Issue 3 • August 2003 Magazine of the Maritime Union of New Zealand ISSN 1176-3418 Port Roundup Delegate training races ahead Mainland get the message from Bluff Ted Thompson: the passing of a ‘giant of the waterfront’ Women’s Conference: the changing face of the Union Holidays for casuals Interport 2004 Union Clothing Port Security

Fighting for NZ Shipping On the road with the cabotage campaign Maritime Union making an impact throughout New Zealand by Trevor Hanson The group brainstormed their own Port security General Secretary posters, they asked me to write to all The changes to port security are politicians, and they put together Our recent June joint council meet- now well under way. information packs and sent them to all ing went very successfully and we The Maritime Union was repre- politicians. are set on course for our first confer- sented at the first national port At the time of writing the Cabotage ence on 21 – 23 October. security consultative committee by campaign group have met with every It is proposed that both of our myself. politician in the country. organizations will completely merge The first local port committee The good part about it is they have on October 1. meeting was held in Gisborne, which involved branches right around the This will mean the start up of two Dein Ferris and I attended. country as well. new Seafarer branches, one in It appears that as the Government Some of the receptions they got are Auckland and the other in Wellington. puts the new law into place, the a story on their own – I hope Rachel, At the same time the National national committee will devolve to Joe or some of the committee find time office will join together all resources Port level committees. to put them in writing for this edition, and finances. At both the Wellington and after the amount of work (mostly If the past 12 months are a indica- Gisborne meetings we made it clear voluntary) put in by them. tion of the future then I am sure that that we are not accepting any form of I hope that the assurances of help our marriage will be a success. vetting of our members unless it is on from many the politicians bears fruit. a national basis. Union elections The recognition by the Govern- We also made it quite clear we ment that vessels using our members Nominations for national positions want a national register of Waterfront should carry coastal cargo would be are opening on Monday August 18 workers and Seafarers. tremendous not only to seafarers and and close on Friday October 10, and All ports will have these local wharfies, but New Zealand as whole. elections will take place after confer- meetings soon, and we should be The overall picture of the industry ence. represented at all of these meetings. is one of change as the big boys It is particularly important that we Cabotage campaign continue to try and out-manoeuvre are there putting the case for our each other for market share, all with I have been particularly impressed membership. with the amount of work put into the the ambition of being topdog. cabotage campaign by a group of It doesn’t work, and plays hell with Health & Safety Delegates workforces along the way. young Wellington Seafarers. It appears we are well ahead of As a union we will continue to The campaign came together others in delegate training for Health combat such attacks. quickly from the seed of an idea to and Safety. From our new position I am sure what is now a major national cam- Remember it is a tool we have been we will do so from a position of much paign. given, so let’s use it and stop some of greater strength. the bad practises that have developed over the past decade. We have featured an article in this Maritimes which covers the training Contact the Maritime Union seminars which have been going on around the ports. National Office Joint National President: Les Wells Telephone: 04 3850 792 Mobile: 0274 329 620 We have just produced and sent to Fax: 04 3848 766 Email: [email protected] all ports a small handbook for water- Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington front delegates, in some ports it is Email: [email protected] ITF Inspectorate: Kathy Whelan already being used and from all Mobile: 021 666 405 reports it has been a success. General Secretary: Trevor Hanson Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0274 453 532 Email: [email protected] The Maritime Union of New Zealand Joint National President: is affiliated to the Front cover picture: Dave Morgan International The Cabotage campaign hits Wellington with Mobile: 021 441 013 Transport Workers’ officials and rank and file members canvassing Email: [email protected] Federation. the public in Cuba Street, Friday 18 July, 2003. (Photo by Andy Ball)

