semi-finalists.

Jeff Hindle takes aim in the darts competition (photo by Terry Ryan)

More Maritime Union photos online at www.flickr.com/maritimeunion

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 29 PORT ROUNDUPS

Maritime Union online

www.munz.org.nz

At the Auckland Seafarers’ 2009 Old Timers Function, from left MUNZ General Secretary Joe Fleetwood, National Vice President Garry Parsloe and Wellington Seafarers Branch Secretary Mike Clark

As well as welcoming past Executive The third speaker was Russell Mayn members, I acknowledged the excellent who stated that it was great to see that Auckland relationship that the Auckland Seafarers’ we finally have Local 13 and Auckland Branch has with Local 13, thanked recently Seafarers into one Branch. This bodes well retired Local 13 President Denis Carlisle for the future. Seafarers who had put in an apology as he could not The next four speakers were the Members be in attendance, and also thanked Local of Parliament Darien Fenton, Carol 13 Secretary Russell Mayn, the incoming Beaumont, Jacinda Ardern, and Lyn Pillay. by Garry Parsloe Vice President Carl Findlay and the rest of They all gave good presentations stating the Local 13 Executive. that the Old Timers’ parties were great Old Timers’ Christmas Party Other MUNZ Officials present were occasions and they were happy to attend General Secretary Joe Fleetwood and and share in the festivities. On 18 December 2009 we held the Old Wellington Seafarers’ Secretary Mike Clark. The final speaker was Ray Bianchi. Ray Timers’ Christmas Party at the Maritime It was great to have Officials from other spoke about how seafaring creates unity Club in Anzac Avenue, Auckland. unions in attendance, especially SFWU and solidarity and never leaves the blood. I addressed the Old Timers on behalf of the Northern Secretary Jill Ovens and The food as usual was excellent thanks to Auckland Branch Executive, pointing out AWUNZ Secretary Ray Bianchi. Donny Hooper and Jimmy MacNeil. that the Old Timers hold a special place There were members from other ports As always it was an excellent day out in the union as we would not be enjoying and we made mention of Ray Murdock for all the Old Timers’ and on behalf of the conditions we enjoy today but for their from Tauranga, Terry Blake from Waihi, the Auckland Branch Executive I want struggles in the past. Byron Cummings from Napier and John to thank all those individuals and ships This was further confirmed when I read Broughton from Tauranga. crews for their donations which made the all the faxes from the ships wishing all the We had four members of Parliament at Old Timers’ Party the success that it was. Old Timers all the best on their day. the party, Darien Fenton, Carol Beaumont, See you all next time which will be 17 Past Executive members in attendance Jacinda Ardern and Lyn Pillay. December 2010. were Pat Lumber (ex National Executive The first speaker was Gerard Hill who member of both the Cooks’ and Stewards’ gave an address on the History of the Union and the New Zealand Seafarers’ Maritime Unions, the Trade Union Union), Alex McDonald (ex President Movement both past and present and then Auckland Seamen’s Branch and also concluded by stating how important it long standing member of the Seafarers’ was to work hard to re-elect a Labour led National Executive) and Gerard Hill (ex Government. Auckland Branch Assistant Secretary of The second speaker was Joe Fleetwood the New Zealand Seafarers’ Union.) and it was great to see the incoming General Secretary taking time out of his heavy schedule to attend our party.

30 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS Lyttelton by Les Wells

National officials visit On 4 March Lyttelton Branch was host to the four National Officials. This request was made from Lyttelton to the National Office for a National Officer to attend a Special Stopwork meeting to discuss going from a flat rate Union fee to a percentage rate. After some heated debate there are still some who are reluctant to do this. It has been worked out that we must pay the percentage rate as directed by the Triennial Conference. It will be how we set it up to satisfy all members.

Port merger At Auckland Labour Party fundraiser, from left: Labour MP Carol Beaumont, MUNZ National Vice President Garry Parsloe, There has been a lot of reports in the paper former Cooks and Stewards/Seaman’s Union official Gerry Hill and Labour MP Jacinda Ardern talking about the merger between Ports of Lyttelton and Port Otago (Port Chalmers). This seems all go at the moment. I would like to think this would be beneficial to both branches.

C3 We have lost two men from C3, as they have taken an early retirement package. They will have the ability to come back as B-graders. We wish them both the very best in their semi-retirement.

Pacifica With Rod Grout departing from his position it will be very interesting to see what direction they take. The Union would like to wish Rod all the very best in the future although we have had some arguments over the years, Rod was always a supporter of union labour.

