THE MARITIME WORKERS’ JOURNAL WINTER / SPRING 2013

MUA West Australian Deputy Branch Secretary and candidate for Hasluck Adrian Evans with PM Kevin Rudd.

ELECTION SPECIAL: THE NEXT THREE YEARS ARE IN YOUR HANDS.

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Australian workers under Workchoices? The the Howard policy of “open go” work visas leaders from every aspect of our daily LOGGING result would have always been more AWAs gained momentum, particularly in Western life to achieve that great task. The Gillard and guest labour. Australia, where the big hydrocarbon and Government’s capacity to build this great ON metaliferous multinationals mulled over foundation of social support – which all Labor in Government their mounds of money and regulatory State Governments have now signed up By National Secretary The Federal Labor Government was slow immunity. The use by Chevron of the for – is a great political and moral legacy. Paddy Crumlin out of the blocks and hampered by thieves cowboy outfit Allseas to bust the offshore and imbeciles in the NSW Labor state sector using a loophole in the Migration Act A Clear Enough Choice No Contest government and party. They, nevertheless, really demonstrated that these companies The rest of the Labor Government’s In political terms, there should be no contest steadily built confidence in a reform agenda think they are virtual sovereign nations of list of accomplishments is long: Fair in who to support in the election to take place after more than a decade sitting on their power in their own right. They don’t like Work Act, community infrastructure on the 7th of September. arses in opposition, not a pastime conducive unions, never liked unions, and don’t care building, improvements to age pension, Labor has had a transformative effect to vital renewal. Rudd was conservative in his who runs the country. It’s not going to maternity and paternity support, national on community and working life since it approach to policy and insecure in the new change their high and mighty perspective education and health refurbishment, was elected nearly 6 years ago. Returning leadership role. His worries were amplified on things. just to mention a few of the many Labor to Government is the key to finalising by the factions in the ALP that thought their Nice work Chevron. Good look for a adjustments and changes Labor reforms required to continue to build financial poo was date pudding and they were bigger company your size in a world that has championed – a dramatic swing away economic and social security for many years. than any individual. Some of that arrogance had a gut full of corporate institutions that from the Howard Government’s course The Labor government’s came out of a NSW secretariat that had believe they are a virtual law unto their own of small government, big business and achievements,after the divisive and sacked 3 or 4 premiers – a secretariat needs and wants. The Chevron arrogance the strongest survive in the dog-eat-dog destructive policies of the Howard Coalition now largely working in casinos, one way or fits nicely in a Gina Reinhart-Tony Abbott world that is the neo-conservative mantra Government, are even more remarkable another, awaiting their defence in court to universe of denial and elitism, though. of hope and faith, watched over grimly by given the state of countries around the try to stay out of the nick. The ALP Conference midterm Saint Margaret Thatcher and Saint Ronald world, which are still reeling from the Those mistakes came with an enormous adopted the MUA and CFMEU “where’d I leave my teeth” Reagan. Tony devastating effects of the meltdown of the Paddy Crumlin price tag and Labor was nearly rolled in the resolution pinging Allseas. The Labor Abbott worships at that alter as does Global Financial Crisis. last election. Under JuliaGillard, regardless government systematically went about every one of his Coalition members of the differences in personality, the Labor addressing the loophole. Firstly, in the who have steadfastly tried to bomb Still A Bleak and Bitter World situation The Elite’s Cruel Joke On Us • Union busting of a savage and repetitive reforms accelerated where it counted Federal Court, and on losing that, by decent government during the minority In most of Europe, North America, Japan Of course, in the meantime, as their nature, whose sole goal was to eliminate into a unique period in Australia’s political amendment to the legislation. For any government period, always putting their and other economies similar to Australia, speculative financial bonfire continues workers political voices in the community history. A minority Labor Government – company, much less for a company like political opportunities ahead of the if you are under thirty and you have a job to rage, their script for the rest of us is and industrial voices on the job largely with support of key conservatives Chevron that is seeking to continue to healing process required to fend off the you are blessed. If you are under thirty and workers need to fuel the fire by austerity • Australian youth shoved to war in the mean and Independent votes – delivered some build its corporate and shareholder international economic catastrophe. have a job you were trained for and have measures. Stay unemployed a bit longer, streets of Bagdad and Kabul, sacrificed of the most pervasive structural changes to future partly on resources owned by the Well I’d rather have Adrian Evans aspired to you are a living miracle. If you take a wage cut, pay more tax because the because Liberals were in on George Bush’s Australia since the Whitlam years. Australian people on land leased to them taking me and my families’ life forward have had wage increases greater than the tenders of the bonfire don’t like to pay taxes, bigger joke Much of it is recorded in the following by the Australian people, the push for an in Parliament. I doubt he’s a saint, but Consumer Price Index, you are probably and after all, the bonfire needs money to •Immigration and visa arrangements giving pages but I’d like to grab hold of a few that amendment must have come as a huge I know he’s not a sinner and together in senior management of a corporation. If burn brightly. The corporate architects and precedence to visitors over unemployed grabbed hold of us. embarrassment for them, coming from a with other real Australians in the Labor you get ill and have insurance guaranteed to senior management of the global economic Australians A couple of months after Labor was Government that had tried strenuously, Government he knows where he comes make you better regardless of your capacity bust up? In their script, bloody mistaken •Long term shifts in social funding for elected under Kevin Rudd’s leadership, our some might even say with Olympian from and believes in the ordinary to purchase it directly yourself, you are an geniuses, not crooks liars and conspirators education, health, and medicare, and, National Conference committed to fight gymnastic flexibility with Minister Australian and Australian families that live exception. Same with a retirement income. at all. Pay them more as a general rule and at the same time, personal taxation and for far-reaching Shipping Reforms. They Ferguson, to engage constructively with there with him. He also knows the way It’s a bleak world. Governments that will weed out the odd dud one. Financial retirement income policies putting a were supported by Rudd and, ironically, them. the real world works beyond our shores bang open and shut like the shithouse regulation? Don’t spoil the party. Tax heavier burder on those on lower incomes. committed to in a speech at our Conference Both the Allseas and Shipping legislation because he saw it everyday: he walked door because they promise the world avoidance? Leave it the companies to sort • Increasing the power and reach of a by the Deputy Prime Minister at the time, passed by only a couple of votes because up the gangway on behalf of embattled but have very little to build it with. That out themselves. After all they mean well, lets hand full of media owners, particularly Julia Gillard. That support never wavered of the entrenched opposition by Tony seafarers of a Flag of Convenience vessel breeds a cynicism created by politicians just trust them a little more. the Murdoch empire, to consolidate their throughout those years, whether it was Rudd Abbott and his team of visionaries and as an ITF inspector. Having young decent who are compromised by their own self It’s a joke without humour for the working favoured Liberal Government’s political or Gillard at the helm. Never wavered. It political philanthropists. Dr. No and his people like Adrian prepared to go into interest, which, in turn, fosters a relentless poor and dysfunctional communities reeling ideology of neo-conservatism was designed to protect Australian seafarers medical team of healthy organ removalists political office to make a difference will economic winter leaving workers and from the last orgy of negligence and greed • Increasing the gap between rich and poor working in coastal voyages and also build an were hard at work trying to gut the blow out the political shysters and rank their communities facing long years of a to see those responsible off and running on by fostering a Gina Reinhart-inspired international fleet that would consolidate the livelihood of maritime workers as the opportunists like a good cleansing fart. depressing, relentless downward pressure on their next great adventure in greed and self class of arrogant and abusive tycoons opportunities and industrial and economic entrée to the main meal of workers more That’s the sort of Government their standard of living. congratulation. who shoveled as much wealth down their advantages of being a major shipping nation generally. Australians deserve. Living in an alternate universe, the elite It’s a living but deadly serious joke on gullets as they could in a gorging of their that could service our import and export For working Australians, there are Political history goes in cycles, and are oblivious to the crisis. Banks, and the big workers and working communities, which self obsession while rationalising the rest of industries in away that didn’t compete with, many other reforms of the last six years anyone who wants to make a difference in corporations that barnacle themselves to their are increasingly being separated from us as losers but complemented, our separate national where Labor has built on its economic their lives need to understand that history backs, have sprung back with an exhilarated political power that allows them to resolve There is no doubt that, if left in power coastal shipping industry. achievements to be one of the only and be prepared to improve on it. swagger. The GFC never really happened! matters in a fairer and more sustainable way. during the GFC, the policies of austerity, high And while Labor never wavered on developed economies of the world to There is another cycle coming on And if it did, the elite sees it as an aberration It’s the sort of joke the Liberal Government unemployment, cuts in budget spending shipping reforms that meant jobs and avoid recession. The National Disability September the 7th. A big election at a that shouldn’t divert them from their blind played on us throughout 12 years of the and handouts to big business would have opportunity for our members, that policy Insurance Scheme came from a Rudd crucial time. As the union, we are going faith in markets doing everything free of greatest economic expansion Australia had left Australia in a parlous economic position was relentlessly criticised, attacked and Government commitment to those in our to get out and do the heavy lifting to any regulation or accountability. Trust us, ever seen. regardless of the impact of the China economy debased by the Liberal Party Opposition families and communities with disabilities. ensure we give it every chance that it is they shout loudly, the Pied Pipers of the “free But what did that national wealth buy us? on our mining and macro economy. And does throughout those six years, right up to the In fact, I had the honour to be appointed a turn for the better and not the worse. market – and workers can join when we, the •Virtual destruction of our coastal any worker really believe that the Australia- parliamentary vote. to the Disability Advisory Council and Vote Labor. Support Labor anyway you elite, decide it’s the the appropriate time. trading flee China economic relationship was going to help With the advent of the Rudd Government, work with that wonderful community of can. I am.

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“The burden that you are placing Supporting working on business, and small business in particular, is just enormous. So yet again disadvantage. Competitive disadvantage Australians, or big we have a failure of good governance. provides a perverse incentive to stage These concerns that we have were more development offshore to avoid the echoed vigorously by the industry, and requirements of the visa system.” business. why not? “ - Brendan O’Connor, 17 June 2013, - Joe Hockey, 6 June 2013, Parliament Parliament Although the Liberal rhetoric to deploy your workforce to their best around industrial relations has advantage and to your best advantage “The bill as intentioned simply tries “I am going to start with one very simple died down in recent months, you and we want to make it possible for to add further regulation and further principle that has led this government since don’t have to look far into what business to be more profitable.” regulatory burden to an already Labor our very first day. That is that one of the very Coalition members are saying to - Tony Abbott 12 Feb 2010 Address overcomplicated arrangement. The AWA when we hear one, we know that best ways to address cost-of-living pressures understand whose side they are to the Queensland Chamber of Coalition wants to take the regulatory “You know, Australia is a great country. penalty rates will go if they have their for families is to foster an environment that really on. Commerce and Industry, Brisbane burden off the back of business in Having seen a few others in the world in way, we know it’s in their DNA to make it provides jobs for families and that is exactly this country, not continue to stifle it my time, this is a fantastic place. easy for workers to be dismissed without what this government has done. As a result, Although Abbott, Abetz, Bishop, “Now these ridiculous impositions under as this government has done… The We owe much to those who have come protection and we know their hostility since we came to government more than Hockey and the rest have said the so-called ‘fair work legislation’- it one key commitment, above all others before us and we owe much to those who towards Australia’s union movement. In 950,000 jobs have been created. That is 490 WorkChoices is well and truly “dead, is the case that so many people now that the Coalition has given to restore will come after us to ensure that what we contrast, I can assure you that this Labor jobs per day created since we were elected buried and cremated”, can we really are just exiting their businesses. People productivity, is to attack have inherited is improved upon and not Government will never cease in our efforts in 2007, whilst around the world we saw trust a Liberal-led government that has in Western Australia, the place where over-regulation.” degraded. to build a stronger, fairer, more productive millions join unemployment queues.” repeatedly attacked job security, rights most - indeed, 70 percent - of all new - Scott Morrison, 11 February 2013, But you know something, we have a great Australia. An Australia where everyone - Kate Ellis, 16 May 2013, Parliament at work and wages in favour of keeping jobs in Australia in the last three years future but that future is not guaranteed. gets a fair go and everyone has a their mates in business happy? have been created are now saying there “This is political interference in As I’ve said once before, here in Australia right to dignity in the workplace or in the “We must have a clear and unequivocal Not an exhaustive list by any means is just too much burden, there is just employment. It is the type of input that we’ve got to make our own luck and we community.” position on this: If Australian workers but the following is a select list of too much imposition, there is just too has decimated Australia’s competitive can. We’re good at it and if we work at it - Anthony Albanese May 20 TWU National are being denied employment on mine quotes comparing what those in the much red tape, there are just too many advantage and undermined our we can actually bring our future home Conference construction sites then companies should not Coalition to what those in Labor Party administrative fees, there is just too much productivity. It adds just another layer. securely.” have a licence to engage overseas workers. truly believe. in the industrial relations arena, and they If any of the ministers or anyone on the - Kevin Rudd, 27 June 2013, “We have created jobs and we have low The Jobs Board, which is intended When the Coalition say things like are walking away from it.” other side ever goes out and talks to Victory Speech unemployment. We have created more to provide a fair go and access to mining they will “reduce regulation”, “get - Chris Back, 27 June 2013, Senate business, ask them about red tape than 950,000 jobs. employment for Australian workers, must be rid of red-tape” and “minimise the and see what they say. Once again, “Productivity should never be about That compares to 4.8 million jobs lost in mandatory and effective. Since when was it burden”, what they actually mean is “The opposition has a commitment to you have added another layer, when cutting wages or entitlements. We do not the European Union and 2.4 million jobs unreasonable to expect that highly profitable removing things like employment reduce red tape and regulation by a business is already overburdened, support a workplace relations system lost in the United States over exactly the mining companies should provide Australian protections, minimum wage and billion dollars a year. Yet this government and it creates uncertainty.” that allows important protections be same period. Since Labor came to office, workers with the skill upgrading, training, penalty rates. still does not get the message. It still - Nola Marino, 20 June 2013, Parliament undermined through a ‘race to the bottom’ Australia has recorded faster jobs growth travel support and accommodation to ensure Do not be fooled. does not have the connection that brand of flexibility. We understand that than every other major economy and we they have genuine access to employment “You know, at four elections running people in the community and business “What a great burden red tape has the drivers of productivity improvement have delivered jobs growth at twice the opportunities? Youth unemployment in some we had a mandate to take the unfair are crying out for government to get out been on small businesses right across at the enterprise level are stimulated by rate of Canada and Germany and seven areas of Western Australia is as high as 17.5 dismissal monkey off the back of small of their way and reduce the regulatory the country. We will ensure that the innovation and creativity. We understand times the rate of the United Kingdom. Our per cent. Unemployed youth in Western business and we will once more seek burden. I am not sure how many government pays small business on that engagement at all levels of the debt is very low in international terms as Australia and in the rest of the country should that mandate. At four elections running regulations the government has actually time, and there will be a penalty if it enterprise needs to occur not just during well.” have government and employer support we had a mandate to introduce statutory reduced or has actually taken away, does not. We will extend the unfair bargaining for an agreement or contract - Chris Bowen, 27 June 2013, Parliament for training to take up some of the mine non-union contracts and we will seek to but I reckon you could probably count contract provisions to small business. once every three or four years but on a construction jobs the boom has created.” renew that mandate. Labor has interim them on one hand, and yet it has put And perhaps very significantly, we will day-to-day “Underpayment and exploitation reduce - Doug Cameron, May 29 2012, transitional employment agreements. 20,000-plus in place. Our commitment conduct a root and branch review of basis. Engaged employees are productive work opportunities for Australian citizens, The Daily Telegraph We will make them less interim. Labor is to remove the regulatory burden, and competition laws as well to ensure that employees.” for permanent residents and for foreign has individual flexibility agreements. We our commitment is to make it easier for small business gets a fair dinkum go.” - Bill Shorten, June 6 2013, APH. workers who do the right thing and hold This page: Ministers Anthony Albanese will make them more flexible, because business and less costly for business.” - Josh Frydenburg, 17 June 2013, the right visa. Exploitative hiring practices and Bill Shorten with National Secretary Paddy Crumlin following we understand that you can’t run - Richard Colbeck, 28 June 2013, Parliament “We saw (the Coalition’s) industrial also put businesses that engage workers the successful passage of the shipping a successful business without being able The senate relations policy last week – we know an with the right visas at a competitive legislation through parliament.