2 A dangerous time ‘The Maritimes’ Edition 3, August 2003

for New Zealand Contents Trevor Hanson Report ...... 2 workers Dave Morgan Report ...... 3 News ...... 4 by Dave Morgan follow us. ITF Report...... 8 Joint National President We must continue to campaign Holidays for casuals campaign ..... 9 without favour to win our argument Vale Ted Thompson ...... 10 We have seen it all before, midway for cabotage. Vale Tas Bull ...... 11 through the second term of a centre This Government is more centre left Government the middle class than centre left and we need to Merchant Navy memorial ...... 11 strikes begin. continually remind them of what is Delegates Training ...... 12 It is a dangerous time for workers necessary for their own transport Women’s Conference ...... 14 as it begins a process that shapes the strategy to succeed. future Government in New Zealand. Cabotage Campaign Special ...... 16 We need to ensure also that we do Bluff picket news ...... 18 This must not fool the Maritime what we can to organize in our International news ...... 19 Union and its members, right now the industry and communities for the re- Farmers are leading the push, but we election of a centre left Government. Port Roundups ...... 20 should remember the Government is Clothing ...... 28 closer to us and our people than the International Ports and Shipping Interport 2004 update ...... 28 Federated Farmers will ever be. Security Code I do not know enough about the Health and Safety update ...... 29 This matter is moving ahead and Kyoto protocol on the environment to Webwatch ...... 30 the union has been in attendance at add much except to say there is a Letters...... 31 national and local port meetings held proposed minimal levy being put on over the past month. Union Contacts ...... 31 farmers to fund a study on how we to Security assessments have been The Back Page ...... 32 deal with the large environmental programmed for New Plymouth, problem of farm industry emissions. Wellington and Tauranga initially with The levy proposed is in the end to ‘The Maritimes’ is the official national others to follow. magazine of the Maritime Union of New benefit the farming industry. These assessments are to be done Zealand, published quarterly. Federated Farmers have always by an Australian company Global opposed any development in our Village Strategies and they will ISSN 1176-3418 industry albeit that they hardly ever consult widely within the ports. had any direct business with New The union is represented on the National Office: Zealand shipping. National Committee. PO Box 27004 Business New Zealand, Federated We have been successful in getting Wellington Farmers, and the Manufacturers the Union’s claim on the table for a New Zealand Federation are all opposed to even a national vetting process deeming our Telephone 04 3850 792 minimal adjustment to the cabotage existing members secure. Fax 04 3848 766 regime and consequentially the The other goal put forward is for a Email: [email protected] development of a New Zealand Web: www.munz.org.nz national register of seafarers and shipping industry that may have a wharfies with security clearance to be priority claim to work around the Edited and designed by Victor Billot held by the Maritime Safety Authority. New Zealand coast. Email: [email protected] The Union has insisted that we be They all oppose anything that may represented on the local Port Commit- cost them and interfere with their Editorial Board: tees also and have, to date, gained this divine right to do exactly what they Trevor Hanson and Dave Morgan representation. want to do and let someone else clean It requires constant vigilance as Thanks to the photographers including up and pay for the consequences of there is a great deal of employer Harry Holland, Rachael Goddard, Bob their actions. resistance to our claims for a register. Thorpe, Bob Stephenson, Phil We do not need to become apolo- There is yet to be debate on the Spanswick, Joe Fleetwood, Kathy gists for the Labour led Government matter but logic is surely on our side Whelan, Dave Lark, Trevor Hanson, but we do need to maintain a clear in the argument. Todd Valster (RMTU) and others working class political perspective on In the meantime the ILO has now unnamed. Thanks to the MUA, the issues that unfold around us and resolved on the matter of seafarer ITF and ILWU for know what is best for our class. identity cards and these will be material, and Andy We are a group of workers orga- developed by the national states in Ball and Julie nized into a Union for mutual benefit accordance with international criteria. Uitentuis for and for the benefit of those who [continued on page 5] design work and proofing.