LSS LSS is going through a lean time at the moment ship wise so we hope it picks up in the future. Lyttelton yacht races: The Noelex 22 championships were held in Lyttelton harbour on Saturday 30 January – Monday 1 February. Nine races were held over the three day period and of those nine races, eight were won by none other than some of our very own cargo handlers, pictured on far left, Tristin Joel (skipper) and second from left Barry Ornsby (crew) on Tristins vessel (Hard Core Pawn). Well done on this outstanding achievement, they now have the title of New Zealand National Champs (photo supplied by Ken Camp, Naval Point Club, Lyttelton)

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 31 PORT ROUNDUPS

From experience, we all know that more If I was a having a punt, the next claim Auckland flexible labour models always means from the Company will be that it cannot reduced terms and conditions for workers. compete with the price of the contractors I also find the comments on the recession and the permanent workforce employed Local 13 interesting. The response from global by the Company will be asked to reduce leaders was to pour billions of dollars terms and conditions to remain in by Russell Mayn into the world economy to support employment. Talk about starting the year with a bang, employment and avoid the downward The Company has said that it will not be there are more issues going on in the port spiral of unemployment and then making any redundancies if it proceeds than at a Local 13 executive meeting and depression. with outsourcing, the concern is what that is saying something. During a recession, downsizing only happens down the track. It was only last Following the announcement by the compounds the problem. The social cost year that over thirty stevedores in the port Port Company that it is investigating to workers and their families is significant were made redundant. The reason from outsourcing (contracting out), there is a and I do not subscribe to the view that the Company at the time was that the totally different mood in the port. any recession could have a substantial recession was hitting hard and forecasts The Company has been very careful to positive impact. This at best would be an were for reduced cargo volumes. say that it is only an investigation and opportunist approach. One could sympathise with the doubts no decision has been made. Many of Our industry is already highly casualized, that the members of Local 13 have as to the our members are skeptical about this and this issue is a priority for the Union real reasons for fixed term employees and statement, and I share their sentiments. nationally. Casualization feeds on itself. In whether a decision has already been made The provocative move by the Company the destructively competitive environment on contracting out. to proceed with employing fixed term we work in, as soon as one company These are valid concerns when they know employees has only added fuel to the fire. increases its component of casualization, there is plenty of work in the port and Coincidentally, the expiry date of the fixed so must its competitors, and the race to the ample opportunity for new permanent term appointments is just around the time bottom begins. employees in the stevedoring operation. when the decision on contracting out is The Port Company Collective Agreement One could also be extremely suspicious of due. in Auckland has always focused on the $5 million savings target. The more that comes out, the more we promoting fulltime employment, and Many of the costs involved in stevedoring have to ask ourselves what is the real we understand the challenges that every are constant, fuel, electricity, rates and so agenda of management here. stevedoring company faces with “peaks forth are not subject to negotiation. The After reading speech notes from Ports and troughs”. cost of maintenance and the purchase of Auckland CEO Jens Madsen’s recent The agreement in Auckland makes of new equipment also remain fairly presentation to the 4th International Asia provision for these “peaks and troughs” by constant. The one component that sticks 2010 Conference in Sydney, it has set a way of the classification of Axis Ancillary out is the cost of labour and it seems to me number of alarm bells ringing. Stevedores. all the signals point to labour being the The following are some selected excerpts Simply put, these stevedores are only target. from his presentation: guaranteed three shifts per week and the Industrial battles and the struggle to “Variable costs, including labour, will trade off for this classification is a career protect workers terms and condition is not also come under increased and ongoing path to permanency through the “click unfamiliar ground for the Maritime Union scrutiny, with new, more flexible models over clause”. of New Zealand. needed for ports to remain competitive.” The “click over clause” reviews the hours Already pledges of solidarity from around “We responded quickly with a major that Axis Ancillary workers complete New Zealand have poured into the Union cost reduction exercise and a project to and calculates the number of full time offices in Auckland as Local 13 prepares to consolidate our two separate terminal equivalents this corresponds to over six protect the terms and conditions they have operations into one - and we’re on track months. negotiated. to deliver a minimum of $5 million of Currently the Port Company is well It is worthy to note that the Collective operational savings this financial year.” below its numbers in this classification, Agreement between the Ports Company “Looking back, the recession gave impetus but nevertheless is claiming that they and Local 13 was only signed off in June to our decision-making and strengthened cannot service their customers because of 2009. our spine when it came to pushing these an extraordinary increase in volumes and One off the most common quotes I hear on changes through.” volatility. a daily basis from our members is that the “Our focus on lifting productivity must Local 13 refutes these claims and opposes ink has hardly dried on the paper and they and will intensify. Sure we were doing this any move from the Port Company to are back looking for a second bite of the before the recession, but we have become contract out stevedoring jobs in the Port cherry. It certainly is going to make for an more hard-nosed and will continue to raise of Auckland. The drive for contracting interesting negotiation next time around. the bar.” out is simply another step to further Local 13 acknowledge and thank all the “We have cut costs and achieved efficiency casualisation and past experience has Branches/Locals for their support. gains - the recession has had substantial shown a reduction in terms and conditions positive impact.” always follows.