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HOW LIBERALS ABBOTT ENDORSES SHAPE-UP AROUND FAR-RIGHT AGENDA

THE COUNTRY Tony Abbott shares a secret with one of his closest friends Gina Coalition and Liberal-lead governments are dangerous for working Rinehart. people and if an Abbott government was to get elected most states would be facing a conservative government on both levels. Australia’s four most populous states have a Liberal Premier and THESE ARE SOME OF THE 75 all are renowned for their anti-union, job-cutting regimes. POLICIES SET OUT BY THE IPA TO WHICH ABBOTT GAVE HIS STAMP OF APPROVAL:

VICTORIA • Eliminate family tax benefits In Victoria there is Denis Napthine, who • Abandon the paid parental leave took over from Ted Ballieu after a leader- scheme ship stoush. • Means-test Medicare Napthine, since he took the reigns in • End mandatory disclosures on March, has found himself in a lot of hot political donations water. • Remove anti-dumping laws In July, the Australian reported Napthine • End preferences for Industry Super had been accused of bullying an ABC Funds in workplace relations laws journalist because the Premier did not • Introduce a special economic zone approve of the line of questioning the in the north of Australia including: reporter had taken. - Lower personal income tax for That is not the first time a Victorian Lib- hat Tony Abbott says to the residents eral has gone after the ABC. public versus what Tony It is too contentious for - Significantly expanded 457 Visa th It was at the Victoria’s 156 State Coun- W Abbott says to his strongest Abbott to come out and say programs for workers cil where the Liberals suggested ABC and right-wing supporters are two vastly - Encourage the construction of dams SBS should be privatised. different things. A speech he made in things like this in public, • Break up the ABC and put out to Napthine’s hatred of unions is no secret. Four blind mice, Australia’s quartet of Liberal Premiers. April makes that abundantly clear. knowing that even though tender each individual function He has bitterly attacked the CFMEU on a Abbott was the keynote speaker at his allies are those in • Repeal the Fair Work Act number of occasions and has called on the 70th anniversary of the Institute • Allow individuals and employers Abbott to return to WorkChoices-style QUEENSLAND WESTERN AUSTRALIA of Public Affairs (IPA), brushing big business, their vote to negotiate directly terms of industrial relations policy. Queensland commander Campbell Newman Despite the public coffers being lined shoulders with the likes of conservative is not enough to secure a employment that suit them (ie epitomises what it is to be a Liberal leader. by one of the world’s biggest resources commentator Andrew Bolt, multi- Coalition victory. abolish EBAs) NEW SOUTH WALES After sacking thousands of public sector booms, WA public sector workers have not billionaire Gina Rinehart, media-mogul • Encourage independent contracting Liberal premier Barry O’Farrell is the king workers and blocking any governmental pay been spared the axe. Rupert Murdoch and controversial by overturning new regulations of the fire sale. rises, he gives himself and his fellow ministers In June, Premier Colin Barnett said he Cardinal George Pell. designed to punish contractors The mantra at the current parliament is a raise. would introduce legislation to make it Abbott’s religion was a centrepiece Coalition will indeed repeal the • End all hidden protectionist if it’s a public asset it should be sold, even It has also been revealed Newman likes to possible for public servants to take forced of his speech, which was laced with carbon tax, abolish the Department measures, such as preferences for though much of what has been sold could give the most cushy jobs to his mates after the redundancies, of which there were expect- biblical references but it was his of Climate Change, abolish the Clean local manufacturers in government have generated income for the New South Australian Financial Review reported in July that ed to be about 1,200. promise to do, unquestioningly, what the Energy Fund,” he told the room of tendering Wales community far into the future. a man named Michael Caltabiano was paid In the same breath he announced a IPA wanted in terms of policy reform predominantly elderly, white men at the • Close the Office for Youth Premier O’Farrell is also beholden to more than $650,000 for just five months work. freeze on departmental pay-rises. But, his that rang alarm bells. event. the extreme-right fringe politicians in the Another mate, police minister Jack Dempsey, own staff did not receive the same treat- The IPA purports to be a bastion of “We will repeal Section 18C of the It is too contentious for Abbott to current parliament such as Reverend Fred was caught allegedly throwing together an of- ment. freedom but it is widely known to be a Racial Discrimination Act (which states it come out and say things like this in Nile and the Shooters and Fishers Party. ficial event when he visited Cairns for personal All 200-odd ministerial staff received right-wing think-tank and lobby group. is illegal to commit ‘offensive behaviour public, knowing that even though He is no stranger to controversy with the reasons so he could allocate the expense of the a pay rise except for one person, and The group’s website spruiks its because of race, colour or national or his allies are those in big business, decision to hand the Barangaroo develop- trip to the public purse. Barnett’s media manager, Dixie Marshall, magazine – the IPA review – as ethnic origin’), at least in its current their vote is not enough to secure a ment to billionaire James Packer in a deal Newman’s chief of staff is thought to be bagged an $85,000 per annum raise. “Australia’s longest running political form. We will abolish new health and Coalition victory. cloaked in secrecy. earning as much as $400,000 but this cannot However, when the MUA fights for mem- magazine” and it was an article from environmental bureaucracies. It is not just the working-class Like many of his conservative counter- be ascertained as the fearless leader refuses to bers’ pay rises to be contractually solidified, this publication that contained 75 “So, ladies and gentlemen, that is who will suffer under an Abbott-led parts O’Farrell loves austerity measures, answer the Labor Opposition in parliament. Barnett calls the action extreme. radical changes to which Abbott agreed a big yes to many of the 75 specific government. The middle classes whereby peoples’ jobs are culled in the The aforementioned is only a breakdown of He was reported in The West Australian as to introduce. policies you urged upon me in that will too, if his IPA acquaintances are name of cost cutting. Campbell-controversies reported in July. saying strike action belonged in the 1970s. “I want to assure you that the particular issue of the magazine.” anything to go by.

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The MUA won a big victory when Parliament, in its final hours of legislating, put in place a critical fix to a serious gap in the Migration Act.

he MUA won a big victory when impossible for the Australian Government irrespective of origin, can now have their Parliament, in its final hours of to regulate employment and visa condi- migration status regulated and hence Tlegislating, put in place a critical tions for workers on nearly all projects in their employment standards regulated,” fix to a serious gap in the Migration Act. the offshore oil and gas industry that are said Crumlin. “The bill will end the ex- As reported in previous issues of the located outside the Migration Zone. ploitation of temporary guest workers in Australia has the Journal, (Autumn-Winter and Spring-Sum- After the Federal Court ruling, the MUA the offshore oil and gas industry, and will mer 2012), Allseas Construction had launched an intensive legislative effort, ensure that employment, safety, training 11th lowest rate of argued in the Federal Court that their which led to the current victory. The bill and occupational licensing requirements inflation among employees are not working in Australia’s deems those workers to be inside the can be brought up to Australian legal and advance countries migration zone and, therefore, did not Migration Zone. industrial standards.” in the world. need to obtain 457 work visas. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said He added that the victory shows that Where-to-be-born: A Federal Court judge ruled in early that “The MUA campaigned hard to close the “legislation shows how much we can The Economist 2012 in favour of Allseas, declaring that this gap, which effectively denied Austra- get done when we have a Parliament magazine ranks the Lorelay and Solitaire vessels, w3hich lians jobs in these offshore projects. committed to functional decision-mak- Australia 2nd out are operated by Allseas in the mas- Crumlin praised the Government and, ing.” sive $52 billion Gorgon/Jansz-LNG gas in particular, Immigration Minister Bren- Crumlin also noted that the new re- of 80 countries in project off Western Australia, were not dan O’Connor, and his predecessor, MP gime would also have important national the world. “resources installations” as defined in Chris Bowen, for delivering a long-await- security benefits for Australia by ensur- the Migration Act. That ruling meant that ed solution. ing that the Government has the tools to foreign workers on the project would not “This legislative solution creates a monitor non-nationals working on our need to apply for work visas, and made it level playing field so that all workers, critical resource installations.

Australia’s 2013 GDP growth - a key measure of Australia ranks 8th an economy’s power - is in the world in lowest predicted to be the highest unemployment, ahead of among 13 major countries, countries like Sweden, MUA-LED REFORMS including the U.S., Germany, Canada, Denmark, the Sweden and the Netherlands. Netherlands, UK and the U.S. REVITALIZE SHIPPING INDUSTRY

The decline in Australian shipping has been slowed and employment of Australian seafarers has stabilised for the first time in decades.

he MUA has had a lot of wins been slowed and employment of Australian dustries, is faced with an ageing workforce during Labor’s reign, including seafarers has stabilised for the first time in because of a lack of training available to Australia’s debt level is T fixes to migration and industrial re- decades. people interested in becoming a seafarer. lations laws, but the most significant win for This is despite a continuing decline in The new strategy aims to reverse this the second lowest of all 34 our future and current sea-going members Australian manufacturing and a high dollar trend. countries in the OECD, the has been the shipping reforms which were throughout most of the year. The Australian International Ship Regis- organisation of the largest and announced last year. Also as part of the reform a good chunk ter and a new licensing regime for coastal most powerful economies. With the help of current Deputy Prime of this year’s Federal Budget was dedicated shipping are also part of the reforms. These Minister, Labor’s Anthony Albanese, the to the Maritime Workforce Development will protect the integrity of the Australian MUA with the support of the AMOU was able Strategy that sets in place new maritime shipping industry with a guarantee flow to secure the biggest revitalisation to Austra- training architecture to ensure the supply on-effect for our members working aboard lia’s shipping industry since 1912. of Ratings, a match demand into the future, the vessels. A year later the industry rejuvenation is al- and provides new sources of funding for If the Coalition were to get elected, they ready showing positive and tangible results. maritime training. will unravel a lot of the protections the The decline in Australian shipping has The maritime sector, like many other in- recent reforms guaranteed.

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ust after sunrise on a chilly winter beginning in 2007. In 2009, he was elected morning, Adrian Evans was outside “Evans knows he has his work cut out for him but he WA’s deputy branch secretary, a post he had Jthe Midland train station shaking hands held ever since and is currently on leave to and greeting voters as they hustled to work. believes that a campaign powered by intense grassroots campaign full-time for Parliament. “Hi, I’m Adrian Evans running for the seat activity could means the difference.” He is no stranger to politics. He has been an of Hasluck,” he said as commuters arrived ALP member for six years, and has served as an from buses and cars. Most people grabbed ALP conference delegate and a state executive the leaflets and moved on quickly, some is virtually certain that the Greens will give their delegate. Beyond party politics, Evans has been with a quick “thank you” or “cheers”, a few preferences to Evans. All of that adds up to a voters in the Hasluck seat. Overall, the very involved in many other progressive efforts, engaging in short conversations. Evans winning model. feedback paints a picture of swing voters serving, for example, as an ambassador for the continued cheerfully with his task, greeting Evans knows he has his work cut out for him open to voting for Evans. White Ribbon campaign, which seeks to end scores of people. but he believes that a campaign powered by “Our campaign is all about workers. That’s violence against women. The 39-year-old WA Deputy Branch Secretary intense grassroots activity could means the what I’ve done all my life and that’s what I want His whole family is part of the union is putting all of his energy into winning the difference. to do in Parliament,” he says. “Workers need movement, particularly the MUA, embracing it seat of Hasluck for Labor, a seat he was pre- “All the union movement is behind our voices in government who think first about the as a central part of their daily lives. “My older selected for on April 15. It’s a seat that is critical campaign because it knows it’s genuine,” he interests of the dockworker, nurse, truck driver girl, Kaitlin, cried because she thought if I was GOOD EVANS! to Labor’s national chances of forming the next says in a conversation with the MWJ. But, since or teacher, not about the rich CEO.” running for office I couldn’t take her to the government after the federal elections. only 10 percent of the vote in Hasluck comes Evans knows the people he meets often are union rallies which she loves. But, she’s been out The seat of Hasluck is a swing electorate, from a union household, Evans has to press the of modest and working-class backgrounds like letterboxing with us so she’s very happy about HE’S GIVING THE having gone back and forth in each election flesh and make calls to voters every single day. himself, so he connects easily with their issues. that part,” he said. since it was created in 2001. It is currently held The campaign also operates a weekly mobile His grandfather has lived in the electorate All MUA members can assist our mate LIBS A SCARE! by Liberal Ken Wyatt whom political observers office so voters can meet Evans face-to-face. since 1953. Evans grew up in a state-housing Adrian’s campaign to represent workers by believe could be voted out with the right In addition, the MUA conducted a national flat. He worked on the docks for 12 years, then, calling the campaign office to volunteer (08) Adrian Evans grew up in a housing flat, worked on the campaign. Polling out since the recent change in phonebank for the Evans campaign. In one put in five more years at the Fremantle Port 9454 9137. Don’t forget to “like” the Facebook docks for 12 years and embraced the union movement. the office of Prime Minister indicates that Labor night, dozens of MUA volunteers in five Authority. campaign page https://www.facebook.com/ Now he is running for parliament. is strengthening its position nationwide. And it branches made close to 3,000 calls to swing Evans served as an ITF inspector AdrianEvansLaborForHasluck

Adrian Evans makes a point to a meeting electorate (Clockwise from top left): Adrian Evans, a family man with core Labor values; Evans talks campaign issues; On the campaign trail, meeting the people