3 Port of Wellington shuts down for 48 hour strike Work stopped at Wellington’s meetings and mediation with Centreport on Monday 28 and Centreport, the Union has received no Tuesday 29 July as workers launched assurances that members job security strike action. and conditions will be carried over to Members of the Maritime Union of the new company. New Zealand (MUNZ) and the Rail Maritime Union Wellington and Maritime Union of New Zealand Secretary John Whiting says the (RMTU) were both involved in the 48 contracting out of work could have hour stoppage. potentially devastating consequences Maritime Union General Secretary on waterfront workers and the stabil- Trevor Hanson says the dispute ity of the waterfront environment. involves employees of the Regional “We are not going to stand by and Council owned Centreport. watch our jobs and conditions die a Keeping the New Centreport has create a wholly death from a thousand cuts as con- owned stevedoring subsidiary Central tracting out and casualization rip the Zealand flag in New Stevedoring Ltd (CSL) and sponsored guts out of our workforce.” the formation of a company Union Mr Whiting says a majority of Zealand coastal which ”is open to employees” of CSL. work at Centreport is now done by shipping: RMTU General Secretary Wayne casual labour with all the negative Butson says “Centreport claims it implications that has for workers. cabotage campaign needs these cuts in the conditions of The Maritime Union describes the our members to meet the market, yet issues at stake as “line in the sand” gains steam by establishing CSL they are actually and says if necessary the Union will ‘creating’ the competition.” make the dispute a national one. The Maritime Union’s national “The conditions on the Wellington The Unions gained a commitment campaign for Cabotage has gained waterfront are in line with conditions from the EPMU and the Merchant excellent coverage in the last few in most New Zealand ports.” Service Guild that their port members, weeks. Union members who have been will respect the picket lines. A campaign team has been touring working on the waterfront for years Mr Butson says Wellington rail New Zealand in a new Union van to and who are highly skilled have been workers were also helping out on the raise public awareness, lobby politi- spectacularly unsuccessful in obtain- picket lines. cians and gather signatures to send to ing employment with CSL. This is the second week in a row Parliament. Mr Butson says one member with Maritime Union members and RMTU Several thousand posters have over 20 years waterfront experience members have supported each other gone up around the country and received a decline letter that stated he in industrial action on the waterfront, nearly 50 000 leaflets distributed to “lacked the necessary skills.” following last weekends non-related members, families and communities. Mr Hanson says despite several pickets in Bluff. We feature a cabotage campaign special with an article by campaign organizer Joe Fleetwood on pages 16 and 17 of this edition of the Maritimes.

Maritime Union members on the Centreport picket, 28 June 2003 (photo by Trevor Hanson.) 4 Dave Morgan Report leaflets and having the postcards [continued from page 3] signed and sent in to the MPs. Port security Although we had thought that the The word cabotage is resonating issue had been resolved earlier the through Parliament House as a clear basis of a fingerprint test and the card indication of our success. swings into itself will hold only passport type There has been some difficulty in details of the bearer. assessing just when the matter is gear This represents a compromise as going to be reported to Cabinet and the question of a smart card was this is important to our case. New port security measures intro- advanced by the shipowners. The campaign has been timed to duced by the Government are This was rejected by the ITF as the Ministers advice that he would put moving ahead quickly. such a card could be used to carry the Shipping Industry Review before Maritime Union representatives political, religious and other private Cabinet in July 2003. This may now be have been attending meetings of the information about the bearer. in some doubt as the Minister is now new Port Security Committees which saying within a couple of months. Maritime Union are in charge of the policy. It will be difficult to sustain the A national port and ship security Working through the transition campaign at current levels for that committee based in Wellington is period, the Joint National Council of period of time without full member- responsible for the overall policy. the Maritime Union met in Wellington ship involvement. Maritime Union General Secretary on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 Women’s Conference Trevor Hanson attended the initial June 2003 for the second time. meeting in late June. The amalgamation process was In a clear demonstration of how Local committees have been set up continued and we increased the the Union is changing in composition in ports around the country, and are understanding of both groups of how but not in spirit or politics a group of being attended by local Maritime we work into the future. women members’ three delegates Union representatives as well as The Joint Council meeting also from Wellington and Auckland national officials. paved the way for the first Triennial represented the Maritime Union at The ports of Wellington, New Conference of the Maritime Union that this conference in Wellington. Plymouth and Mt. Maunganui- will be held in Wellington from 21-23 Six observers from Wellington Tauranga are the first three ports to be October 2003. joined them and all not only enjoyed assessed. Matters for Conference should be the experience of connecting with The Maritime Union is pushing for received as remits from Branch other women trade unionists but they a guarantee all our members will be meetings and need to get to the also organized and carried Union deemed ‘secure’ when the new laws National Office of the Maritime Union policy forward. come into force. by the end of August. The group presented and had The Union also wants a national carried, an industry remit on cabotage Cabotage Campaign register of bona fide waterfront and which was important for the Union in seafarer union members set up by the The campaign has been a marked the context of the previous report but Maritime Safety Authority (MSA). success to date and it is necessary now it also should be noted it was not a The MSA have been given the task that to keep up the momentum. specific women’s issue and it secured of running the security project which The long term policy for a cam- strong support for the cause of the aims to be in place in the next twelve paign van has been realized and put to Maritime Union. months. good effect. Well done to all those members A Maritime Safety Bill that puts A team have had it on the road who participated, their action bodes international security rules into effect throughout the main shipping centres well for the increased participation of is expected by the end of the year. in the North Island distributing women in our Union and the growth Countries have until July 1 next of a strong Maritime Union. year to comply with International Maritime Organization security rules developed after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. In New Zealand, the rules may involve up to 14 government agencies, ‘The Maritimes’ is the official magazine of the requiring co-ordination among the Maritime Union of New Zealand. involved parties. This years Budget included money All correspondence to: ‘The Maritimes’, for Customs to x-ray more containers. PO Box 27004, Wellington, New Zealand. There are plans to buy mobile Email [email protected] trucks and to x-ray cargo identified as risky through sniffer dogs, physical Deadline for all Port reports, submissions, photos and letters: inspection and a risk-analysis infor- October 11 2003. mation system. The new machines are expected to be in service by early next year.