32 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS

Maritime Union members watch as thousands of runners pass by the Ports of Auckland at the Round the Bays fun run, and use the opportunity to spread the message against outsourcing at the Ports of Auckland, Sunday 14 March 2010 (photo by John Darroch)

Auckland maritime workers make their way to the Ports of Auckland to rally against outsourcing and promote their cause at the Round the Bays fun run, Sunday 14 March 2010 (photo by John Darroch) www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 33 PORT ROUNDUPS

A plane flies overhead towing a big red banner across the Auckland skyline, getting the message across to 70,000 participants and spectators in the Round the Bays fun run, Sunday 14 March 2010 (photo by John Darroch)

Keep your port in public hands – Ports of Auckland, Sunday 14 March 2010 (photo by John Darroch)

34 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS

ASCO members are pleased with the visits Auckland Walking and we have managed to sort through payment issues for statutory days for Delegate Report B-register members and a few other issues. Recently Craig Harrison and I undertook by Dave Phillips an ITF inspection on the Mt Owen Maritime Walking Delegate, MUNZ Local 13 berthed at Freyberg on the request of our Greetings Comrades. It has been busy Australian comrades as the crew were times coming to grips with my new role as owed a significant amount of back wages Maritime Walking Delegate Local 13. and leave. I have put together a schedule of time slots There was also a problem with for visiting messrooms and ships and hope repatriation. Some of the crew were everyone is becoming satisfied with the months over their contract and the presence. shipping company was refusing to send My main focus is to build confidence in them home stating there were no reliefs for your union, put a face to it, to make the them. branch the contact point for all issues I am pleased to report that we secured surrounding your employment that you all overdue payments and had those are not happy with and to ensure when due home repatriated. It was a pleasure you call you get represented. to assist our Australian comrades and It also assists the other officials by freeing demonstrate to shipping companies that them up to get on with the business of they will be held to account when trying running our branch. to exploit the people they employ. The ITF have contacts worldwide, there is no place C3 delegates and I are involved in Dave Phillips discussions with their management to hide. to resolve outstanding issues around With Garry tied up internationally, I have operational, contractual and health and become involved with Fullers who love to safety. summon their employees to disciplinary We are hoping to get a result on most of hearings for everything that goes wrong these issues. We also managed to secure operationally. salvage rates on the Fesco Vladimar which Rather than discuss problems with had a huge spill of fuel down below. I employees to see what can be done to Auckland Local would also like to congratulate Henry resolve these incidents, they insist on Neenee, Dave Clarke, Andy Nathan and investigating with a rider, threat of either 13 Picnic Day Trent Gunther on their recent appointment disciplinary action or dismissal. It seems a to job delegates unopposed. bit of a strange way to achieve buy in and 2010 Golf Results Axis Pack are unhappy at their productivity at the coalface. management in the way they are handling The Ports of Auckland. Well what can I say, yet again they have put our members Gary Haddon who had a slight turn but Best Gross: Mick Dengelo - 70 in the firing line without even a thought of was cleared by a heart specialist to return Runner Up: Chic Waretini- 74 the effort the membership puts in on their immediately to full duties. This wasn’t behalf. good enough for the company who Best Nett: Steve Hoani – 64 It is very hard to hold back on what I wanted to impose their will by sending Runner up: Cameron Arbuckle – 65 Gary to their own doctor. Naturally Gary would really like to put to paper but all I can say is I am not surprised on the current refused and has been suspended on Best Stableford: Wayne Doubleday – 40 attack by this company. History has shown pay, and we are seeking a remedy in the Runner Up: Garry Watson – 40 Employment Authority. they are never satisfied with what they achieve at the table and always embark on Rail and Shuttle members are obviously Nearest the Pin: Hole 9: Bryan Metcalfe undermining the terms and conditions in very concerned about having job security Nearest the Pin: Hole 14: Bob Soloman the port. leading into the future with the Port Nearest the Pin: Hole 15: Taira Te Rito Company looking at contracting out Obviously the hollow principles from Compass only apply when they are their entire operation, making all of these Longest Drive 0 – 16 handicap: dealing with themselves. Our union members positions redundant. Aubrey Slade officials are very pleased with the I am visiting Axis Engineering on a regular Longest Drive 17 – 36 handicap: discipline and solidarity which is being basis to keep the membership informed as Harry Mayn to what is unfolding in respect to the Port demonstrated by the membership at Fergusson Terminal. We know you have Company. Best Women’s Stableford: Bryan Metcalfe At Wallace Stevedoring, there are no issues had enough. The branch is throwing everything it outstanding with the membership. It must Holes in Two: Danny Belsham, Bob Solo- has at this to defend your rights in the be a great place to work. It is great to call man, Chic Waretini, Bryan Stacey in and brief the members there over a workplace. We can assure Axis Shuttle you cuppa as to what is happening portwide are not on the fringes of this dispute. You and just shoot the breeze. are as important as every member under attack. Just remember: if in doubt, get me out!