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SERIOUS INCIDENT AT NEWCASTLE COAL TERMINAL HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT OF PORT WARATAH COAL SERVICES INTRANSIGENCE

major incident at the Port The ongoing negotiations between Waratah Coal Services facility “This incident unions and PWCS have produced over 50 A in Newcastle recently has agreed changes to the current enterprise highlighted some of the major safety underscores why we agreement that will deliver further concerns raised by workers as part believe PWCS must productivity and flexibility at the world’s of negotiations for a new workplace drop its mind-boggling biggest coal export terminal. agreement with the Rio Tinto subsidiary, and short-sighted anti- The single bargaining unit according to the Maritime Union of representing workers comprises the Australia. union resistance to a fair Maritime Union of Australia, the Transport Temporary untrained workers workplace agreement that Workers Union, the Electrical Trade Union, overloaded a hatch while carrying out addresses the genuine and the Australian Manufacturing Workers a coal loading procedure on the bulk Union. carrier Pacific Triangle. safety concerns of local MUA Newcastle Branch secretary Glen As a result, significant damage was workers,” MUA National Williams said: “Our members have given caused to the ship loader, resulting in Assistant Secretary Ian us a clear message that they will not walk a backup and spillage of coal onto the Bray said. away from years of industrial harmony vessel and wharf. and call on the company to stop this “This incident underscores why we attack on their rights at work and return to believe PWCS must drop its mind- the table and conclude these negotiations. boggling and short-sighted anti-union WorkCover NSW fulfill its regulatory “We do not take this action lightly, resistance to a fair workplace agreement responsibility by taking an active role but feel we have little choice given the that addresses the genuine safety on the scene in the wake of this serious company’s complete refusal to drop their concerns of local workers,” MUA National incident. claim for a watered-down dispute clause. Assistant Secretary Ian Bray said. MUA Newcastle Branch secretary Glen “We remain available to meet with “Not only is the lack of an agreement Williams said the union was seriously the company at any time to resolve these putting peoples’ lives at risk, PWCS is concerned that temporary staff brought negotiations and we would urge PWCS sacrificing the interests of its customers in while workers took protected action to seriously consider revising its position who will watch their profits dribble away were not capable of carrying out the work and concluding these negotiations.” just as the coal poured off the Pacific safely. Negotiations between unions and Triangle today. “The union has raised concerns about PWCS have produced over 50 agreed “It is also imperative that the Australian the competency of staff performing our changes to the current enterprise Maritime Safety Authority conduct a members’ roles whilst our members were agreement that will deliver further vessel safety inspection to see that taking protected industrial action,” Mr productivity and flexibility at the world’s the clean up is done satisfactorily and Williams said. biggest coal export terminal. the integrity of the ship has not been “This incident confirms our concerns The single bargaining unit breached.” about the real threats posed to safety at representing workers comprises the Mr Bray called for an investigation the PWCS facility.” Maritime Union of Australia, the Transport into the incident to be carried out by Talks between union members and Workers Union, the Electrical Trade Union, safety representatives elected by the PWCS have seen more than 10 months of and the Australian Manufacturing Workers local workforce. He also demanded that negotiations. Union.

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AUTOMATION ON OUR TERMS Delegates from 11 international transport unions descended on Sydney for the International Automation Conference to establish a strategy for dealing with what will be the biggest change to the waterfront since containerisation: automation.

contractors “If anyone is repairing [the machines], if anyone is pushing a button it’s gotta be the dockworkers that have worked those wharfs. It’s not going to be somebody else.” Paddy Crumlin congratulated OOCL on its level of consultation with MUA at the ILWU. “[OOCL] came up with the proposal that this is about change, about getting a niche within the market, doing things safely, doing things effectively, utilising the best of technology and being able to develop a competitive advantage by using quality delivery,” Crumlin said. “They happily invited the North American union to sit down and work the issues through. “They indicated and knew it was going to be a difficult process. They knew there were going to be big changes to the way things are done. They knew it would have an impact on the market, but not withstanding that, they were keen to give an understanding about how that technology is going to be implemented.” That type of social engagement Ray Familathe, Sharon James and Paddy Crumlin dealing with automation. would be welcomed in Australia but unfortunately DP and Patrick have ignored their workers in the past and will hose who attended the toward its workforce than Patrick and DP likely continue to do so into the future. International Automation “If anyone is repairing have been to their workers. “It’s unconscionable on North TConference in April agreed [the machines], if anyone OOCL even attended the conference American and European terms that a that employers needed to ensure the and made assurances that they would company could so radically alter the transition to automated terminals was is pushing a button it’s provide training to existing dockworkers. workplace, knowing the social impact done in a sensitive and sensible manner. gotta be the dockworkers ILWU Vice-President Ray Familathe said that would have on their employees Job cuts can be mitigated by workers that have worked those there would be new jobs in the terminal without telling them,” Crumlin said, being retrained and redeployed into wharfs. It’s not going to be that were being offered to his union’s referring specifically to Patrick and the maintenance-type roles and the only members. underhanded way in which the company Port Botany Patrick cranes. way this can be achieved is by better somebody else.” “Traditional cargo handling jobs from has planned its redevelopment of Port communication from DP World and Ray Familathe the wharf will be transferred into more Botany. Patrick. maintenance and repair,” Familathe said. “Automation in Australia is simply union Crumlin was also skeptical of the International Transport Workers “I’m going to have some challenges busting,” he said. “We are not going to need to automate in Australia with lift Federation (ITF) United Kingdom Docker are portrayed that way,” she said. with my upcoming collective agreement “We are not going to abide any abide any stevedoring rates not being the only problem at the Secretary Sharon James said automation Long Beach in California is one of the in 2014 but… we have identified a stevedoring company in the world, as nation’s ports. would have a huge impact on the industry world’s largest container ports where sensible process and we will discuss a dockworker movement, using the company in the world, “What’s the point in doing all of that stuff and job losses would affect people’s automation is imminent but unlike automation. acceleration of this technology as a way to as a dockworker if your intermodal connectors aren’t even livelihoods. in Australia the transition to the new “Everyone understands that employers bust unions in the workplace,” he said. movement, using the that good?” he asked. “This technology has the capacity to technology has been a lot smoother want to become more efficient, more “We want to have understandings, that acceleration of this “You can make the crane rate faster but cut a huge number of jobs – these are than in comparison to what is currently productive. if you automate, you do it in a way that that doesn’t change how it’s funneled out of people, it is not just statistics,” comrade happening at Patrick, Port Botany. “But when there’s no consultation… it’s builds functionality, builds opportunity, technology as a way Port Botany onto General Holmes Drive. James said. Through extensive consultation with really upsetting to know that they don’t respects the workers that are leaving to bust unions in the “Why invest that sort of money if it’s She doubted, however, the amount of International Longshore and Warehouse want to take their workforce along.” because of the change and creates a workplace.” not really resolving the real issue of jobs that employers are saying will be cut. Union, the company behind the Mr Familathe made it clear that he mutuality and a co-operation on which productivity out of Port Botany, which is “We are not averse to automation. We redevelopment, OOCL, has been a lot would not stand for maintenance work technology and introduction of technology Paddy Crumlin truck turnaround times and getting the are not luddites even though I know we more understanding to and sympathetic being undertaken by non-union sub- has been introduced in this industry.” boxes transported out of there?”

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NT AND QLD YOUTH BARCALDINE WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE COMMITTEE ON HISTORY Barcaldine is a small town in the north west of Queensland, founded in 1886 after THE MARCH years of struggle. In 1891, Australia underwent a QLD Youth Delegates Sarah Maguire and Phil Hansen report revolution, strengthening the unionised workforce and as a result the Labor Party n May 2 – May 6, the QLD and DAY 3 - MAY DAY/LABOUR DAY was formed. The historic confrontation NT youth committees went on a MARCH BARCALDINE was between the Queensland graziers (Left:) Sarah McGuire doing her delegation to Barcaldine, QLD. We started off the rally marching behind the and their shearing hands, the shearers O bit in Queensland. The reason behind this trip was to get our TSU. True union solidarity was shown when refused to sign the “freedom of contract” (Right:) Mich-Elle most active youth members back in touch both the MUA and TSU started singing the agreement insisting they have the right Myers calling people in candidate with the history of both the labour and union same chants together. Once the march had to work alongside unionists only for Adrian Evans’ movements. As you will read throughout finished at the show grounds the festivities the set and fair wage. In January 1891, electorate. our report, we achieved this and more than began. First they judged the floats. Different the Maritime Union called a black ban we could have imagined. The MUA was companies and schools make a float on wool shorn by non union (SCABS) WOMEN IN ACTION Abbott’s spurious plan for better when Abbott told Guardian Australia accepted into the town with enthusiasm and every year and they march with it. Once and the WWF sought funding and food maternity leave is nothing more than journalist Bridie Jabour to “calm down” when the hospitality was commendable. the judging had finished, Comrade Jason from members to support the starving omen members all over the electioneering. His advisors have told him she pressed him on the Battlerort issue. Miners got up and spoke on behalf of the shearer’s, Queensland was on the verge country are actively participating he needs to secure more of the female vote It is readily apparent Abbott and his DAY 1 – THE DRIVE MUA and presented a signed and framed of a civil war. The scene was set for this to W in federal election campaigning. to win the election. traditional, overtly religious views would not Who doesn’t love a road trip? During the MUA youth T-shirt to the Barcaldine public be more violent and of bigger proportion Some have been pounding the pavement for However, should he win office his mates be good for women around the country. course of our journey we decided to play and a signed MUA flag to the Australian then the Eureka Stockade. SCABS were local candidates, and jumping on the phones in the numerous business lobby groups will He certainly holds contempt for women a few drinking games, with the designated Workers Heritage Centre. This was to show bought up from Melbourne on the to do their bit to keep Tony Abbott at bay. pressure him to make industrial relations in what he considers traditionally male roles, drivers being our judge. One of the games our appreciation and remind them that we promise of 30 shillings a week and one There’s a lot at stake here. As was reform and it is likely paid maternity leave which would include the majority of the MUA was maritime trivia; this was probably the will be back next year. pound per hundred head of sheep, above mentioned in the previous edition of the will be the first to go. female membership. most interesting way to learn about the wharf The day was full of other fun events like what the union was demanding. journal, a Coalition government would attack Although he has tried to play down If you don’t want to go back to a time side of the MUA. As seafarers, we don’t really the 100m dash, goat racing and the horse On March 10, 1981, 1500 unionists our rights at work. his misogynist tendencies of late, his when women are relegated to the kitchen have a good understanding of what happens races. The day went without a hitch because clashed with two-dozen police at the Such an attack would have devastating extraordinary view of women still creeps to do your part to keep Abbott out - even if it’s on the wharfs. it was planned so well. Barcaldine railway station while they were effects for working women. the fore. This was most recently exhibited simply casting your vote against him. After a big day of driving and having to get waiting for the SCABS to arrive. An order the RACQ guy out of bed to fuel up the car DAY 4 – OFF TO GLADSTONE was given to Major Ricardo to fire and (we didn’t realize that all the fuel stations from We had to leave bright and early for break the picket line but he refused and Emerald would be closed!). It was about 2am another big day of driving but first we instead bayonets were drawn and the TASSIE WOMEN The Tassie women together. by the time we arrived to set up our gear, so had to pack up the camp site and go unionists withdrew. ORGANISE we turned in as soon as we could. visit our friends at the ALP. They put on On March 31, attempts were made to a free breakfast for both unions and the wreck the next train coming into town by In June, the Tasmania Branch held its first DAY 2 – SIGHT SEEING AND organisers of the May Day weekend. damaging the crossings and by cutting women’s meeting last month to formalise a NETWORKING. Unfortunately, due to the fact we had a telephone lines. local women’s committee. Today we spent the day at the Australian seven hour drive ahead of us and another In April, 14 men were tried and Branch Secretary Jason Campbell called Workers Heritage Center. Due to our busy May Day march to prepare for the next day convicted of being leaders of the rebellion the meeting as part of the branch conference schedule we had to leave mid-afternoon. in Gladstone, we had to leave early. sentenced to three years imprisonment. resolutions to establish committees of We all felt that we would love to have spent In May, 3,000 striking shearers marched Women, Youth, ATSI and Veteran members. more time there. The amount of history the DAY 5 – GLADSTONE MAY DAY/ under the Eureka flag to the Tree of It was a successful first meeting that was centre has to offer is amazing. We learnt LABOUR DAY Knowledge where the formation of the well-attended, with people keen to become about the beginnings of the Labor Party The MUA started off leading the march Labor party began. more active in the branch work. and the struggle that unions and ATSI have with Nookie Curier a 49-year-strong MUA The Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine “This is a great turnout and we are looking Bull was very happy with the turnout. and procedure for dealing with these been through to get where we are today. member taking on the front foot. I have was poisoned a few years ago. The tree forward to progressing this into a real “We are looking forward to working issues going forward. We also scouted out an area to set up the never seen somebody so proud to lead was cloned and has been growing in committee that achieves real results for the together with the committee in developing More information will become available MUA’s display. Before we got to Barcaldine, our union through the streets of QLD. The the Australian Workers Heritage Centre. women members of the Branch,” Campbell and rolling out initiatives to strengthen our when the responses have been analysed we were in communications with the heritage turn out that we had in Gladstone was Under this tree and through strife the ALP said at the time. sisterhood and highlight our achievements,” in more detail. center’s Bob Gleeson and obtained approval astounding, even with the pouring rain, was formed, rendering the Labor Party Issues relevant to women were discussed Bull said. The survey was the result of a National for the MUA to design a display that tells of cold winds and slippery roads we had the oldest in the country. The leaders of in detail and plans were laid to keep the Conference resolution by the National our struggles thoughout history and how we a huge turn out! The men and women that shearers strike became significant momentum going by building a structure that STAMPING OUT Women’s Committee. overcame the hurdles. After our tour of the who stood behind our banner should political figures in the party. will be an active part of the branch. BULLYING Women’s Liaison and National Officer heritage centre, we went over to the Wanpa- be proud of themselves. They showed We can only hope that the traditions that The federal election was also high on the Mich-Elle Myers praised the efforts of rda Matilda Outback Education Centre next true passion for what they believe in, come with the Labor party are upheld for agenda with the attendees committing to The MUA has recently completed the first those involved. door. We were lucky enough to have teacher something I haven’t seen in a rally since many more years to come. campaigning against a conservative Coalition ever Bullying and Harassment in the Maritime “We would like to thank all those and coordinator Tim Berry give us a private Norway when people were marching not government by way of participating in events Industry survey. that participated and the spirit in tour of the centre. While there, students learn only for their jobs but in remembrance In Unity in the community and the branch. More than 1,100 responses were received which it was done,” she said on behalf bushman’s skills and Australian history, in of the 77 lives that were lost in the tragic Kyle Mcginn and Sarah Maguire The MUA’s first female organiser Alisha and these will form the basis of new policy of the committee. particular the history of workers and politics. shootings in 2011.