5 Employment law needs more teeth

New research strongly supports the case for strengthening of the Employ- ment Relations Act. Professor Pat Walsh of Victoria University released research in July which shows the Employment Rela- tions Act (ERA) is failing in its key objective of promoting collective bargaining. It also says there has been little change in the bargaining environment since the Act came into force more than two years ago. Courtesy call: Two representatives of the Port of Los Angeles called in at the Maritime Union national office in June. The Port of Los Angeles is setting up a office in New Zealand, and the CTU President Ross Wilson says visitors exchanged views on port security, biosecurity, the US economy and the attack by the research proves the ERA was a Portland police on anti-war demonstrators and ILWU members in April. very moderate change to our employ- Pictured from left Trevor Hanson (Maritime Union), Al Fierstine (Port of LA Director of Business ment laws. Development), Dave Morgan (Maritime Union, standing), and Thomas H. Warren (Member, LA Board of Harbor Commissioners.) Mr Warren is a former ILWU president of Local 63 Marine “Unfortunately it is now proving Clerks. to be so moderate as to be ineffective in achieving its stated objectives.” Many employers have used Thumbs down for Inland ports sophisticated legal strategies to frustrate the ERA, and weaknesses in America’s Cup the law have been exposed in practice threat to over the past two years. slush fund Unions have proposed four key waterfront? goals to the Government’s review of The Maritime Union of New Zealand the ERA. says the Government’s decision in Tasman Orient Line has committed to These include the promotion of May to hand out $33.75 million Ports of Auckland’s Otahuhu inland collective bargaining and an end to dollars to back a 2007 Team New port facility. freeloading by non-union members. Zealand America’s Cup challenge All Tasman Orient carried import The protection of vulnerable shows strange priorities. containers will now be transferred to workers on ownership change of a Joint National President Dave the Otahuhu facility on arrival at the business and better ‘good faith’ Morgan says he would like the seaport. provisions are also needed. Government to show similar interest The Otahuhu facility is located in Mr Wilson says the new research in the New Zealand shipping industry. the centre of South Auckland, and has shows the ERA is not working as it Mr Morgan says “The Government all the road and yard functions of a was intended and that key parts of it says its all about targeting the richest container terminal. need to be strengthened. tourists in the world for economic Export containers are processed at development.” the inland port and transported to the “However the Maritime Union seaport, and import containers cleared says the Government should be at the seaport and then stored and targeting New Zealand workers for distributed from the inland port. economic development.” Ports of Auckland claim moving The New Zealand shipping indus- the processing and storage functions try is an essential part of New of the seaport inland will relieve Zealand’s economic infrastructure that pressure on the seaport. has been let down by successive Import containers are transferred Governments. to the inland port outside normal Mr Morgan says urgent attention is working hours in a bid to relieve port- required to protect and build New related traffic. Zealand’s shipping capacity. Otahuhu is one of two inland port sites for the Port of Auckland with a third under construction at Wiri. 6 “Private ports not in public interest” – Aussie expert