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 35 PORT ROUNDUPS Port Chalmers Dunedin by Phil Adams Greetings from the South. Things have been particularly busy in the Terminal. The arrival of a new M/T stacker side loader should relieve some of the pressure of our depot work with wash, PT rail repair etc. The two new high straddles are now performing and saving on unnecessary moves. The drivers tell me these are certainly a lot higher but with the arrival of another side loader a lot of pressure will now be alleviated. Now that those who took voluntary redundancy have left, the place has been busy than ever, culminating into two cargo handlers moving into control. Congratulations to David Middleditch and Former Branch President Bruce Malcolm receives his branch life membership from National President Phil Adams at the Port Chalmers Dunedin Branch 2009 Christmas Party. Other recipients of the award included two veterans of the 1951 Roger Crawford. lockout Walter Meehan and Gordon (Buck) Forgie, along with former branch officials Davey Dick and Ray Sinclair The Port Chalmers’ Cargo Services lads are (photo by Stu Crawford). relatively quiet at the moment, with fish, logs and out of port work keeping them Our agreement expires in early July Deaths of two prominent members active. and with the Secretary overseas for the Two prominent retired members of the Merger month of June and it was hoped to start branch, Colin William Smith and James negotiations early. If this is not possible, Victor Campbell recently passed away. The feeling around our port is the merger negotiations will start about the second Colin was a colorful member of the Union with Lyttelton will probably go ahead, week of July and hopefully completed and never short of a word. He served which may put some jobs in jeopardy. Both shortly after. on our executive for some years as a the Lyttelton branch and ourselves will be Our negotiating team will consist of Phil dedicated member of the Union and was a watching this whole process with interest. Adams, Graeme Wall, Ian Quarrell and Stu competent operator. Crawford. Colin was well known to a lot of older Queenstown Unit retired wharfies around New Zealand The unit continues to prove popular and at Clothing including Veterans’ secretary Terry Ryan. our last meeting it was agreed to upgrade The Secretary has caps and beanies James Victor Campbell passed away the furniture and also put some money available and the polo shirts when they recently. He was another competent aside to contest a possible survey problem. become available. worker and loyal member, and was Our Union will be involved should any prominent in first aid and St. John. meeting be held in regard to this. Drug testing His contribution to waterfront first aid was If any member around the country is part of our excellent team of first aiders in Drug testing after an accident regardless interested in using the unit, call Alan an industry that was deemed to have high of its seriousness is proving a contentious Middleditch on 03 4728753 or Ian Quarrell accident workplaces. issue at the moment. All our members are on 03 4727216 We send our condolences to the families of asking for is consistency. these two gentlemen. Sickness Auckland and Timaru situation Sports Tourney Two members recovering from illness Our branch is watching the situation with at the moment are Peter Sharples and Our team are slowly trickling back from contracting out in Auckland closely as this Noel Currie. We wish them well as they New Plymouth. All agreed it was a great could have significant effects around the recuperate. tourney with Andrew Shaw prominent in other terminals. Auckland need to take a the fishing. Our golf team led to the last Negotiations strong stance through strong leadership day but finished second. and a united workforce for them to Next year the tourney will be held in Port At our meeting in February, it was decided succeed. Chalmers and preparations have begun to set up a remit committee comprising The Auckland members have our total already. two executive members, along with support in their struggles. Andrew Jennings, Steve Smith and a The Timaru situation with ISO working With the expiry of the terminal agreement member from the sheds. alongside RMTU members is a problem this year, the Branch needs to stay united Members are reminded that the cutoff for with neighboring ports such as Lyttelton to take on the challenges negotiations will remits is 19 March and remits should be and Port Chalmers watching closely. bring. dropped off at the Secretary’s office before With this in mind our national officials will Remember to attend your branch meetings then. be working with the RMTU leadership on as they are the cornerstone of our Union. a strategic alliance to make sure that New You will be kept up to date and have the Zealand ports are worked by bonafide opportunity to contribute to debate and union members. decisions. United we stand, divided we fall.

36 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS Napier by Bill Connelly

Around and about Tourist vessels are a constant feature over the summer months, the same as last year, but with one difference. Last year on 6 January 2009, we had three alongside on the same day, but this year only two on any one day. The Dutch tourist vessel the Volendam was recently in the port and had to be accommodated at the container berth, while the container vessel Lambert Schulte was shifted to the log berth to continue working, strange but true. We are just about ready to kick off the busiest part of the year with squash and fruit added to the mix. This again will create a shortage of skilled Napier MUNZ Branch members Amy Gattsche and Kevin Pearce at the branch Christmas Function at the Cosmopolitan personnel, but somehow we seem to Club, 2 December 2009 (photo by Bill Connelly) manage to get through, although it is not getting any easier. The $47 million reclamation and new wharf have been completed, opened in November 2009 and has already been utilised to load logs and squash.

C3 (formerly Toll Logistics New Zealand Ltd): Their current Collective Agreement expires on 31 December 2010.

Hawke’s Bay Stevedoring Services Limited: Our members employed by this company have been in continual employment on a regular basis and their idle time content is minimal. Their current Collective Agreement has been rolled over for six months, until the end of February 2010.

Kelcold Limited: Their agreement expires on the 1 December 2010.

Xmas Function: Port of Napier, January 2010 (photo by Bill Connelly) This was a huge success with a lot of the older retired ex members showing up and enjoying a few beers with some of their old workmates and a few of our newer The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Not a very auspicious year, but we look members. now owns 100% of the shares in the forward to 2010 with the hope that the It was good to see that some of the Kelcold Port of Napier, having purchased the global situation will improve and the talk members managed to attend and they small percentage formerly owned by of recession will become a thing of the past were welcomed by one and all. the Manawatu and Wanganui District and hopefully part of our history. Year in Review: Councils. The Officers, Executive and members of The two stevedoring companies operating the Napier Branch hope all members and 2009 was as we all know the year of in the port, Hawke’s Bay Stevedoring their families, throughout the country, had recession and a necessity for cutbacks and Services and C3 have found the going a great Christmas break and wish you all trimming costs and profits to a minimum, tough this year, but both seem to have the best for 2010. although the Port Companies around the come through without too much harm and country seem to be doing alright, judging hopefully 2010 will be kinder to them, as from their distribution of profits to their we hope it will. respective shareholders.