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made huge contributions to their people and communities. It is a video to showcase their personal efforts and achievements as union activists. Dave Oliver gave a report of the current efforts for the Federal election campaign PROUD WHARFIE, PROUD and opened the floor for all to express their opinions in moving forward with an eye INDIGENOUS MAN to better engagement of the indigenous communities. Dave was pleasantly surprised A noble wharfie discusses his pride in his indigenous background, by some of the ideas put forward to him. Dave his union and community. also congratulated the efforts made by the WA Branch and Adrian Evans in the ALP Movement, as well as their efforts for the forthcoming federal election. atrick “Paddy” Neliman is a proud in Queensland, their role in standing up to do Another guest to speak was Rod Little, ATSI wharfie, proud member of the things for the Stolen Wages campaign. I was National Congress Director. He spoke about PMaritime Union of Australia, and shown how they developed the campaigns and Eddie Mabo’s wife Bonita Mabo addressed the crowd and gave some of the roles National Congress plays proud Torres Strait Islander man. His mother is the process to get the ball rolling and address it thanks for all the support from the local communities. in the ATSI community and its new direction. from the Murray Islands and his father is from to the community. And that’s when I was made This was met with some strong criticism from Badu Island. Patrick is a member of the ACTU aware that if it works for that issue, there are a the present Indigenous ACTU and ATSI MUA Indigenous Committee, and was the recipient whole lot of other issues about people’s jobs representatives, as both committees agreed of the ACTU Aboriginal and Torres Strait and lifestyles on the islands and through areas.’’ MABO DAY A GREAT that as long as the current Commonwealth Islander Award earlier this year. Government was their sole and main provider “I work for a company called Northern STOLEN WAGES AND for funding there would never be a just and Stevedoring Services, or NSS. I’ve worked SOCIAL COMPACTS SUCCESS! true representation for our ATSI people. The for these guys in Townsville for 19 years, “From 1908 until the 1960s, 80 percent of committees, then, went on to explain some of beginning in 1994, and now I’ve been a indigenous wages were kept in state trusts. “As an Aboriginal man, Mabo Day would have to be the single the plans for moving forward and how paying permanent for close to 10 years. I drive the I don’t know why. They probably thought biggest date to my people second only to colonisation. This members can, then, fully support the jobs the cranes, the big Portainer gantry cranes. The indigenous people couldn’t budget or year was the first time I personally have attended a Mabo Day representatives will have. This was highlighted skill level that I do at work is we discharge the Proud wharfie Paddy Neliman. understand the value of money. So now we’re celebration,” said Roger Pickett. through the number of current members in boxes and bulk and all of that kind of stuff and fighting to get those stolen wages back. It’s a the National Congress as opposed to the loading of ships as well. them with the best advice or experience really hard sell but we keep pushing. I march current paying members involved with the “It’s a challenge every day. Our workforce I have. I’ve found myself to be a bit better every year with the Stolen Wages banner and he Mabo Day ceremony was held This also highlighted the efforts from the WA ACTU through their respective unions. This distributes over Cairns and Mackay and at that stuff, where before if somebody told I grab any wharfie who’s beside me, anyone in at the Mabo Drum Monument on branch with its efforts at AMC in Henderson, showed that there are more numbers of paid up Gladstone as well, but here in Townsville, we me something it went straight over my head the community to hold the banner and march TDean Street along the river in South a company which has introduced a clause Indigenous members through the ACTU then have 82 on the floor, not counting the office, 75 and I didn’t know what was going on. Now beside me. Yeah, so it’s alright. We’re still going Townsville. The ceremony consisted of a calling for 20 percent indigenous recruitment. there are involved with the Indigenous National of them are members which is good. I have an understanding of what’s going on and we’re a voice for the elders out there, so welcome to country along with some dancing These efforts have made a huge impact on the Congress. The Indigenous ACTU committee “Size-wise, we’re just a small port. But and more care about how we can make a there’s no stopping yet. from two Torres Strait Islander dance groups. local ATSI community and have gained a lot of then offered to help the Indigenous National volume wise we’re up there with Brisbane. change.” “Now we’re developing social compacts The local Mayor, CR Jenny Hill, also addressed interest from all that hear about it, whether it’s Congress establish an independent and truly It is a container and bulk handling port, they between the unions and the land councils the crowd and gave her full support for the an employer, other unions or simply members representative body. load stuff like sugar, fertiliser, cement. We do when there is development on the traditional special occasion. This was then followed by of the community, both indigenous and non- Finally, we spoke about starting our own containers as well. Clive Palmer’s nickel, it gets “Back when I started, it lands. The idea is to give jobs to Indigenous Eddie Mabo’s wife Bonita Mabo, who also indigenous. Indigenous Unionist Program, named it and discharged here in Townsville too, mainly stuff people and they become union members. addressed the crowd and gave thanks for all highlighted some key people to help with like that. was almost a sin if you So memberships should grow and also the support from the local communities, both the package development. The Indigenous “I got the job when I was 20, turning 21. weren’t union.’’ the conditions and pay should be fair and indigenous and non-indigenous. After the “Finally we spoke about Unionist Program will be run very similarly Before that I was in the Queensland Police reasonable for Aboriginal people. formal ceremony there was a morning filled to the Anna Stewart Award already being run Service. I was trained to be a police officer but “Out of the 82 in my port, there are only six with celebration for all which consisted of more starting our own Indigenous out nationwide. However, it has been noted I didn’t like that too much, so I came back to “Then the union deputy secretary advised blacks. We haven’t formulated ourselves to be dancing from local dance groups as well as Unionist Program, named that this will be the first time it has been run Townsville and my brother woke me up one me of this ACTU [Indigenous] committee, an indigenous committee amongst ourselves. a performance from one of the local schools. it and highlighted some for the indigenous unionist. Therefore, the plan day and got me down to the CES, I applied and recommended I should have a go at it. But if there’s any issues I raise them with them These were combined with activities and key people to help with the is that it be done in one state first as the pilot for a job, didn’t know what stevedoring meant, He thought I would be beneficial. I just wrote and they give me a yes or no vote whether they festivities, along with lunch which allowed for program and, if successful, then hopefully be something to do with wharves, but anyway, I out a little resumé and handed it in and he feel strongly about stuff. They’re not identified a lot of interaction with all whom attended. The package development.” run nationwide. applied for a job. came back to me at next negotiation talks as being Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders meeting commenced after this. I would like to say thanks to the National “Back when I started, it was almost a sin if and told me I got in. Since then, that’s when because of their fair complexions, but they’re Our National ATSI committee meeting was Indigenous ACTU Committee in allowing us you weren’t union. I’ve been a delegate for I got to understand about how unions work happy to tell me what they think, they don’t really to be held in conjunction with the National With these sorts of efforts and achievements to attend and be involved with its meeting and about six years now. I put my hand up because on that level with indigenous communities worry about being identified or not. Indigenous ACTU committee’s meeting during we would like to see it stretch further than just the MUA for also allowing us to attend both the blokes were retiring and I ended up being in for better conditions and pay and all that. “In our last EBA, we put in a clause that we’d this time. There were introductions all around, one or two wharves. The National Indigenous Mabo Day and the National ACTU Committee’s the next lot to do the EBA talks.’’ And then as it panned out it didn’t just stop get a percentage of Aboriginal and Torres which were, then, followed by a state-by-state ACTU has expressed interest in implementing meeting. It was a very well planned and with our worksites and all of those kinds of Strait islanders in our workforce. It’s never report on current movements and activities similar possible outcomes in other areas. informative meeting. This has also shown me LEADERSHIP ROLE policies and negotiations, it got to issues in been done before, except in WA I think they within each area. During this stage, it was From the state-by-state reports, we, then, that there is a lot that I need to learn about from “[As a delegate], I think I’ve found myself our community regarding Stolen Wages and have 20 percent. That helped us to put in the clearly outlined that the National Indigenous went on to prepare and film a NAIDOC video both the union movement and also the labour develop to become a better listener, and also other things like that. clause and hopefully from that we’ll feed in a ACTU committee had purposely held the two for NAIDOC Week, which began on July 7 2013. movement. I know with the full support of the a bit of a problem solver. I’ve generally taken “I found out more about the Stolen certain number, a percentage. We’ve got to get meetings together as it believed the MUA was This video was a collection of stories about Union movement the only way is up from here on a counselling type of thing: let people talk, Wages through working with the ACTU and more Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders on leading the way for all other unions to follow. three Indigenous union activists who have and I am excited to be a part of it all. find out what the problem is and try to guide becoming a delegate, and through the QCU wharves and hopefully it’ll work out well.”

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HONG KONG DOCKERS CLAIM FROM LITTLE THINGS VICTORY AFTER 40-DAY BIG THINGS GROW STRIKE; INTERVIEW WITH Gather round people I’ll tell you a story, DOCKERS’ LEADER An eight year long story of power and pride.

British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiari, Were opposite men on opposite sides.

Vestey was fat with money and muscle, Beef was his business, broad was his door.

Vincent was lean and spoke very little, He had no bank balance, hard dirt was his floor.

es, indeed, as Paul Kelly the song parasite Lord Vestey said, “I will crush you!” Ngarinman and Warlpiri peoples through the writer says, “Gather round” Vincent Lingiari replied with the now famous historic walkoff from Wave Hill Station. The Ycomrades and read a story about statement, “If we fall others are rising.” Station was initially established on Gurindji a remarkable human being by the name of The Wave Hill stockmens’ walk off and traditional lands in 1883. At the time of the Vincent Lingiari. Vincent was born in 1908 in strike was now firmly in the mainstream walkoff, Wave Hill Station had been owned by outback Northern Territory. Now there is not media in Australia. Well-known communist British Lord Vestey’s family since 1914. The too much known about Vincent’s early life but author Frank Hardy was a constant visitor Gurindji Walkoff was initiated by Gurindji/ there is plenty to know about his later years to the Gurindji people, offering profound Malgnin Leader Vincent Lingiari. (Left): Hong Kong dock workers have won a great victory. for the man became a true revolutionary for advice as well making sure the propaganda On the 26th of August 1975 then-Labor (Right): MUA support was welcome and influential in the outcome. Aboriginal people from all walks of life. machine was in full swing. Prime Minister Gough Whitlam officially Vincent belonged to the Gurindji people. Trade unions, including, ours started to handed back his peoples’ traditional land to The Gurindji people, including Vincent, muster support for the striking stockmen. Vincent Lingiari in the community of Daguragu. he 40-day strike of more than 500 Crumlin said. treatment of these workers in Hong Kong is worked on a cattle station by the name of The union movement sent delegation This became one of the special moments in dockworkers at the Port of Hong “Transport and dockworkers around not acceptable.” Wave Hill. The station was under the control of after delegation to the Northern Territory the long struggle for the Gurindji stockmen TKong ended on May 6 with a the world are shocked by the treatment of Strikers accepted an offer for the four the British Pastoral Company but it was owned pledging moral and financial assistance when Gough Whitlam poured red soil into settlement that included a 9.8 percent wage the Kwai Tsing dockworkers under these contractors by a 90 percent vote. outright by the Vestey Family, and managed to the Gurindji stockmen. International the hands of Vincent Lingiari, symbolising the increase, non-retaliation against strikers and contracting arrangements. The four contractors also agreed to work by Lord Samuel Vestey. support started rolling in to the point where return of the land to its rightful owners. a written agreement, all of which had been “Australian, along with other international through the port manager Hong Kong Conditions of work at Wave Hill were such local politicians had no choice but to start Now when we talk about going on strike fiercely resisted by the four contractors dockworkers and transport workers, feel International Terminal (HIT) to provide that the stockmen under Vincent Lingiari’s listening. or walking off the job – or maybe even the targeted in the strike. strongly enough not just to donate to the meal and toilet breaks, which had been leadership decided enough was enough and At this point in time Vincent Lingiari blues – we might think of some of the more An Australian delegation comprising of ITF cause but to support these workers by lacking even for workers on 12 or 24-hour walked off in protest. This is where history started visiting the big cities around the protracted disputes. Say, the British Miners and MUA members travelled to Hong Kong to standing arm-in-arm. shifts. Crane operators laid off during the was well and truly in the making. In the 1930s, country, where he told the story of the great dispute, or maybe the Liverpool Dockers show its solidarity, the group was made up of: “HIT – which is a subsidiary of the global strike will be rehired. there was similar action taken at Wave Hill by struggle of the Gurindji stockmen in the face dispute, or even the Gordonstone mine Matt Purcell, John Maitland, Graham Archer, network terminal operator Hutchison – Though members of the Union of Hong the stockmen but it was very quickly crushed of the ruthlessness of Lord Vestey. The tide dispute in Emerald Queensland where Rio Joe Deakin, Paul McLucas, Justin Timmins, needs to make sure that workers are treated Kong Dock Workers (UHKDW) had been under the brutal rule of the Vesteys and the started to turn rapidly when Vincent Lingiari Tinto locked CFMEU miners out for 20 months. Mark Gloeckner, and John Aqulina. decently and paid fairly, including in their holding to their demand for a double-digit British Pastoral Company. came to Sydney. Here, he met up with Labor Well try this on for size: the Gurindji stockmen MUA National Secretary and President subcontracting arrangements. wage increase, they had growing concerns The walk off at Wave Hill station by the politicians, including Gough Whitlam. From were on strike from August 1966 until 1974 of the International Transport Workers’ “To see hardly any increase in pay for about contractors’ use of scabs and the Gurindji people under Vincent’s leadership this moment on, Australians were well and (the longest dispute on record not only in Federation (ITF), Paddy Crumlin, said more than a decade is just one part of the relative ease with which shippers could took on new dimensions. Initially the strike truly aware of what was going on at Wave Hill this country but the world). Eight long years Australian maritime workers have been problem – the other part relates to the re-route from Hong Kong to the nearby and walk off was all about improving and change was certainly in the air. Sadly, it in struggle and they not only won the blue, deeply disturbed by the abuses of workers disgraceful treatment of these workers. It’s mainland China port of Shenzhen. After the the working and living conditions of the only came about as a direct result of trade they changed the whole face of land rights by Hong Kong International Terminals’ (HIT) employment more akin to slave labour. breakthrough accomplishment of forcing the Aboriginal stockmen. But, when the stockmen unions telling the story to whoever wanted to for indigenous people. For what followed the subcontractors and wanted to express their “These abuses must stop and HIT in contractors to negotiate, and clearly winning had their first meeting at Wattie Creek, a true listen and, of course, the great work done by Wave Hill struggle was the Mabo decision, support. The delegation also included an ITF particular needs to show that they are the battle of public opinion, strikers were revolutionary spirit was realised. Vincent Frank Hardy. Wick and lots more. The heroic and humble representative. committed to ending the exploitation ready to return to work. told Lord Vestey, when he offered to pay There is a fascinating background Gurindji stockmen led by Vincent Lingiari have “Following my visit to Hong Kong in of outsourced dockworkers in their The strike was notable in that the stockmen 17 quid a week, that it was no to this wonderful show of strength and shown that you don’t have to walk around with support of the Kwai Tsing dockworkers, subcontracting arrangements. dockworkers across multiple sub- longer a case of claiming wages, (which, in determination by Vincent Lingiari’s and his a paperback written by Karl Marx in your back the MUA sent representatives from around “Hutchison is a decent employer of contractors first self-organized, from the itself, was a victory because the stockmen fellow Gurindji stockmen. Kalkarindji and pack to be a revolutionary. Australia, led by MUA assistant branch dockworkers in Australia and in other bottom up, before seeking affiliation for their had been working for tea, sugar and bread Daguragu are the traditional homelands of From little things big things grow. secretary Joe Deakin, to stand side-by- countries around the world and they need to union with the Hong Kong Confederation of up until this point). Vincent Lingiari said the the Gurindji people, and these communities Joe Deakin side with these workers on the picket line,” provide consistency by recognizing that the Trade Unions (HKCTU). Gurindji people demanded their land. The are linked to the Malgnin, Mudpurra, Bilinara, MUA Sydney Branch Assistant Secretary