Shareholders, rather than port users, are benefiting from any efficiency gains in privatized ports, according to University of Wollongong re- searcher Dr. James Reveley. Dr. Reveley recently completed an economic analysis of Australian and New Zealand ports with fellow researcher, Associate Professor Malcolm Tull of Murdoch University. Dr. Reveley said he and Professor Tull conducted the first comprehen- Standing tall: Maritime Union rank and file members show their support for striking workers at the Kinleith plant near Tokoroa. The Maritime Union donated thousands of dollars as well as food sive analysis of reforms made to to the striking workers and visited the picket line during the three month dispute. The Kinleith Australian and New Zealand ports. workers returned on May 28 with their heads held high. During the 1980s, while Australia retained most ports in public owner- ship and concentrated on Bulk carrier Safety and corporatization, New Zealand favoured partial privatization, with project still on? Gangway Nets the majority of shares held by local authorities. The Maritime Union have a coastal The Maritime Union national office The researchers compared the two bulk collective employment agree- has recently received enquiries from systems as New Zealand was thought ment with Adsteam, but the com- some ports about gangway nets. to be an example of best practice by pany has had no ship to date. It appears employers are asking port commentators, based on little Adsteam have restructured which what is wrong with box nets as they analysis or evidence. has meant the withdrawal of their are being used in other ports. But the researchers found priva- New Zealand company. The Maritime Union policy has tized ports may not be in the best Maritime Union Joint National never changed, and if it is occurring interest of the public. President Dave Morgan says it was then our members are being put at risk. They said any private monopoly assumed this meant the end of the The Union recently supplied a on a port needs close surveillance by long term project to operate a coastal proposed delegate’s list of safety authorities, which does not happen bulk carrier. checks on vessels to the Maritime enough in New Zealand. But former New Zealand Manager Safety Authority for their perusal. In Australia there are bodies such of Adsteam Peter Dunlop has told the The MSA came back to the Union as the Australian Competition and Union the coastal shipping plan is not with a suggested addition and gave Consumer Commission, and Victoria dead. verbal approval to the rest. has a special regulatory board for Seabulk Ltd, a new company, is Point one of the proposal was: ports. taking over for Trans-Tasman and “Ensure that the gangway or Reveley and Tull noted that South coastal bulk shipping. accesses to a vessel is in good repair Australia has recently privatized all Mr Dunlop says some coastal and safe. seven major ports in the state. movements will be subcontracted Safety nets should be slung from from Sea Tow when they have no the outboard side of the gangway, barges available, or via Seabulk for then underneath the gangway and cargo that open barges cannot carry. finally secured to the ships side to Although the Union have yet to prevent anyone falling on the inboard speak with Seabulk, from media side of the gangway. reports it appears we are looking at Although boxed gangways are the arrival of a landing barge to be acceptable, they must also have a based in New Plymouth for coastal safety net slung and rigged as men- operation. tioned in the first instance. It is owned by LD Shipping, who Ensure adequate lighting is in operate non union out of Launceton place, for boarding, and evacuation, Tasmania. during hours of darkness.” An unsafe gangway under the new act is a hazard! 7 ITF News and Views