www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 37 PORT ROUNDUPS

Offshore Wellington Unfortunately there is no good news to Wellington report work wise with the Kan Tan III and the two Farstad supply boats now Seafarers being delayed by up to three months due Waterfront to unforeseen breakdown problems in by John Whiting by Mike Clark Australia. Welcome to the New Year and another We are waiting with bated breath for busy one ahead of us. Hopefully those of the EBA to be settled as our database is Port Company - CentrePort us lucky enough to have had a break over growing daily. Our Branch together with the local RMTU the festive season will be refreshed and One bit of good news is a multi purpose Branch have been engaged in intensive back into the swing of things by the time vessel operating out of Nelson is due here negotiations for the greater part of 2009 this issue goes to print. late January and picking up a full New with the Wellington Port Company around The year ahead will be a difficult one for Zealand crew mid February. proposals to implement work place our Union, with seafarers’ unemployment changes designed to assist with reduced being a huge concern for us. Branch Picnic income from a falloff in the number of On the stevedoring side the threat of This was held on Sunday 24 January at boxes handled. contracting out in Auckland, restructuring Days Bay. In spite of a few previous days At the start of November 2009 the in the Port of Wellington and job losses in of bad weather the organizers relied on the Company advised us that they wished to other ports around the country will feature forecast and their own prior experience enter a formal consultation process around strongly with the National Executive along and went ahead. implementing some half dozen work with many other issues that confront us on In spite of a few clouds in the morning the practice changes from an original wish list a daily basis. weather turned out great. of 50 items. To all members have a great 2010, stay safe The staunch few who turned out with their We believed the formal consultation and above all stay involved. children ended up having a great time process would put us in a legal straitjacket with a bouncy castle for the kids along and advised the Company that we KiwiRail with tennis, cricket, softball and races. intended to continue to negotiate with The branch has a number of issues with A huge thank you to Tania Kahui and them in good faith as we had for many Kiwirail at the moment which are now in husband Bevan, also to Bradley Clifford, months. the hands of our legal team. for all their hard work in organizing this Negotiations continued well into This is disheartening in as much as minor event. December, finally reaching a position indiscretions seem to escalate to a level Also thanks to the Interislander who where a proposal has been drafted where they cannot be remedied amicably sponsored fruit drinks and lollies for the for consideration by the membership. and therefore have to go to a higher level kids as they have done in the past. Included are not only changes to work which is very time consuming. On a more serious note, these events are practices but also retirement provisions Arahura is rumored to be going to dry not cheap to organize and if there is not for long serving employees with full dock earlier than previously scheduled more support for events such as these they replacements and other considerations that so as any information comes to hand it may be in jeopardy and not continue. recognise negotiated change is a two way will be passed on to the delegates on the Perhaps if we advertised free drinks we street. vessels. would need a bigger venue. At the time of writing we are convening The company is still waiting on prices for This event is a maritime tradition going a full meeting of the cargo workforce to the Aratere’s lengthening which will then back decades and many current members consider these proposals. be have to put to the Board of Directors to can remember attending as children. To consider whether funding is available. those who turned up to support the event, Higgans Tow services thank you for continuing that tradition. This Company bought out a previous Strait Shipping operator providing the discharge and load As reported in the last journal, this of road trucks using the Interisland Lines company is holding its own in a Cook Strait ferry services. competitive market. The Kent is still on Asbestos on Pacific Ariki The buyout included the existing the market with a replacement vessel employees, many of whom joined the not forthcoming until the company has by Mike Clark Maritime Union. something concrete on the table from Wellington Seafarers’ Secretary The Union initiated bargaining for a collective agreement and lengthy container shippers that will justify the It has recently come to my attention that negotiations have resulted in a new purchase of another vessel. an assessment by Swires Australia for agreement being achieved that provides all The company has indicated the Kent’s hazardous materials onboard the offshore the clauses and protections that we expect crew will be absorbed into the company’s supply vessel MV Pacific Ariki was found in a Union document, and while not two other vessels. to contain asbestos products which were reaching large financial gains, provides a subsequently removed. solid platform for future improvements. NIWA This vessel operated out of New Ply- This collective will be reported to the mouth, New Zealand, between October This company has indicated they will be members at both Wellington and Picton 1986 and October 1997. laying up the Tangaroa for three months ASAP to seek their endorsement. If any past or current member has been en- later in 2010, probably July–September. This will be to install a DP (dynamic gaged on this vessel either while it was in positioning) system which will give the New Zealand or Australia, please contact vessel more options. either Joe Fleetwood or Mike Clark if you Also on the agenda with this company is a have any concerns regarding health issues review of the drug and alcohol policy. and we will take it up on your behalf with Swires Pacific Management in Australia.