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p20-23 MUNZ_IDC.indd 20 12/08/13 12:16 PM p20-23 MUNZ_IDC.indd 21 12/08/13 12:16 PM “Evans knows he has his work cut out for him but he believes that a campaign powered by intense grassroots activity could means the difference.” TRAINING IDC-EGT

Proud union members training IDC European Coordinator to be the delegates Anothony Tetard speaking at the of the next Automation Conference held in generation. Sydney earlier this year. TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM SAFETY IN SOLIDARITY - JOINT GIVES MASSIVE BOOST TO FRENCH-MUA SHIP INSPECTION DELEGATE TRAINING CAMPAIGN International solidarity networks are the key to a safer waterfront for workers successful Train the Trainer program around the world and the MUA is leading the way in establishing affiliate relations was in held in Sydney recently, with “Delegates are the heart and soul of the union,” Goodwin with unions in other countries. A 24 experienced delegates being trained to deliver MUA courses for members and said. “By training experienced delegates to deliver union delegates. The training marked an exciting new courses, we can draw on their experience and knowledge. he MUA recognises the ships calling in Le Havre, Sydney and phase for delegate training in our union. There is no better way to instill MUA culture and history significance and power “With the battle over Melbourne every two weeks and one The goal of the program is to develop a in the next generation of members.” T that arises from building ship each week calling in Adelaide and national team of rank-and-file trainers who can international solidarity networks. automation being faced by Fremantle. deliver MUA courses for delegates and safety Consequently, we devote resources unions internationally it In a follow up message to the representatives across the country. It is the first of and energy to building these networks. is also vital that solidarity Syndicat des Dockers du Havre and its kind for our union. Training courses are held in all major ports Delegates 3 (2 days) It is abundantly clear that all maritime the Federation Nationale des Ports The program was run by MUA National and regional areas where there are sufficient This advanced course is aimed at experienced workers benefit from ties that extend ties are strengthened et Docks (CGT), Smith wrote: “As Education and Safety Officer Matt Goodwin, numbers. The courses are generally held at delegates and up-and-coming workplace our power, leverage and influence to with unions in our joint we discussed, our joint action and together with two trainers from the ACTU. MUA offices or another central location, or at the leaders. It is under development for planned ports around the world. struggle against the union- practical on the ground co-operation “Delegates are the heart and soul of the MUA Training Centre at St Georges Basin, NSW. rollout in late 2013. Following the recent global busting methods of the is a great way to establish strong union,” Goodwin said. “By training experienced To express interest contact your local branch. automation conference in Sydney, rank and file relationships that can delegates to deliver union courses, we can draw Seagoing delegates (1 day) the MUA solidified a process of joint Global Network Terminal cement the bonds of friendship and on their experience and knowledge. There is no Delegates 1 (2 days) This is a one-day course geared towards MUA co-operation and co-ordination with operators.” solidarity between the CGT and MUA better way to instill MUA culture and history in the This two-day course provides delegates with delegates at sea. It deals with the specific the French Syndicat des Dockers du by fighting side by side against ship next generation of members.” essential information about performing their challenges and issues faced by delegates in Havre, which is part of the national owners who put the lives of wharfies Successful completion of the five-day intensive role in the workplace. It can be undertaken by this unique environment. The training has been Fédération Nationale des Ports et and dockers at risk. We propose that course leads to a Certificate IV in Training and newer delegates in their first 6-12 months of developed in conjunction with experienced Docks - Confédération Générale du terminals in France). Joint organising the 19 identified vessels be a starting Assessment. involvement, or as a refresher for delegates who seafaring delegates. This course is primarily Travail (CGT). It is also affiliated to the around safety assists us to build unity point for ongoing co-operation and We are pleased to report that some have not attended union training for some time. about building union culture on vessels. Topics International Dockworkers’ Council and trust between our unions and information sharing between our two outstanding skills were on display. All participants It is also open to active members who would like include communication skills, problem solving (IDC). Le Havre is the largest port in ensures that international solidarity is unions. This co-operation also reflects are well on their way to obtaining the qualification. to get more involved. and negotiation, rolling funds, EAS, checking France. not based upon a top-down approach the increased capacity and leverage Our team of trainers are already putting their The course covers key topics such as the role union books, running meetings and minute- Both the MUA and the Le Havre but is something that every rank-and-file that a relationship between IDC and ITF skills into practice, helping deliver delegate and rights and of MUA delegates, the structure keeping, establishing political/union resources dockers recognised the fundamental worker can participate in. affiliated unions can produce.” courses in a number of branches. Feedback from and democracy of the union, problem solving, on vessels, organising around safety, and the importance of safety on the job and “The MUA and the Le Havre dockers’ The Syndicat des Dockers du members has been excellent. essential legal and technical information, how to history of the union. a union representative from the Port union identified the same vessel Havre have embraced this initiative represent and assist members, strategies and of Le Havre attended the MUA’s ship deficiency problems on the same and already there has been an About the MUA training courses MUA history and values. MUA Health and Safety Workshop (1 day) inspection workshop where there was ships between French and Australian exchange of ship inspection reports. The MUA training courses help delegates, safety The aim of this course is to provide members an exchange of information and an ports,” said Assistant National Secretary With that focused exchange, during reps and active members develop the skills and Delegates 2 (2 days) with a practical understanding of work health ongoing commitment to work together Warren Smith. “Accordingly, we have the conference and in the follow knowledge they need to improve the working This two-day course is for delegates with 12 and safety laws. New safety laws in most states to make the waterfront in both France undertaken a joint project to ensure up communications, the MUA has lives of all our members. months or more experience. It consolidates and have brought new rights and powers. These and Australia a safer place to work. problems on these vessels that present strengthened yet another bridge of MUA courses are designed to be useful and extends skills covered in the Level 1 course. have the potential to be a powerful tool to push With the battle over automation being dangers to workers are tackled jointly. solidarity, which will assist in the practical. They deal with the real challenges and The program can be customised according for better safety – but only if delegates and faced by unions internationally it is also This is real and practical solidarity work struggle in ensuring that waterside issues members face every day. to need. The course focuses on advanced health and safety reps are equipped to use vital that solidarity ties are strengthened that will build strong ties between our workers in both France and Australia There are courses for experienced delegates, communication and workplace strategies, them. The training is open to health and safety with unions in our joint struggle against unions,” said Smith. work have safer workplaces. as well as members who are stepping up for the in-depth discussion of the Fair Work Act, public representatives, workplace delegates and the union-busting methods of the The MUA has mapped the direct MUA members are encouraged first time. All courses include dedicated sessions speaking skills, negotiation skills, and leading interested members. No special knowledge of Global Network Terminal operators container services between Australia to report vessel deficiencies via the on MUA history and culture. and organising union activities in the workplace. health and safety is required. (for example, DP World also operates and Le Havre and have identified three Vessel Deficiency Register.

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p20-23 MUNZ_IDC.indd 22 12/08/13 12:16 PM p20-23 MUNZ_IDC.indd 23 12/08/13 12:16 PM VALE VALE

from union business and everything that VALE LES PERRY volunteered to assist in fighting the entailed. Well known seaman Les Perry was bushfire. Founding member of our veteran farewelled at a service held on the Port Les was asked what his occupation association he ensured that it was a Adelaide waterfront. The location was was and he responded that he was a national entity and an international one appropriate as he always identified fireman. as well by his active and committed himself with the industry he spent his “Great!” said the organiser. Les found participation including as Secretary. Part working life in. himself in charge of a gang of blokes of his work with the veterans saw him Les was recognised as totally involved who thought they were being led by a represent our union back in Liverpool in the affairs of the union, always member of the fire brigade. closing the circle on a long seafaring attending demonstrations, marches, Les carried his comradely attitude onto journey. leaflet distributions - whatever the union the job. When the deucer handed out the We all have very many mates in was currently engaged in. jobs and an older member got a job that Liverpool and I know there have been He continued these activities after Les considered he would have difficulty many pints sunk and tears shed on the retirement as a member of the Veteran’s handling, he would swap jobs, no matter tragic passing of this great scouser. It’s a Association. how hard or dirty the job was. small world for the workers of Liverpool He could also liven up a stop work We have lost a real contributor in Les and they never forget where they came meeting with some of his opinions. Perry. He was one of those comrades from. Les referred to himself as a fireman that helped make the union the In recent years the passing of your mum VALE D’ARCY long after coal burners had disappeared, organisation that we are so proud of. Phil greatly changed Jim’s life. While not a GEORGE RAFFAELE a habit that got him into a bit of strife bloke to show much emotion outwardly it D’arcy George Raffaele in Hobart. During the Hobart bushfires Brian O’Neill was an enormous emotional blow and in 9/3/1939 - 30/6/2013 a group of seamen from his ship Life Member 509 VALE JIM BRAY the age of 16 under the red ensign and many ways he never got over it. was exposed to the great international Again all of our thoughts and best SEA FEVER Dear Comrade experience that all seafarers love and to wishes are with you, Karen, Sharon, Jesse I must go down to the seas again, I am sorry I can’t be there today due to which we commit our life. As Jim would say, and all the family as we have some small to the lonely sea and the sky, some urgent personal issues I need to that’s why being a seafarer is the reason we understanding that Jim’s passing is having And all I ask is a tall ship and a address. So I wish to convey to you and are all such great internationalists. on you. We want you to know that in every star to steer her by; your family Ian our deepest sympathies and Like many scousers he made his way to way we are with you, comrade. And the wheel’s kick and the As I knew him, George was both heartfelt condolences on Jim’s passing from Australia in the late 60s and worked with his In some ways, while not looked for, it wind’s song and the white generous of nature and prepared to all of the officers, staff and membership of seafaring skills in rigging and other jobs is consistent with Jim’s life that the date sail’s shaking, accept responsibility. Once he “learnt the MUA. until he was able to secure employment on and time of his passing was on another And a grey mist on the sea’s the ropes” with respect to Australian I was with you internationally when the the Australian coast. international voyage, this great seafarer, face, and a grey dawn breaking, Ships, and the union, he often found news came down and together with Will There weren’t many aspects of the unionist, father, friend and comrade has left I must go down to the seas himself elected as ship’s delegate. In and your other comrades shared the shock industry that Jimmy didn’t experience, us suddenly and without us having to say again, for the call of the my experience, he was usually very of how the passing came about. It has been from our Australian National Line including our goodbyes. He will be greatly missed. running tide level-headed and responsible. In an extraordinarily difficult time for you and international trades to state ships, iron boats, Vale Jim Bray, our great comrade now at Is a wild call and a clear call seafaring parlance, he had his feet the family given that Jim was not in Australia tankers, tugs, every aspect of the offshore peace. that may not be denied; “firmly on the deck”. on becoming ill and the many complications industry and dredgers. Jim was part of the And all I ask is a windy day Ships that he served on included that flowed from that. shipboard operations that delivered the Yours in unity with the white clouds flying, the Shell tanker Solen, the off-shore At this difficult and wrenching time for services to this unique industry. Paddy Crumlin And the flung spray and the support vessel Lady Jane, the Jabaru you, we hope that you can be assured and I know you would be thinking today that blown spume, and the Venture and the Gerringong, the latter supported in some small way by knowing his last ship at sea, the Aurora Australis, sea-gulls crying. vessel being in the alumina trade the deep regard and great respect that Jim taking the national interest to the ice of I must go down to the seas between Fremantle, Portland and had throughout our industry in general and Antarctica was shared with you as a fellow again, to the vagrant gypsy life, Geelong. within our union in particular. shipmate. He was proud of you and saw in FAREWELL MICK To the gull’s way and the I must say that having attended the A tough, principled and committed you all of the things he aspired to do both FITZGERALD whale’s way where the wind’s memorial service, I was struck by the unionist that reflected the deep roots on the job and in the union. The best thing like a whetted knife; warm comments and observations by of professionalism and commitment he about Jimmy Bray was that he loved his And all I ask is a merry yarn many of those at the service. It seems had to the seafaring profession, he was a family and lived his life for you. He was a Veteran member Hugh Michael from a laughing fellow-rover, VALE GEORGE CANEPA that George played an important role tenacious and courageous advocate for a typical sea daddy and spent much of his Fitzgerald has passed. Mick was And quiet sleep and a sweet I first met George, when he joined the in his local community of Frankston, a fair go on the job and also an accountable time mentoring young members in general a staunch and well-respected dream when the long trick’s over. Australian merchant marine in late bayside Melbourne suburb. George and democratic union. His toughness and in particular helping them through unionist, who participated in many 1969. Previously, like many serving on was very much the giver, not the taker, and directness were enhanced by his the tough times that often confront us in struggles to improve the lot of his A Life Member of the MUA, Australian flag vessels, George began in assisting friends and neighbours. great good humour and love of company, our youth. Like you I know many seafarers fellow workers and his union. Mick D’arcy worked on Fremantle’s his seafaring career in British ships. He will be sadly missed by family particularly over a few drinks. Jimmy was a whose lives were changed for the better joined the WWF on December 5, Wharves for nearly three In 1957 he joined the Queen Mary at and friends. As a union activist great drinking companion. through having access to Jim’s rock hard 1950. Vale Mick Fitzgerald, gone decades. Loving husband to Jean, Southampton, sailing to New York. On and one interested in the broader The foundations of Jim’s great personality wisdom and complete and unambiguous but not forgotten. beloved father to Ross and Trudi, arrival, he signed on a British-flag vessel community, the world is poorer with and leadership qualities came from a support. Glen and Claire and devoted and did not see England again for two his passing. tough background in Liverpool and also He encapsulated our saying “you may Mick Carr, QLD Branch Secretary grandfather to Douglas, Matthew, years. This suggests that he joined a Farewell George. an exposure to the seagoing experience retire from the workforce but you never Rachael, D’arcy Jr, Charlie, Eve “tramp-steamer”, of which there were Roger Wilson early in his life. Like many young men from retire from the struggle” and in the last 10 and Summer. He will be missed many on the British Shipping Registry, at MUA VETERANS, MELBOURNE that neck of the woods he went to sea at years since retirement he was never far by all who knew him. that time. July 2013

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p24-25 Vale.indd 24 12/08/13 12:19 PM p24-25 Vale.indd 25 12/08/13 12:19 PM LETTERS SEACARE

NINGALOO VISION MUA WELCOMES SEACARE EXPRESSES REVIEW, DECLARES GRATITUDE FOR WORKERS ON SEA AND ON SOLIDARITY LAND SHOULD BE TREATED

Recently, the MUA successfully completed EBA negotiations EQUALLY for the FPSO Ningaloo Vision. The following letter was received from the members of the Ningaloo Vision. The MUA’s campaign for workers to have the same rights on sea and land fell on deaf ears under 10 years of the Howard government. But, National Secretary Paddy Crumlin is pleased that the union’s efforts have finally borne fruit.