Kathy Whelan There was a the of basic facilities ITF Coordinator for New Zealand such as water for showers and laun- ITF Green dry, with no soap or laundry detergent ‘Crew drink canal water while provided. alliance lobby UN Captain’s dog drinks mineral water’ The vessel was at the end of its makes a good newspaper headline. New Zealand charter doing four ports A new coalition of labour, environ- Sadly this was just one of many loading meat and fruit. mentalists and human rights groups examples of abuse the International Five Indonesian crew members have joined the ITF in demanding Transport Workers ‘ Federation (ITF) who had been on the vessel for stronger laws to govern international discovered in May on board the varying lengths (from 3 months to 2 waters. Panamanian flagged vessel ‘Wisteria.’ years) sought assistance from the ITF. Armed with a new ITF publication The Indonesian and Myanmar Given the number of New Zealand ‘Steering the Right Course’ the ITF, crew members were covered by the ports the vessel was calling at we were WWF International, Greenpeace Korean owners/managers employ- able to put a case together. International, Friends of the Earth ment contract – which contained 5 We obtained back pay of International, Global Witness and clauses threatening retribution should US$28,548.66 and made sure all five Human Rights Watch argued hard for they have any contact with the ITF. crew members were repatriated. this at recent United Nations meet- A double set of books was kept – in Bob Thorpe (New Plymouth) and ings. the case of an AB the employment Billy Connelly (Napier) did a great job The ITF described the flag of contract provided for a monthly in getting the documentation required convenience system as leading to “real consolidated wage of US$930, but he for the claim and in giving the crew suffering and hardship amongst was actually paid US$340. support and assistance. seafarers and their families as well as Crew also worked excessive hours The ‘Wisteria’ is a typical flag of damage to fragile marine ecosystems.“ with no overtime payments. convenience ship. The coalition’s case for properly In respect to the Indonesian crew It was owned by a Korean com- regulated international shipping, a members, their manning agent in pany, registered in Panama, and genuine link between ships and flags Jakarta charged them US$432 for crewed by a mixed nationality crew states and clearly defined responsibili- getting them the job and took a from Korea, Indonesia and Myanmar. ties by flag states won support from a retainer of US$50 per month for each This is just one of many examples number of delegations at the confer- crew member he had placed with of abuse and mistreatment that occurs ence. company. in the shipping industry. These issues were included in a The condition of the ship was It is a classic example of why every report for consideration by the UN dreadful and it lacked any form of bit of energy and commitment should General Assembly when it meets later social amenities. be given to the Maritime Union’s this year. Crew didn’t even have enough campaign for the restoration of This article can be found on the Web crockery or eating utensils. cabotage. at: Food was substandard and in a lot http://www.mua.org.au/news/ of cases past its use by date. shipping/alliance.html

We want your ideas! The Maritimes welcomes contributions from members around New Zealand. Letters, articles and photos can be sent in – they can be about on the job topics, personal interests, sport, history, politics, social events, in fact anything you like. Please send to: ‘The Maritimes’, PO Box 27004, Wellington, New Zealand or email [email protected] or fax 03 4736 975 or phone 021 171 0911

8 “If we took a holiday, took some time part timers who are employed under worked should be kept by the em- to celebrate, many different guises. ployee and his employers at the port. Just one day out of life, it would be, There are two types of casual A day worked will be any day on it would be so nice. worker. which a regular casual works eight One day to come together, to release The first being a person who is hours or more. the pressure, we need a holiday.” employed when a port is extremely When a regular casual has worked Some members of the Union may busy, usually on a one off basis. 24 days, they should be granted one remember the above song which was a The second is a person who eight hour payment at the average hit for Madonna in the eighties. regularly works as a casual for a casual rate in that port. Unfortunately for many of our specific stevedore or makes himself This payment can be either from a members there is little chance to take available to all stevedores at their individual employer or averaged out some time to celebrate or release the home port. amongst the employers for whom the pressure. The Union submission was made casual worked the last 24 days. With growing casualization of the on behalf of our members who are in The Union says the Holidays Bill waterfront, many of our members are the second category (Regular Casuals), does not allow for a regular casual to ‘regular casuals’ who function as full- many of whom have worked in the be specific as to which day of the week time workers but have none of the industry for lengthy periods, and rely qualifies them to a public holiday, benefits of permanent employees. on this employment as a sole or first that falls on a day which is otherwise For most of its history, the water- preference income. a working day for them. front has had some form of casual Many have worked on this basis for The Union told the Select Commit- labour to service the peaks and ten or more years with a hope of tee that the majority of regular casuals troughs of shipping. permanent employment in the industry. have to work on Public Holidays. In recent years the ‘casualization’ Technological advances have In most cases they cannot afford of jobs has become common through- reduced the amount of labour re- not to take the work. out the economy, and the maritime quired on many cargoes. They are also reluctant to turn an industries have become increasingly Combined with older members employer down, in case they don’t get casualized as well. staying on until they can obtain the the next call for work. Time to ‘release the pressure’: holiday rights for casual workers