38 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS

Wellington Branch members showing their solidarity for lLWU borax miners locked out in California by their employer Rio Tinto (photo by Grahame MacLaren)

Bergen Resolution crew, standing from left Duncan Ryan, Dean Bradshaw, Alf Boyle, Gilbert Muir, Joe Thompson, Fraser Barlow, Fred Hennings, Francois Nakhla, Ruka Rarere, front two, Vinne Lee and Mike Will (thanks to Ruka for supplying the photo) www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 39 PORT ROUNDUPS

Touch rugby at the Picnic Day Baby Nate tired from the full on day

Left: Turtle Mowbray at the Picnic Day

Right: Picnic Day co-organizer Bradley Clifford gets some batting advice from General Secretary Joe Fleetwood

In my experience whanau is very precious It was really good to have our General Wellington and being a part of MUNZ we have simi- Secretary Joe Fleetwood and our Welling- larities. We may go through day to day ton Branch Secretary Mike Clark and also struggles but we will fight to the bitter end our Wellington Waterfront Secretary John Picnic Day to stay together. Whiting present at our Family BBQ. About four years ago, Joe Fleetwood ap- It’s is always great to see these very busy proached me and asked if I would like to comrades being able to put some time and BBQ 2010 help Bradley Clifford from the Wellington aside to attend functions like this. Waterfront organize a Family BBQ, I was Comrades we need your support next year by Tania Kahui more than happy to help out a fellow by you enjoying a free relaxing Family Kia Ora Kotoe Katoa comrades, comrade. BBQ day, so that our families can meet First off I would like to introduce myself, On Sunday 24 January 2010 we had our other families. Remember our children are my name is Tania Kahui and I am a MUNZ Family BBQ day at Days Bay in East- our next future, we need them to under- delegate on the Arahura. bourne Wellington. That morning was not stand what Unions mean and what good Also last year at the CTU women’s confer- very promising, the weather was cold and they will do for their future. ence I was appointed by the CTU Runanga wet with a few light winds here and there. Last but not least I want to say thank you as the Maori Women’s representative for I drove over to Seatoun and had a look at to MUNZ, Wellington Waterfront (RMTU), the CTU Women’s Council. Eastbourne and the weather was beautiful, Ports of Wellington, and Interislander for This position will be very challenging for so we decided to go ahead no matter what. their kind donations that made this day me, and I believe that the Maritime Union We didn’t have a huge turnout like the possible. and I will benefit from my new knowl- last few years. I think people thought that Also I want to acknowledge a very special edge. the weather was not at its best in Days comrade Bradley Clifford. Every year I am married to Bevin Kahui and we Bay “comrades” – Eastbourne has its own Bradley puts 100 percent into our family have four teenaged children and an eight weather forecast, out there it was hot and BBQ. What makes Bradley special he is year old son. We moved our whanau sunny all day. a bachelor with no children and he goes from Taranaki five years ago to give our We had lots of entertainment for our all out to make this a very successful day. children more opportunities in Wellington. children, a Bouncy Castle, Running Races, Thank you Bradley. Touch Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, T-Ball, Soc- cer and Board games.

40 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz PORT ROUNDUPS Bluff by Ray Fife The New Year has now kicked in and with it the true agenda of the National Government is starting to surface. Starting with the cut backs with ACC entitlements, the Government is now looking at proposals to change the Holidays Act that could mean thousands of workers facing cuts to sick and annual leave entitlements. No doubt we will see changes to the Employment Relations Act sometime through the year, any changes will only be bad news to workers. The lousy 25 cents per hour increase to the minimum wage will be wiped out if the proposed increase to GST is implemented. The government says that they will adjust the tax rates to offset the increase but those on the high income bracket will be the only ones to benefit. The rich will get richer, while the poor will get poorer. Health and safety: Korean fishing vessel crewman wearing “protective gear” on the Bluff waterfront, February 2010. The question is, if workers are using plastic bags in place of eye goggles and masks, how effective is enforcement of SouthPort health and safety by Government agencies and port authorities in New Zealand? The port has been reasonably busy since the New Year. Increases in log exports and container movements have contributed to Tauranga this. Gisborne Southland log exports have increased on by Dein Ferris the back of demand from the resurgent Mount Maunganui Asian economies, the market improvement Well the pumpkin season has arrived. Our by Eddie Cook has been driven by growth in the Chinese first shipment went out before New Year, economy. The port has seen between 31 December 2009 to be precise. This was We are currently in negotiations with C3, 10,000 and 15,000 cubic metres of radiata a first. Wilson Parking, Comvita and UCL. and douglas fir logs shipped out each To date we have we have loaded five The branch recently made a small profit month. vessels, with a plywood thrown in, so for the first time in a while. Membership Milk powder production is on the increase. work has been steady. is increasing and things are slowly picking The opening of Fonterra’s fourth dryer in We have had a health check done, eyes, up. Southland means that milk production can ears and breathing. We all passed, but We are currently involved in a mediation now double. The Edendale plant is now some of us old fellas are going deaf (ask with ISL and the results of this will be the single biggest milk plant in the world. the wife). interesting. The Edendale site will account for 20% of We are also having an assessment done Fonterra’s annual production. as per company policy on our crane and It is estimated that total annual production winch skills, which should be interesting would mean 15,000 shipping containers per for those of us who have been around a year and that there is a strong possibility while. that the plant will expand further. The weather has been somewhat different to our normal summers, not cold but Interport wetter than normal. We had a bit of a flood Our members who attended the Interport last week but so far it does not appear to Sports in New Plymouth enjoyed catching have affected squash plantings as much as up with fellow comrades from throughout could have been expected. New Zealand and would like to thank We could do with more sunshine though. the New Plymouth branch for a well run Logs are still pouring out through the Port. tournament. Still, we’ve seen them come and go on numerous occasions. Four of us slipped Derek Fowler into Napier and loaded Pan Pac pulp. Really good experience for our guys who Our condolences to the family of Derek have not done this before or driven gantry Fowler who passed away in January this cranes. Another skill notched up (won’t year. Derek had a long battle with cancer get paid anymore though.) that saw him leave the industry last year because of his illness. He was a very colourful person, was well known around the pubs for his escapades and had a personality that attracted attention. Rest in peace Derek. www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 41 FISHING INDUSTRY