he MUA has welcomed the 1st May, 2013 Federal government’s review of “There is no logical reason why people that work Tthe Seacare system, unveiled by the Minister for Employment and on land should be covered by better OHS standards Dear Bernie, Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten. than those that work on water and, on equity and Seacare is the national scheme moral grounds, this anomaly should be addressed We the MUA members onboard the FPSO Ningaloo Vision wish to of occupational health and safety immediately.” express our gratitude for the great outcome you helped to achieve in (OHS), rehabilitation and workers’ (Top) Justin Feehan R.I.P. 1986 - 2013 MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin the recent EBA negotiations. compensation arrangements that apply (Above) Flag lorem delorem. to seafarers. We are also appreciative of the constant availability, long hours of “It is about time that seafarers are toil and frequent travel you undertook on our behalf. THE DUTCHMAN’S covered by the same OHS standards is why the union is a strong advocate Government ignored Seacare and The acumen you brought to the table, in particular the “uplift” that all Australians that work on land for job placement arrangements for the need for a review and as a result, strategy, delivered results beyond expectation and the co- GOLD are covered by and, to this end, we injured seafarers.” the Seacare system has fallen behind ordinated effort with the delegates to achieve wage parity was truly From Gladstone town the course is set are pleased to see that the review One of the most important reforms Australia’s own best practice standards.” commendable. With payload dirt, the “Heron’s” kept, recommends full harmonisation with suggested was a strengthening The report also recommends Consequently, it was moved and unanimously endorsed at Alongside the dredge we throw the ropes, the model Work Health and Safety Act,” of regulatory oversight of private restoring the historical alignment consecutive general meetings onboard, to levy each permanent The next pay packet our only hopes! MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin scheme insurers. Currently the between the Seacare and Comcare member and long term relief drawing benefit from this agreement, the We happy crew, we band of men said. Seacare Authority has no powers to workers’ compensation schemes, which amount of two hundred dollars, to be paid over and above our usual We sail her for the Netherlands. “People are dying on the job in the monitor the efficacy of these insurers has been welcomed by the MUA as a swing rolling fund donation of one hundred dollars. Of wild dark seas we do not fear maritime sector and it is imperative and the MUA strongly encourages necessary correction required. As we miss our kin and yearn for beer, that the Australian Government pass Minister Shorten to adopt these The MUA supports the report’s It is therefore with great pleasure and pride that we present you a Heading for the dumping ground legislation as soon as possible to recommendations in full. recommendation that there be a grand total of five thousand dollars to be used in the National Office Beamside on, we pitch around raise safety standards for workers on The MUA is also pleased that further study undertaken to assess FPSO Campaign to retain marine qualifications in the offshore oil and As vessel and crew lurch and roll shipping vessels. the review has recommended the feasibility of a single national gas industry. Moving more mud the Dutchman’s goal, “If this recommendation is clarification of the coverage of system of safety management for the We happy crew, we band of men implemented, the only workers that the Seacare legislation – all too entire maritime and water transport Bernie, you have done us and this great union proud, well done We sail her for the Netherlands. would lie outside the national OHS often unnecessary, costly litigation industries. The MUA believes this and thank you comrade. Australian mud is “Dutchies” gold system are people working in the is undertaken and left many should be embraced as a medium-term To deepen ports for projects bold; offshore oil and gas sector. seafarers without adequate workers’ objective. So foreign companies can take our wealth “There is no logical reason why compensation entitlements. The MUA also noted that some of the What’s for our kids, the environments people that work on land should be “Proposed restrictions on recommendations would disadvantage Yours in Solidarity, health? covered by better OHS standards than employers’ ability to seek exemption seafarers. Those recommendations are While overseas shareholders grow ever fat, those that work on water and, on equity from the Seacare workers’ contrary to the commitment Minister Nathan Niddrie on behalf of Once it’s gone you can’t get it back! and moral grounds, this anomaly should compensation provisions are very Shorten included in the terms of MUA members, FPSO Ningaloo Vision. So we do our job and take their coin be addressed immediately. welcome as the breadth of the reference for the review. As we sail out past the River Boyne: “Recommendations to improve existing provisions have severely “We urge that any recommendations We’re union crew, proud Australian men return-to-work provisions should also disadvantaged many seafarers that consider any reduction in existing And we’ll take the “Heron” out yet again! be acted on as soon as possible – it’s and driven up scheme premiums,” benefits afforded to workers covered by Written by Justin Feehan 2012 extremely difficult for seafarers to Crumlin said. the scheme be soundly rejected by the return to work following injury and that “Unfortunately the Howard Minister,” said Crumlin.

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p26-29_Letters_NSCOP.indd 26 13/08/13 3:48 PM p26-29_Letters_NSCOP.indd 27 12/08/13 12:21 PM NSCOP NSCOP

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE – NSCOP NOT A DONE DEAL YET The MUA has worked hard to ensure Safe Work Australia will endorse the first-ever national safety code for stevedores. But, as you will read, the job isn’t finished yet.

y the time you read this article, we will be in the final The MUA believes the renegade employers are trying to B push to get the first-ever delay the code’s approval until after the federal election, GAF mourning the loss of his fallen comrades before he was lost in a tragic industrial accident. national safety code for stevedores across the line. The MUA is confident banking on a Coalition government, which would block that the process is still on track. But, the code in an industry where workers are 14 times more every MUA member needs to keep likely to die than the average Australian worker. beating the drum for the passage of this code - because a couple POSTHUMOUS LIFE of renegade employers are doing everything possible to stand in the way code. As a result, Safe Work Australia NSCOP is currently still open for MEMBERSHIP HONOURS GAF of our victory. agreed to release the code for public comment. The MUA believes After Safe Work Australia (SWA) comment, making it clear that there the renegade employers are trying to supported NSCOP and decided the are no significant costs associated delay the code’s approval until after hen Greg Fitzgibbon was killed code would go out to public comment, with the new code. By triggering the federal election, banking on a Greg Fitzgibbon’s proud wife Linda, flanked by in September 2012 on the wharf, daughters Georga (left) and Taylor (right). QUBE and DP World made a last- the public comment period, SWA Coalition government, which would Wthe Newcastle branch felt his loss ditch effort to sink the code. No one made clear there was not need for block the code in an industry where deeply. “Gaf”, as he was known, was a lifelong should be surprised that belligerent a “Regulatory Impact Assessment’” workers are 14 times more likely to die MUA member. It was in his blood, and part of employers would continue to throw (RIS) to assess the cost of the code; than the average Australian worker. a family tradition stretching back many years. everything at opposing the union and an RIS would have presented a Safety is clearly not paramount at DP So, on 24th May, the Newcastle branch held a waterfront safety. bureaucratic hurdle and delayed the World and Qube. Both companies have special dinner to honour Greg and grant him The employers’ friend in the media, code for months, allowing opponents shown that the welfare of their workers, lifetime membership in the union. the Australian Financial Review, to undercut its content and core who would be protected by the code, Greg’s family - his wife Linda and two assisted the renegade employers mission. has been dismissed in the name of daughters, Georga and Taylor - were on hand when it published a misleading and Qube and DP World, stringent in profit. to accept the lifelong membership. It was a factually incorrect article on 22 June, their opposition, continued their attack The MUA will continue to fight for moving tribute. falsely claiming that NSCOP will cost on the code both during and after the NSCOP and we have not ruled out “We wanted to recognise Gaf’s contribution industry in excess of $40 million meeting. Qube and DP World were further direct action being taken aimed to the union and what he symbolised, carried to implement - almost doubling a successful at pushing the Office of at these recalcitrant employers. on after his death by his family, as a reason we previous false number thrown around Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) to We urge all MUA members to keep fight every day for safety on the waterfront,” by the renegade employers. overrule Safe Work Australia and call up the pressure: if you have not yet said Glen Williams, Newcastle branch How do we know the numbers are for NSCOP to be subjected to the signed the MUA’s submission on secretary. false? During the last TAG meeting Regulation Impact Statement. At the NSCOP, please go to www.nscop4life. “His family has been a central part of the life (Temporary Advisory Group) in same time, it should be noted, Patrick org.au and sign today. If you have of the union going back decades.” Canberra on 24 May, no stevedore and Hutchison both publicly stated already signed, call your mates and could indicate where there would be that the code will not cost those two family members and urge them to any negative cost imposed due to the companies anything to implement. sign today.

28 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 29

p26-29_Letters_NSCOP.indd 28 12/08/13 12:21 PM p26-29_Letters_NSCOP.indd 29 12/08/13 12:21 PM CUBA CUBA

Flying the Cuban flag high Old Havana has been declared a World past the International Delegates (there were Cuba in its three demands on the USA. “Pictures still adorn Heritage site by the United Nations. Its streets over 2,300 of us from over 75 countries) for over They were: the walls of Fidel, Che look like a Spanish city in the 1500s. Old an hour-and-a-half. It was inspiring. and other comrades cannons are so plentiful that they are used as The next day most of the International 1. End the trade embargo on Cuba. sitting around the lobby bollards in the ground. Many buildings are delegates attended a Solidarity Conference. 2. Release the Cuban 5. occupied by families, although some are in Many inspiring speeches were given. 3. The return of Guantarnamo Bay Naval Base brandishing their guns after a state of disrepair and have been vacated. Recognition was given to the achievements of back to Cuba. the dictator Batista fled the There are programs to restore building to their Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan President who country. Fidel set up office original state, although these are hampered by recently died. Here are just some: Consistent with our resolutions taken at our last on the 23rd floor. What an the blockade. Old Havana is a charming city. National Conference, one crucial matter over the We stayed at what was originally the Havana • Lifting 54 percent of his population from next month is the call for the release of the Cuban achievement.” Hilton but it was renamed the Havana Libre extreme poverty. 5. These men have been locked up in separate after the revolution. Pictures still adorn the • Lifting royalties on oil production from two prisons for over 15 years. Last week in a breaking walls of Fidel, Che and other comrades sitting to 36 percent and lifting tax on revenues of development, Rene Gonzalez – who was released around the lobby brandishing their guns after oil companies from 16 to 50 percent. on parole on condition he remains in Miami - was the dictator Batista fled the country. Fidel set up • Education. Venezuela had five universities allowed to return to Cuba. office on the 23rd floor. What an achievement. when he came to power, there are now 13. It is important that in the next four weeks as After the rebels’ boat, the Granma, left Many training programs have been run for many people as possible sign the petition for the Mexico in 1953, they were hit by storms and people of all ages. release of these men unjustly held in prison for attacked, leaving only 12 alive from the 84 that • Returning all Venezuela’s gold reserves over 15 years. From May 30th to June 4th many set sail. Yet, within six years, the revolutionaries from overseas. prominent people will be in Washington DC had united the people of Cuba to expel the • Establishing the Bank of the South. calling for their release. Members can link to the traitorous government that had been exploiting • Not taking any loans from the IMF or World petition from our website: www.freethefive.org its people to gangsters and corporate crooks. Bank. Please take the opportunity to ask friends and May Day for us started at 5am. It is a logistical • Achieved fuel and food production security. family to also sign the petition. challenge to have over a million people at the In the May Day march, we could see the Jose Marti square listening to the speeches and Hugo Chavez had a crucial position in Latin spirit and pride of the Cuban people in their ready to march at 7.30am. Many people travel America, and Cuba had a special relationship achievements. The spirit that fights tyranny, fights through the night from all over Cuba, marching with his government, including the Oil for oppression and gives solidarity to people all over with their unions, workplaces, universities Doctors program, through which Venezuela the world. The inspiration of Jose Marti does not and schools. Accompanied by Cuban music, supplied oil to Cuba and, in return, supplied just happen. It must he worked for. It was my the march is a wall of people covering the 10,000 doctors. pleasure to be in Havana to see that another world equivalent of a 10-lane highway that proceeded All delegates gave their pledge to support is possible. IT WAS MY HONOUR TO WHO ARE THE after only a few hours deliberation by the jury, their incredible courage and dignity, has gained REPRESENT OUR UNION CUBAN FIVE? which did not ask a single question or make a them wide and growing support around the request to review any of the testimony despite world. Among those demanding their release IN HAVANA THIS YEAR. the complexity of the case. The prosecution are 10 Nobel Prize winners, the Mexican Senate, In 1998, five courageous young Cubans – brazenly held meetings with the Miami 75 members of the European Parliament, The MUA sent Kevin Bracken to Cuba for its famous May Day celebrations. Gerardo Hernandez, Rene Gonzales, Antonio extremists and yet was unable to prove that any including two former Presidents and three Vice- Guerrero, Ramon Labatino and Fernando of the five had carried out a single illegal act or Presidents, 70 members of the UK Parliament He’s come back with a fascinating report on a country that has overcome much Gonzales – entered the United States to monitor had stolen any military secrets, whereas defence thousands of other parliamentarians, trade hardship and retained its fighting spirit. the actions of extremist groups in Miami in an lawyers presented extensive evidence about unions, women’s and student groups, solidarity attempt to protect Cuba from invasion and acts the violent activities of the extremists who had organizations, international legal bodies and wasn’t alone in Cuba. With me were made Cuban drivers mechanics of necessity, international solidarity the country provides (for of terrorism. For more than 60 years, these operated against Cuba since its 1959 revolution, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, my three sons, Luke and Dan (MUA with repairs being carried out (usually example, over 300 doctors from Timor Leste). groups have engaged in violent acts against which included the downing of a Cuban airliner along with many well-known artists and actors. I members), and Ken (ETU member). successfully) on the sides of the road. There are Healthcare is free in Cuba. Measurable health the Cuban people and anyone calling for a killing all 73 on board. The gaoling of the Cuban Five is not only a They decided to make their own way there to two types of taxis: government ones with blue barometers such as infant mortality rates are normalisation of relations between Havana The presiding judge handed down horrific gross violation of human rights but is in breach be with me as May Day in Cuba has been one plates and private taxis with yellow plates. The lower than many western countries. and Washington. From 1990-2000 there were sentences ranging from 15 years to double-life of Article 14 of the International Convention on of my life ambitions. fares of the private taxis are negotiable and it is Education in Cuba is free. All students attend 108 such attacks both inside Cuba and against with no possibility of parole. In an effort to break Civil and Political Liberties to which the United I was not disappointed. While money is best to ask “quanto ess?” before you get in. up to year nine and, from then on, they can do a its diplomats abroad and 10 bombings in their spirits, US authorities sent the five men to States is a signatory. scarce in Cuba - teachers are paid about $20 People will offer Cuban cigars at every trade or go onto further tertiary training. People Havana. In June 1998, Cuba sent the FBI separate gaols across the country – some of the a month – I found the people to be confident, corner or try to direct you to a restaurant or bar. at any stage of their life can receive further specific information about the activities of these worst – refused to recognise them as political Please add your voice demanding friendly, healthy and well-educated. After the first day, you will get used to saying training. Positions in university are dependent on criminals, but instead of clamping down on prisoners and prevented them from seeing their release The economic blockade of Cuba imposed “No grazias” and find the people want to know score. Only those with the highest marks can be the criminals the FBI arrested the five Cubans their wives and children. Four still remain in Please go to www.freethefive.org and sign the by the US for over 55 years has had a where you are from and are genuinely friendly. trained as doctors. Once the university degree claiming it had uncovered a “Cuban spy prison, while the fifth, Rene Gonzales, has been petition for their release. devastating effect on the country. No company Tourism has brought about many anomalies is obtained, students are expected to provide network” trying to infiltrate the US Southern released and has rejoined his family in Cuba. If you would like to support further, join the that trades with Cuba can do business in the in the Cuban economy. We found a doctor service back to the community. On our tour Command. Despite a decision in August 2005 of the 11th campaign by signing on at the website USA. Consequently, products like cement and driving a taxi in his spare time, as it paid much of Havana, our host who had completed her The trial lasted for six months and included Circuit of the Atlanta Court of Appeals to quash machinery are expensive and hard to come by. better than working as a doctor in Cuba. Many degree worked for Cuba Tours for two years. more than 119 volumes of testimony and over their convictions, the US government persists Australia-Cuba Friendship Society The cars in streets of Havana probably look doctors from developing countries receive After that she could stay there or apply to work 20,000 pages of documents. In June 2001, with the lies that saw the five imprisoned. ACFS website: www.melbourneacfs.org or like a US city in the 1950s. The embargo has their training for free in Cuba as part of the somewhere else. the five were found guilty on all 26 counts The long fight waged by the five, along with contact us directly: [email protected]