Early in July 2003 the Maritime Government superannuation, the Sick and Bereavement Leave Union made submissions on the Bill situation has prevented many regular On the matter of sick days and currently before Parliament for casuals progressing to full time bereavement leave the Union says a changes to the Holidays Act, as well as employment. regular casual should be entitled to a MP Matt Robson’s Private Members Many regular casuals work 150 proportion of the days granted to Bill for four weeks annual leave. days or more a year, and in reality are permanent workers under the Bill. Phil Spanswick and Trevor Hanson on standby without payment waiting The Union argued that a regular appeared before the select committee for the telephone call to come to work. casual should be entitled to one day on behalf of the five hundred regular The only difference between these sick leave at the rate of eight hours casual members working at New people and a permanent employee is pay, for each 50 days worked per year, Zealand ports. that casuals are not on some form of and one days bereavement leave for The Labour and Green Party guaranteed weekly payment. each 80 days worked per year. committee members agreed they The Maritime Union believes the Other industries such as Hospital- would examine the Union’s case. new laws being made by the Govern- ity, Aged Care and Retail all employ (In contrast the Business ment do not take the regular casuals large numbers of casual workers who Roundtable submission was there employment status into account. are mainly women and teenagers. should be no law providing for The Union made the following Surely they should be entitled to holidays for workers at all!) points. sick and bereavement leave as well. The Union explained to Govern- Public Holidays The rights of casual workers ment and opposition politicians how whether in the Maritime industry or shipping and cargo companies are A regular casual should have elsewhere can no longer be ignored. demanding a relatively small core protection under law for Public The Maritime Union will continue group of skilled employees backed up Holidays. its campaign for the rights of casual by a casual workforce. Where a regular casual is em- workers and to reverse the Between these two groups are a ployed at a port by an individual or casualization of the maritime indus- considerable number of permanent several stevedores, a total of days tries.

9 Terry Ryan on behalf of Maritime Union Auckland Branch Local 13 described Ted as a “genuine working class hero.” “Ted was widely recognized as the driving force that created the Water- front Industry Superannuation fund, and just as he predicted it would, it allowed wharfies to retire with dignity. “ Members would also remember Ted for his eloquent language. An example is his response to a 1978 question on employers reasons for redundancy which he described as “a barrage of emotional tripe from the evil-intentioned edge of industrial spivs.” Maritime Union Secretary Trevor Hanson described Ted as a living legend to New Zealand waterfront workers. Vale Ted Thompson: Ted attended the 2001 Waterfront Workers’ Conference to witness the the passing of a ‘living legend of the waterfront’ process of amalgamation between the Waterfront Workers Union and the Members of the Maritime Union and waterfront lockout in 1951, he was Seafarers Union, a move he had long many others in our industry were “very much at loggerheads with the supported. saddened with news of the death of National Government, the Federation “His forethought and driving Ted Thompson on May 29, 2003. of Labour and the Press, an unholy passion to enhance workers’ rights Tributes and messages flowed to Trinity.” and conditions are still very visible Ted’s family from many branches and Following his return to work in and with us today – our national individuals in the Maritime Union. 1954, with the Union in disarray, Ted building and our superannuation Life member Chris Kenny spoke on was voted walking delegate, a posi- schemes are two examples.” behalf of the Maritime Union at Ted’s tion he held until 1967. Vale Ted Thompson, seafarer, service. From 1967 to 1972 he served as waterfront worker, and unionist. He described Ted as a good family assistant National Secretary to the (Thanks to Chris Kenny and Ted’s daughter man who had lived in an era that saw New Zealand Waterside Workers Beverley Carter for their notes and great struggles to advance the inter- Federation, and in 1972 he became the photographs.) ests of workers. Waterside Representative on the Ted was prominent amongst the Federation of Labour. fine trade union leaders, working class In 1980 he became the Federation intellectuals and activists of the time. of Labour Vice President. “He was a man of high ideals and As the Waterside National Secre- integrity, who could be relied on tary he is held largely responsible for absolutely and under any circum- negotiating the new containerization stances.” agreements. Born in the Coromandel in 1916, In the hard fought negotiations, Ted had a long and productive life. Ted was in his element. He spent the early part of his Among other gains he won a 30 working life as a construction worker hour week on the container terminals. Ted Thompson pictured with his late wife Ida. before going to sea as a fireman in Waterfront workers enjoyed the 1938. fruits of his negotiating skills. Ted’s family have asked the following During the war he participated in Ted had an international outlook, message of thanks be recorded: the allied landings in North Africa on he was a staunch opponent of racism the Awatea. and apartheid, he supported the Thompson, Edward George (Ted) After dropping the 6th Commando Federation of Labour’s opposition to The family of the late Ted would Battalion off at Algiers the Awatea was the Vietnam War, opposed the 1981 like to sincerely thank past and attacked by German bombers and Springbok rugby tour and supported present members of the Maritime sunk with many casualties. the Chilean trade ban. Union for the expressions of sympathy After the war Ted took up a job on Ted, a staunch supporter of the and support following our recent the Wellington Waterfront in 1946. Labour Party, was also a strong bereavement. As a member of the Wellington supporter of the Union’s cultural and The tributes to our Dad have been Branch Committee during the 151 day sporting activities. greatly appreciated. 10 The Maritime Union of Australia has sion to amalgamate the WWF and the announced the passing of former SUA into the Maritime Union of General Secretary of the Waterside Australia. Workers Federation Tas Bull, union When he retired from Union office leader, internationalist, socialist, he remained active in senior roles with seafarer, waterside worker and ACTU projects. writer. He celebrated his 70th birthday in Tas was elected Waterside Workers Havana, Cuba, with friends and Federation Sydney Branch Vigilance comrades in January 2002. Officer 1967, Branch President and In a letter to the MUA, Dave Federal Councillor 1970, Federal Morgan and Trevor Hanson of the Organizer 1971, Assistant General Maritime Union of New Zealand Secretary 1983 and General Secretary expressed their sadness at the passing 1984 to 1992. of a “huge character in the working He also served as ACTU Vice class struggle for human rights and President and Senior Vice President in dignity in Australia and the Asia- the 1980s and early 1990s. Pacific region.” Vale Tas Bull Born in Australia of Norwegian Tas Bull was known and respected and Scottish stock, he went to sea at internationally as a trade union (1932 – 2003) the age of 14 and joined the Seaman’s thinker and activist, fearless in his Union of Australia in 1954. adherence to his principles. He joined the waterfront and the Tas had given a lead both with the WWF in Hobart in 1956, and went on International Transport Workers to play a key role in the Union. Federation (ITF) and with the Austra- He was instrumental in the deci- lian Union movement.