“We are just trying to achieve greater benefits to Kiwis from the NZ Exclusive economic zone’s deep-sea fishing resources, and return some integrity to the system. “No other developed nation allows 100 percent foreign crews to fish their exclusive economic zone and the average Kiwi finds it disgusting. Hopefully, more New Zealanders will be motivated to go online and support us at www.nzfishing. net.nz.” He does not expect rapid action from the Government. National’s Minister of Fisheries Phil Heatley responded to an inquiry about the situation by saying such action might increase costs and impact local consumers. “I do not consider that government intervention to reduce access for the FCV (foreign charter vessel) fleet is consistent with the wider goal of maximising economic benefits and reducing the regulatory costs of doing business,” Mr Heatley said. Industry off- New Zealand quota owners “dry- shored charter” vessels with no crew on them. They are required to prove there are no New Zealanders to fill positions but Mr by Martin Gibson Despite Sealord being half-owned by Gisborne Herald Coulston is dubious this constitutes proof Maori interests, including East Coast of a lack of local labour. Gisborne fisherman Daren Coulston does tribes, there are no Maori in the senior “Why then have fishing skills not been on not care about the $70-worth of wine that management of Sealord and no apparent the Long-Term Skill Shortage List or the former Minister of Fisheries Phil Heatley succession plan to get them there, says Mr Immediate Skill Shortage List since 1986 resigned over. He is more concerned about Coulston. when the quota system came in? the $700 million in lost tax revenue that “Meanwhile, Maori fishers who want to “If we don’t promote succession in those should have been paid by Kiwi fishing work are unemployed while foreign crews skills we will be trapped by default crews working in New Zealand waters. catch Treaty settlement fish. into using foreign crews. This is totally “Instead, they have stood by as fishing “The 1986 and 1992 Treaty of Waitangi preventable – for us it is imperative to companies employed foreign crews and let settlements were finalised in the Maori keep fishing skills in New Zealand for them off the hook tax-free for the last 23 Fisheries Act 2004 and the korero was the benefit of Kiwis and the New Zealand years.” about ‘Maori in the business and activity economy. Mr Coulston is rallying New Zealanders to of fishing’.” “We are questioning how hard they try ask why the Government allows the export Today assets have passed to 50 of 56 iwi, to find New Zealand workers. We put an of 16,000 fishing jobs when they could be which addresses the “business”, but the advertisement on Trade Me and got 700 filled by some of the 168,000 unemployed “activity” of fishing seems to be going applications in one month.” Kiwis. backward, he says. A vessel crewed by New Zealanders will Over 2000 visas are issued to foreign “Sealord has cashed up its NZ-flagged pay around $4 million a year in wages, fishermen to work in New Zealand waters, deep-sea factory vessels, replaced them whereas a foreign crew will pay about $1 on about 35 vessels up to 110 metres in with Russian vessels and crews, then million – this adds up to an incredible loss length, and they will catch about 250,000 closed factories and sacked the workers. from our economy and communities, says tonnes of fish this year, says Mr Coulston. “It just doesn’t look consistent with the Mr Coulston. “They pay no tax, no PAYE, no ACC levies, intention of the MFA 2004.” “If you factor in that this has been and they are not bound by the Health and This action by New Zealand companies going on since 1986 when the Quota Safety in Employment Act.” and inaction by the Government amounts Management System came in, that’s The Seafood Industry Council, which to a betrayal of those who gave their lives about $2.5 billion that did not enter New represents the interests of quota holders fighting for the sovereignty, integrity and Zealand’s economy – $700 million in taxes – including the “big eight” fishing pride of this country and its waters, says the government didn’t get.” companies that use foreign crews and Mr Coulston. Since 2006 foreign crew should be paid the vessels – claims on its website that “there “Members of the RSA and Grey Power are minimum wage. is a shortage of New Zealanders to crew right behind us. “The wages don’t really touch New all vessels fishing in New Zealand waters, “You try to fish in Japanese or Russian Zealand though, and are remitted into the so the use of charter vessels and their crew waters – it’s just not possible, yet we have foreign bank account of the agent – it’s helps meet this shortage”. opened the doors for them to fish in ours.” all at arms-length and there’s no way of Mr Coulston disputes this. Mr Coulston is under no illusions about knowing what the people are actually “We have the capacity and ability to catch the David vs Goliath scrap he is picking. paid. our own fish – officially the jobs can go to “It’s a billion-dollar industry, and I guess foreign workers only when there are no if we annoy them too much they will aim New Zealanders to do the jobs.” some of that resource at shutting us down.