30 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 31

p30-31 Cuba_Havana.indd 30 13/08/13 3:49 PM p30-31 Cuba_Havana.indd 31 13/08/13 3:49 PM ILWU LINES

FOREIGN GRAIN MERCHANTS LINESMEN – INTEGRAL TO SAFE CONTINUE LOCKOUTS; AND EFFICIENT DOCKS LONGSHORE WORKERS STAND By Harold Dunne Newcastle Branch – 4008009 A mixed bag of officials, delegates and members from around the Australia and New STRONG Zealand at the second Lines and Mooring conference in International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers in Oregon and Washington Newcastle. are continuing their round-the-clock fight, with support from the community and pledges of solidarity from around the globe.

nternational Longshore and “We weren’t sure why so many of them The nine-boat flotilla was peaceful and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers came to watch our picket line, but they remained on the river until a Coast Guard I in Oregon and Washington are eventually left after watching us for a while,” vessel asked the small boats to disperse continuing their round-the-clock fight said Local 4 President Cager Clabaugh. and respect a “safety zone” established for a fair contract at grain terminals to protect companies during lockouts. owned by some of the world’s largest Marubeni locks out Portland workers One boat received a citation from Coast UA members in ports around grain corporations nearly a year after Marubeni locked out ILWU workers from Guard officials; possibly the result of a the Australian coast have Safety is a big issue in the Lines Industry. Manual negotiations began last August. ILWU the Columbia Grain elevator in Portland misunderstanding over whether the safety Mdifferent roles when engaging handling of heavy lines and working around mooring workers have exported a significant portion on May 4. The company’s hostile lockout zone was 200 yards or 200 feet. in mooring activities. In some ports of the nation’s grain through Northwest was no surprise to Local 8 President Bruce linesmen can be employed in a permanent lines under tension make lines a high-risk injury ports under a collective bargaining Holte, who noted that Marubeni had already Walking boss injured by semi-truck at capacity where the focus of their job is on environment. agreement that dates back to the 1930s. hired out-of-state replacement workers picket line mooring, unmooring, launch and small tug Of the four employers in the Pacific beginning last Autumn while contract talks On May 16, Portland walking boss Karl work. Northwest Grain Handlers Association, were still underway. That move convinced Minic was among about a dozen picketers In other ports linesmen can take on Newcastle and Port Kembla Lines have Other issues discussed over the two days three are waging an attack on the ILWU Holte that Marubeni-Columbia Grain wasn’t who were confronted by a Marubeni a more flexible role as a wharfie and already obtained this certificate and a included: workforce that has made them profitable serious about negotiating in good faith to customer who was trying to drive a semi- linesman. resolution from this conference was that • Job security in the region. Two Japanese-owned reach a new agreement with the union. truck into Columbia Grain’s gate. When A role as diverse as that of a linesman, any MUA member performing mooring • The effect that competition is having on companies, Mitsui-United Grain in the driver instructed his boxer to attack the which is unique on a port-to-port basis, activities would pursue training to obtain the lines section Vancouver, WA, and Marubeni-Columbia Charges filed against employers workers, the dog befriended them instead. is often hard to quantify. That’s why this level of competency. • Permanency/Casualization Grain in Portland, have locked out ILWU The ILWU has filed numerous charges The driver lost his temper, apparently individual conferences are important for The other main issue coming out of the • HSRs and strong Work & Safety members under dubious conditions and against the grain companies for violating released the brake and allowed his truck people around the country to encourage conference concerning lines nationally Committees vital in our ability to fight imported scab replacement workers. A federal labour laws, including unlawful to lurch forward – twice – into the workers. organization and communication channels was mooring and unmooring manning and organise third company, French-owned Louis Dreyfus, lockouts, illegal firing and retaliation against Minic was knocked to the ground by the between members around the country. scales. Some ports are mooring vessels • Fatigue operates grain export terminals in Seattle union members and negotiating in bad faith. massive truck and sustained injuries to The most recent, held in Newcastle on without line launches and ports where • Our role as linesmen in the MUA and Portland. All three foreign companies “We file charges to make a point and his elbow, knee and back. At press time, June 26 and 27, was the Second National manning numbers are not at a safe level • Politics, and the upcoming election imposed a concessionary contract in protect our rights, but we have little faith the Portland District Attorney’s office was Lines and Mooring Conference. Every are leading to a higher number of injuries • International Solidarity December that had been rejected by union in the government’s ability or willingness reviewing Gettier Security video of the state was represented by MUA rank and to our members. • Other international campaigns, including members by a 94 percent “no” vote. to protect workers today,” said ILWU incident, and no charges had yet been file as well as officials, with more than 30 A national safety code of practice for ITF The fourth grain employer – and the Coast Committeeman Leal Sundet. “In the pressed against the driver. members attending each day. minimum manning levels for mooring and Minutes from the lines conference are only one based in the United States – is final analysis, it’s up to workers and the Support from the community and pledges New Zealand comrades Ray Fife, MUNZ unmooring based on the length of vessels available at all MUA branches nationally. TEMCO, owned by US-based Cargill and community,” he said. of solidarity from around the globe buoy Assistant National Secretary, along with will be developed by MUA members. We also thank our sponsors, Slater & CHS, with terminals in Kalama, Tacoma and the morale at the picket line, where ILWU Bradley Clifford Port of Wellington also A National Lines and Mooring Gordon, Maritime Super, Maritime Mining Portland. Unlike the foreign-owned grain River protest in Kalama members remain 24 hours a day, seven attended. Committee of rank and file members is Power Credit Union, Newcastle Tugs and corporations, TEMCO declined to impose On the morning of May 7, nine local days a week. The companies that have The main focus of the conference was to being formed to achieve outcomes for all Newcastle Lines, who helped the Newcastle unilateral concessionary terms on workers recreational and fishing boats held a been profitable for decades by the work get some continuity in mooring activities resolutions from the lines conference. Branch host this conference. and chose instead to negotiate a collective protest on the Columbia River that resulted of ILWU represented workers continue to nationally. Safety is a big issue in the Lines Those resolutions include mapping The effort of National Education and bargaining agreement that was ratified by in a 623-foot long grain ship, the Mary H, spend enormous resources preventing such Industry. Manual handling of heavy lines the line industry, who does what Safety Officer Matt Goodwin is very much 74 percent of the members of Locals 4, 8, remaining anchored in the river instead workers from doing their jobs. and working around mooring lines under in each port, tracking of EBAs and appreciated, as is the hard work of Cherie 19, 21 and 23 in February. of docking at the Kalama Export terminal The union continues to encourage the tension make lines a high-risk injury drafting some template clauses for all Simone for organising the conference. The month began with an event on May to receive a load of grain. Kalama Export foreign employers to use the TEMCO environment. future MUA agreements that include Also an additional thanks to all MUA rank Day at the Mitsui-United Grain picket – also known as Peavey – is co-owned by agreement as a template for an agreement. From our inaugural National Lines mooring activities and the mapping of and file and officials who attended and line in Vancouver, where union members Gavilon, a massive grain company currently “There’s only one solution: The foreign grain Conference in 2006 a qualification in injuries directly related to the mooring contributed to our Second MUA National watched as dozens of police cruisers and being purchased by Marubeni. companies that are operating at our public mooring procedures was developed: activities. Overseeing our committee Lines & Mooring Conference in Newcastle. motorcycles suddenly appeared. The police The ship had previously been loaded ports must do the right thing, and reach MAR10213 Certificate 1 in Maritime will be Deputy National Secretary Mick The success of which will only be were using an excessive amount of public with another grain shipment by scab a fair agreement with the workforce that Operations (Linesperson). This is a nationally Doleman who attended the Lines and determined by the gains we achieve resources and overtime to crowd the picket replacement workers hired by Mitsui- made them successful in the first place,” recognised certificate and its content is Mooring Conference and has taken on the nationally for the lines industry in the future. line for reasons that were never explained. United Grain in Vancouver. said Sundet. mainly dealing with safety in the industry. responsibility of linesman nationally. STRENGTH IN UNITY

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p32-35 HK_ILWU_Q&A_Newcastle_PPP_DPW.indd 32 12/08/13 12:23 PM p32-35 HK_ILWU_Q&A_Newcastle_PPP_DPW.indd 33 13/08/13 3:51 PM NSW NEWS DP WORLD

SHORT- PORT UNIONS SIGHTED RESOLVE TO SELL OFF ORGANIZE CAMPAIGN The O’Farrell government AGAINST DPW has again demonstrated its reckless indifference to the longterm welfare TF (International Transport of the community in Workers’ Federation) dockers’ selling Newcastle port Iunion representatives meeting in Chicago, USA, resolved this July The dockers’ meeting agreed a (NSICT-DPW), which expired in into private hands. to organise a global campaign resolution, which stated: August 2012; highlighting the need for global The ITF Dockers’ Section • Using the introduction of ustralia’s first export port no longer network terminal operator Conference held in Chicago on automated machinery at its belongs to the community after (GNT) DP World to engage with 8-9 July 2013; Brisbane, Australia terminal as A the New South Wales government unions over trade union rights/ BELIEVES that Dubai Ports World a cover for undermining union announced it would offload Newcastle. Harking representation in a number of is systematically attempting to organization, insisting on massive to the “successful” sale of Kembla and Botany countries. undermine the wages and working job cuts and the transfer of some earlier this year, Treasurer Mike Baird said the The representatives agreed that conditions of workers all over the union jobs to management. move would be a “win” for the Hunter town. action is required, particularly world by engaging in anti-union DECLARES Dubai Ports World “Should the transaction be successful, with regards the situation at behaviour, including: London Gateway to be a Port $340 million of the proceeds will go towards the London Gateway terminal, UK, • Refusing to enter into meaningful of Convenience, and to be a revitalisation of Newcastle,” Baird said despite where Unite the Union’s offer of negotiations with UNITE and priority target for the ITF’s Port of most estimating the port sale would rake in co-operative working is being refusing to sign a collective Convenience campaign. approximately $700 million. snubbed. Speaking from the agreement to cover workers CALLS UPON the ITF to develop However, Baird and the rest of his Liberal Chicago meeting, Steve Biggs from presently being hired at its new and strengthen ongoing co-ordination Party colleagues are all omitting the fact the Unite said: “What we’re seeing at London Gateway Terminal; of global union organization in all port would easily make $700 million within London Gateway is a rejection of • Refusing to recognise Madras Dubai Ports World terminals.

20 years. PHOTOGRAPH BY SWINDLER the workers’ choice. This is not Port Trust Employees’ Union, the FURTHERS CALLS UPON the ITF Newcastle port’s annual report showed the way we expect, or can allow, legitimate union representing to organize a global campaign to MUA member Aaron More with Matt Thistlethwaite candidate for Kingsford Smith. the publically owned corporation raked in an employer to behave in the 21st workers in Chennai, India, and highlight Dubai Ports World’s anti- $36.24 million before interest and tax last century.” promoting a yellow union entirely union activities, including a global financial year. Meanwhile in the Port of controlled by the management day of action in September 2013. Therefore if the port were to stay in the Brisbane, Australia, representatives of Chennai Container Terminal The campaign should involve unions state’s hands for the period of the 99-year SUICIDE are calling for transparency Ltd, which owned by Dubai Ports representing dock workers at other lease being offered, the government would in negotiations between the World; terminal operators, and should also make $3.6 billion in revenue at the very PREVENTION DAY A Maritime Union of Australia and • Hiring port workers out of the reach out to unions representing minimum. DP World. Workers in Brisbane official port workers’ register, workers at Dubai Ports World who MUA Newcastle branch secretary Glen GREAT SUCCESS have been dealing with issues with the objective of not are not affiliated to the ITF. Williams said he was against the move in of representation, job losses, negotiating a CBA with the union CONCLUDES that the campaign general and that he believed it was a short- contracting out, casualization and a SUTRAMPORPC, even when the shall have the following demands: sighted decision but said he would work hard ith the support of the MUA, Significant contributions were made possible cut in working conditions Peruvian Ministry has recognized • Dubai Ports World shall to ensure members employed by the port Patrick Port Botany member by different industry sectors of the union as a result of planned automation. the Union does have a branch recognize legitimate unions and would retain their jobs. WAaron More managed to including the ferries, tugs, and Botany ITF president and dockers’ collective agreement in Callao, immediately begin negotiations “My main concern is to make sure our raise a whopping $50,000 for Suicide stevedoring employees from both section chair Paddy Crumlin said: that should be respected; for collective agreements at members do not suffer in anyway because Prevention Australia by holding an all Patrick and DP World. “We have called on ITF dockers’ • Denying the right of freedom London Gateway, Chennai, and of this government decision,” Williams said. day treadmill-a-thon. Called Plebs, Pros More said people came down in and seafarers’ unions to make of association to workers all other Dubai Ports World “We have had assurances from the and Personalities their smoko and lunch breaks, made a action ready which will force DPW at International Container terminals,; and government this won’t happen and that 24 Hour Run for Suicide Prevention, the donation and then went back to work. back to the negotiating table over Transhipment Terminal, a Dubai • Where Dubai Ports World seeks nobody would be forced out. day was a great success. “I would like to make special thanks London Gateway in particular. Our Ports World hub terminal in to introduce automation to its The group that now holds the lease In attendance were many high-profile to the various branches and committees unions have been open to dialogue Cochin, India; terminals, that this be done with for Kembla and Botany, Industry Funds personalities, including an array of which made sizeable donations,” he throughout these disputes and • Not renewing the collective full union consultation and a Management, told the Australian newspaper current and former league players and said. where that is being reciprocated agreement at Nhava Sheva genuine attempt to prevent job they have an appetite for placing a bid current Labor member for Kingsford- “Suicide prevention is an issue which we welcome it, but we are not International Container Terminal losses. on Newcastle. Smith Matt Thistlethwaite. is close to our hearts. prepared to ignore the cases where Ironically, if this were to occur the capitalist More than 900 people attended “We know it affects everyone, and I DP World looks like it is ignoring its notion of competition would be eliminated by throughout the day, including many from have lost a few mates from work myself responsibilities to workers.” a private enterprise monopoly. the docks. to suicide.”

34 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 35

p32-35 HK_ILWU_Q&A_Newcastle_PPP_DPW.indd 34 12/08/13 12:23 PM p32-35 HK_ILWU_Q&A_Newcastle_PPP_DPW.indd 35 13/08/13 3:52 PM FERRIES FREEDOM

CRUMLIN CALLS FOR JULIAN ASSANGE TO BE GIVEN SAFE PASSAGE MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin has called the failure to allow Julian Assange safe passage to Ecuador “a violation of his human rights”. He demanded safe passage for Mr Assange in a statement released by Mr Crumlin on the one-year anniversary of Julian Assange entering the Ecuadorean embassy in London on June 19, 2012.

hroughout the MUA’s long where the death penalty is an option and industrial complex, a broad conspiracy history, our union has been at as such his life could be endangered.” of powerful elites, which has pillaged and Tthe forefront of a global human That third country is the United States. devastated the lives of hundreds of millions of rights movement seeking justice and Beyond his current status, however, people worldwide for many generations. transparency. We continue that long Mr Assange and WikiLeaks have played Our Australian media union granted Mr NO DISCUSSION, NO tradition today as we mark the one-year a ground-breaking role in bringing Assange union membership. I agree with anniversary of Julian Assange entering the transparency, truth and accountability the statement of Ged Kearny, the president Ecuadorean embassy in London. around the world. As a media of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, CONSULTATION – BUT YOU Two months later he was granted organisation, WikiLeaks has filled the who says: “WikiLeaks is simply performing asylum by Ecuador and has subsequently role abandoned by the traditional press, the same function as media organisations CAN READ ABOUT IT IN been effectively imprisoned in the from the liberal The New York Times have for centuries in facilitating the release Ecuadorean embassy. I recently met with across the spectrum to the rabidly right- of information in the public interest. Mr Julian Assange where we discussed his wing Murdoch empire. Those media Assange’s rights should be respected just THE PAPER status, his work and a way forward. organisations have proven that they are the same as other journalists. WikiLeaks Julian’s cause has captured the support incapable or unwilling to hold politicians has broken no Australian law, and as an The first time the 300 MUA members working at Sydney Ferries were made aware of leading human rights activists and and governments accountable. Australian citizen, Julian Assange should be of impending timetable changes was when they read it in the newspaper. lawyers all over the world. In the MUA, Without WikiLeaks and Julian Assange’s supported by the Australian government, not we have an acute understanding of courage, and the courage of Bradley prematurely convicted.” conspiracies targeting individuals and Manning who was willing to risk his Because WikiLeaks plays a critical role in s a result of this contemptuous work action could ever cause to Sydney HCF is a joint venture between organisations. Our own union was targeted personal liberty to hand over a trove of holding governments accountable, we also move by the state government and commuters. ASX-listed Transfield Services and by a broad assault during our fight for the documents to WikiLeaks, the people of the call for the end of the prosecution of Bradley A the company contracted to run the “Instead of just talking, even after we Europebased Veolia Transdev. rights of workers with the Patrick dispute world would never have know the details Manning in the US. service – Harbour City Ferries (HCF) – to asked to meet with HCF, they called the They were awarded the contract to on the waterfront in the late ‘90s. This about the immoral conduct of the US- In recent days, we have gained a new change timetables without consultation, police to try and break our meeting up.” run Sydney Ferries under a “franchise attack was found by the High Court to driven wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. insight into government attempts to invade workers rostered on to the morning shift on Assistant Branch Secretary Paul Garrett model” in July last year making it be a probable conspiracy by the federal We would never have been privy, the privacy of people worldwide. The May 27 walked off the job. said the government and the company another victim of the privatisation of government, together with the Patrick to mention just a few examples, to the release of documents by Edward Snowden The stoppage lasted for four hours and should expect workers to react in a public assets and services the Barry corporation and others. corruption of the family of the former shed light on efforts by at least the US, the Fair Work Commission ordered MUA negative way when they are ignored. O’Farrell and Mike Baird Government is The MUA supports the call for Mr Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi, or the Canadian and British governments to members back to work at 2pm, though “Our members on the ferries provide so keen on. Assange to be granted safe passage to operating procedures for Camp Delta at illegally wiretap the phone conversations ferry workers were already back at 1pm. an essential service to all Sydneysiders Transfield was fined in June after a Ecuador as a matter of adhering to the Guantanamo Bay, which revealed that it and emails of innocent civilians. The MUA was given assurances when and tourists and should be treated with the dogman working at the Port Kembla rule of law. As the Foreign Minister of was policy to hide some prisoners from We also stand with Edward Snowden and the operations of the state government respect they deserve,” Garrett said. Steelworks had an accident and Ecuador has said: “By not granting him the International Committee of the Red reject attempts to prosecute him for his asset were contracted out to HCF that there “Now there needs to be a wholesale subsequently had to have half of his leg safe passage they are violating the human Cross. Nor how global oil trader Trafigura efforts to expose illegal behaviour. would be full and frank consultation with the review of rosters – including design, amputated according to the Illawarra rights of a citizen, and every day that dumped toxic waste along the Ivory Coast, Julian Assange, Bradley Manning and employees and their unions. testing and implementation across this Mercury. passes the effects of that violation hurt the or details on the CIA’s activities involving Edward Snowden are all part of a movement “It’s fundamentally about communication, public transport service – in just over four Meanwhile as an unsurprising person more and more.” rendition flights. And that’s just the tip of of citizens who are demanding that leaders or a lack thereof,” Sydney Branch Secretary months.” addition to Veolia Transdev’s track More recently, the Foreign Minister Bob the proverbial diplomatic iceberg. all across the globe hear the clear call Paul McAleer said. Since the stoppage, the MUA had been record, Bloomberg reported earlier this Carr, following a visit with Assange, made Julian, Bradley Manning and, now, for moral governance where secrecy, “Making changes without first talking to in an ongoing battle with HCF to get all year that the company would cut more clear that Ecuador’s granting of asylum Edward Snowden have one thing in duplicity and aggressive foreign policy are your workers can cause bigger disruptions roster and timetable information released, than 400 European jobs “to lower costs was done to protect Assange’s life so that: common: they have played an instrumental replaced by openness, transparency and to people’s lives than a four hour stop he said. and pay for new vessels”. “he not be extradited to a third country role in exposing the role of the military- co-operation.

36 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 37

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GEORGA SHOWS HER METTLE METL isn’t just targeting women - it’s targeting women with mettle, like Georga Fitzgibbon.

met·tle /ˈmetl/ Noun: A person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way.

art of METL’s recruitment strategy It was reported that only four percent of “Look, being a TIR is tough. We know it’s is to increase female participation Ratings are female (and just three percent tough,” admits Simon Earle, “but nothing P in the maritime workforce, so of Officers and no Engineers). Since comes easy these days. We want METL it was pleasing when we received an METL began operations, almost eight TIRs to be the best in the industry, and we application from Georga Fitzgibbon. And percent of its Trainees have been female, believe they are. They’ve got to be strong while we are definitely targeting females, so METL is leading the way and Georga physically and mentally and they have to be they do need to be right for the job. Having joins a growing list of female TIRs METL is 100 percent committed. We know Georga is been through METL’s stringent recruitment justifiably proud of. strong and we know she’s committed.” BOXING BENNETT process, we are confident Georga is the Many readers of this publication will be Georga reflects, “My family is my biggest perfect choice. Georga has built diverse, aware of the work of White Ribbon, through inspiration. Working in the Maritime transferrable skills in food preparation, ongoing MUA support and the involvement industry is a family tradition, but I will be PLOTS HOLLYWOOD aged care and pathology – all jobs with of Ambassadors such as Mick Doleman the first female. Many of my uncles, cousins a strong focus on building relationships, and Paddy Crumlin. METL is also a keen and even my dad spent some time at sea ENDING OH&S and hygiene. She successfully supporter and is currently engaged in the and it’s time for me to carry on from where balanced working as an AIN (Assistant in White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Pilot. they left off.” Nursing) and the completion of her Higher “While we are serious about increasing By the time you read this, Georga will School Certificate. Georga has worked for the numbers of females in the industry, we be employed as a TIR by METL and will the Newcastle Jockey Club, dealing with all want to be sure we provide education about have commenced her Integrated Rating ewcastle stevedore Chad Pacific belt and claimed the World Boxing kinds of people and spent time overseas some of the issues women face, and help training through a special METL TIR project “Hollywood” Bennett will launch Association (WBA) Pan-African junior working with disabled people, young contribute to the union culture of social in Cairns. Nhis bid for a world title fight after welterweight title. and old. There is no question Georga has inclusion and equality,” said Simon Earle, “I love a challenge, and I know that sitting stopping Ghanaian Ebenezer Lamptey in Bennett said he started to get on top after shown she can cope with the realities of METL CEO. “We need to be fair dinkum in a classroom Monday to Friday is going the fifth round of their welterweight bout a dominant third round. being away from friends and family for long about women’s rights in the workplace if to be hard for me, but I’m glad I am going at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in “It was a good result and a good crowd periods of time. we want to attract quality candidates who to be learning about something I love and June. and I thought I did some good things in the “Looking at what Georga has done really will commit to careers and make long- I have set myself a personal goal to top all After feeling each other out for the first fight. I feel like I’m improving as I get older, impressed us because she is obviously term contributions to the industry. We want of my classes. I really am looking forward two rounds, Bennett knocked Lamptey to and hopefully this is another step towards a someone who cares about people, who members to understand what we’re doing, to the hands-on, practical side of things. I’m the canvas in the third before unleashing world title fight,” Bennett said. wants to work with people and has the to make our girls welcome and look out for very far from a ‘girly girl’ and I love nothing with a furious flurry in the fifth. “But Ebenezer is a good fighter and he ability communicate and build relationships them.” more than getting my hands dirty.” Lamptey absorbed a stinging body shot hit me with some real good shots. with anyone. These are really important Members will know of Georga and When asked about the future, Georga early in the round, but couldn’t withstand “My plan was to hit him in the body, but qualities when you are going into a team the story of her father, Greg Fitzgibbon. sees a long stint as an IR, maybe some kids the powerful combination that followed. early on I think I was trying too hard and environment,” said Kevin Hunt, Operations Following this tragedy, Georga is now and then a more family-friendly role in the Bennett was clinical in his approach and was missing the sweet spot. But I knocked Officer at METL, who looks after the joining with the MUA to promote the industry, possibly on tugs or even with the his speed and power had Lamptey, who him down in the third round and felt like I recruitment. National Stevedoring Code of Practice. This MUA. But in the immediate future, as she had won 22 of his 23 professional fights, on was getting on top from there. Recently the Maritime Workforce shows enormous strength of character and mentioned in her interview, she’s keen to the back foot from the outset. “I knocked him down in the fifth round Development Forum published the results determination – qualities which serve her “Show the men that females can do the job.” The victory meant Bennett defended his with a body shot then got some head shots of the Maritime Industry Census for 2012. well in her Traineeship. Good on you Georga. We know you will. World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Asia- on him and finished him off.”

38 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 39

p36-39 SydFerries_ Julian_ MELT_Sport.indd 38 12/08/13 12:27 PM p36-39 SydFerries_ Julian_ MELT_Sport.indd 39 12/08/13 12:28 PM CSL LETTER CSL CREWS UNITED AND ORGANISED The MUA is always identifying ways in which our members’ diversified workplaces can be improved and the union managed to do just that for workers engaged by CSL.

MUA members and the silence and the violence.

n opportunity arose to cultivate “Now with this information and support a better safety culture and from our union we, as a collective, can move COMPANY A communication channels between forward and make a difference to ensure CSL workers and the union. our working environment is safer for all,” CONFERENCE As a result of this, over the period of Shepherd said. Following the MUA’s safety workshops, a week, the MUA hosted an employee “CSL, INCO and VShips have now made delegates, employees and officials met with workshop, followed by a consultative forum a comment to us and made safety their company representatives from June 4 to 6 as attended by company representatives. number one issue on all their vessels. Only part of a conference. The workshop, held in the MUA National time will tell.” Garry Keane said the CSL safety Office, was a chance for CSL crews to meet Some of the other things that were conference held at the Manly Pacific was an with officials to get some real improvements achieved included allocating designated open and frank discussion between the union to safety in place. work groups for each swing on every ship, and managing director of CSL Australia, Greg Southern NSW Branch Secretary later these groups could elect their own Metcalfe, in addressing safety issues within Garry Keane said the workshop was a health and safety representatives. the CSL Fleet and putting in place initiatives very successful initiative that provided In addition to improved communication to promote greater safety awareness. delegates from all vessels, union officials structures between the MUA and workers, “The reality of this will be borne out in and organizing and training officers, the CSL delegates will now inform local the coming months or perhaps years where opportunity to come together, map the branches when ships are to sail into port we will see how the managing director’s CSL fleet and discuss the various ship and and officials will then visit and inspect the intentions filter down to ship level,” Keane fleet issues. vessels to ensure workplace conditions are said. “By the end of the two days we had up-to-scratch. “Delegates and officials took the succeeded in putting together a strategic Warren Smith said the workshops were a opportunity to air and emphasis the real plan on how to deal with CSL and their step forward for all crews working aboard issues that this company’s long history of related crew management entities INCO and CSL ships. bastardry has resulted in where any safety VShips,” Keane said. “I think it is clear that we made significant culture outside of that driven by the MUA “The strategy meetings and associated ground in improving safety conditions for members has been virtually non-existent. socialising was greatly enjoyed by all and everyone and have taken substantial steps “But as stated Metcalfe does seem to be helped create a cohesive approach to in the development of our delegate and HSR something of a new broom with his intentions dealing with these crowds and prepared us structures on board the vessels,” he said. since taking over this crowd, to the extent for the three day CSL Safety Conference that “This work must not be allowed to wither that in his closing remarks to the conference was to follow.” and we must pay consistent attention to our he actually stated categorically that if an CIR from the CSL ship Iron Chieftan Troy ongoing identified work. operation or task is not safe no employee Shepherd said it was beneficial for all of the “Lets keep the communication levels up. should encourage or undertake the task and crews to come together and meet with officials “I congratulate all comrades on the work if that meant that a ship was delayed then so to communicate our concerns about the on- that was achieved and I relish the struggle to be it. Amazing stuff that I don’t think any of us going issues and the safety issues we all have ensure the fleet continues to be a unionised would have expected to hear from CSL.” on the vessels, it was a worthwhile event. and organised workplace.”

40 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 41

p40-IBC_BC.indd 40 12/08/13 12:28 PM p40-IBC_BC.indd 41 12/08/13 12:28 PM FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE SIGN FOR YOUR LIFE

JOIN THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE AND SIGN THE SUBMISSION AT NSCOP4LIFE.ORG.AU

Stevedoring bosses and big business lobbyists are still attempting to bomb the National Stevedoring Code of Practice (NSCOP). The bosses have been busy trying to block key safety provisions. They are doing everything in their power to delay and destroy this code that will make the waterfront safer. They are attacking the hatchman, the jurisdictional coverage of NSCOP as well as calling for the code to be watered down to guidance material. We must continue the fight! United we stand so that no more wharfies die at work – life before profit, families and society before corporate greed. Back the union’s submission for a strong stevedoring safety code (NSCOP). Fight for your life! Sign for your life!

NSCOP for life!

Authorised by Warren Smith, Assistant National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia | (02) 02 9267 9134 | www.mua.org.au

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