42 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz BRANCH CONTACTS

“A few big companies are getting cheap Whangarei Mobile: 021 855121 labour under dubious pretences, and Letters Fax: 09 459 4972 it makes you wonder whether IRD is Address: PO Box 397, Whangarei collecting all the tax it is due.” Email: [email protected]

Fish is headed, gutted and frozen at sea On 28 October 2009 I was at the Triennial Auckland Seafarers then unloaded, packed into containers in Phone: 09 3032 562 New Zealand and shipped overseas for Conference of the Maritime Union in Fax: 09 3790 766 further processing, labelled as “Product of Wellington. Denis Carlisle, Trevor Hanson, Mobile: 021 326261 Terry Ryan and I were awarded life Address: PO Box 1840, Auckland New Zealand”. Email: [email protected] Despite the label, the main thing exported membership of the union. is jobs, says Mr Coulston. I received my award for fifty years of Auckland Local 13 Phone: 09 3034 652 “For every job at sea there are seven continuous service in the union. I joined the union on 11 May 1959, I first went Fax: 09 3096 851 more on the land – this means that if Mobile: 021 760887 there are 2000 foreign workers fishing in into office as an official by winning a by- Address: PO Box 2645, Auckland New Zealand waters, there are more than election for Vice President of the Dunedin Email: [email protected] 14,000 jobs that could be done by New branch in 1969 and again in 1970. When another by-election came along for Mount Maunganui Zealanders on New Zealand soil in the Phone: 07 5755 668 processing, service and supply industries the Lyttleton Secretary I won that. That Fax: 07 5759 043 Mobile: 0274 782308 where they would pay tax and ACC levies was the biggest learning curve in my life, going through the de-registration. I was Address: PO Box 5121, Mt. Maunganui instead of lining up for dole payments.” Email: [email protected] “What we’re seeing is 16,000 jobs ending given some great assistance by fellas like up somewhere else at the same time as Prisky and the Fitzgerald brothers to name Gisborne Local 38 Mobile: 025 6499697 New Zealand has 168,000 people out of a couple. After the union was re-registered I stood Address: 5 Murphy Road, Gisborne work. This is compounded by the fact that Email: [email protected] those who do have jobs here have to pay for office in Dunedin but was defeated by New Plymouth the taxes that pay the benefits. It makes George McLeod. The membership stayed with the status quo which in hindsight Mobile: 021 479269 you wonder what they did on the Job Address: PO Box 659, New Plymouth Summit last year when there were all these was the right thing to do. Since then I have Email: [email protected] jobs under their noses.” only been out of office for eight years. Napier Neither the chairman of Ngati Porou I have been part of all major disputes and held the position of National Councillor, Phone/Fax: 06 8358 622 Seafoods and former Sealord director Mobile: 027 6175441 Whaimutu Dewes nor Te Ohu Kaimoana Assistant Secretary twice, and National Address: PO Box 70, Napier Email: [email protected] chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana responded Vice President for eight years. I was defeated in 2002 and then re-elected to requests for comment on their use of Wellington Seafarers foreign workers to catch Maori-owned Auckland President of the Seafarers Phone: 04 3859 288 quota. branch, a position I have held for the last Fax: 04 3848 766 four years. This is why my peers awarded Mobile: 0274 538222 Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington (Originally published in The Gisborne Herald, 6 March me this membership. Email: [email protected] 2010, reproduced with permission) I feel humbled for being recognized in this way and will cherish it for the rest of my Wellington Waterfront natural days. Phone: 04 8017 619 Fax: 04 3848 766 I thanked some people personally but not Mobile: 021 606379 everyone I should have so I will do this Address: PO Box 2773, Wellington now, Tommy Curphey, the late Wally Vale, Email: [email protected]

Garry Parsloe and Terry Adams. Wellington Stores and Warehouse Local 21 There are a lot more people I would like Phone: 04 3859 520 to thank but they will know who they are. Fax: 04 3848 766 In my twilight years I am still enjoying Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington my work and I hope to be able to serve Nelson the Maritime Union and the rank and file Fax: 03 5472104 when I can. Mobile: 027 6222691 Address: PO Box 5016, Nelson John O’Neill Lyttelton Local 43 Phone: 03 3288 306 Fax: 03 3288 798 Mobile: 0274 329620 Address: PO Box 29, Lyttelton Email: [email protected]

Timaru Phone/Fax: 03 6843 364 Mobile: 021 2991091 Address: PO Box 813, Timaru

Port Chalmers Dunedin Local 10 Phone: 03 4728 052 Fax: 03 4727 492 Mobile: 0274 377601 Address: PO Box 44, Port Chalmers Email: [email protected]

Bluff www.facebook.com/maritimeunion Phone/Fax: 03 2128 189 Mobile: 027 4475317 Address: PO Box 5, Bluff Email: [email protected] www.munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 | 43 44 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2010 www.munz.org.nz