Dunedin Mayor Sukhi Turner opens the Dunedin Workers Memorial The Auckland Merchant Navy Memorial was unveiled by Helen on April 28. Situated in the Market Reserve, the memorial is for Clark on 2 March 2003 at Teal Park at the Port of Auckland. Otago workers who have died through accidents on the job. The President of the New Zealand Merchant Navy Association memorial was funded by local Unions and some businesses. The (Auckland Branch) Dave Lark says the memorial was planned for opening ceremony was attended by local union members and several years, but a suitable situation was only found recently. politicians. Contributors to the memorial included the Maritime Union, the RSA and individual donors. A wreath laying service will be held at the memorial on Sunday 31 August at 11am.

11 Delegate Training

Wellington members learn how to improve their on the job effectiveness as workplace delegates.

Delegate Training

Delegate training is the way the Maritime Union is making our Union more effective in the workplace. Delegates have attended training sessions through- out New Zealand as part of a general education programme as well as the CTU Health and Safety campaign. Craig Harrison of Auckland Branch Local 13 has been helping to organize the training programme and says the courses have had a positive impact. “Delegates have come out of the course, and started coming up to the office, downloading more info and CTU communications manager Lyndy McIntyre talks to union delegates signing up members.” at the Auckland Health and Safety Seminar. Lyndy recently moved on The Delegate’s Training Course has three separate from the CTU and is now working for the Nurses Organization (but her parts. assistance to the Maritime Union during the height of the Carter Holt and Mainland dispute will not be forgotten!) The first is an introductory seminar about the Union at work, the second is based around resolving work- place disputes and the third is about how to deal with the disciplinary process. The course is led by Union educator Chris McDonald (assisted by Bob Stephenson) who has taken courses around New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Mt. Maunganui, Lyttelton and Port Chalm- ers. The Delegates Training is Department of Labour approved as “Employment Relations Education Leave” which was introduced with the Employment Relations Act. As one Port Chalmers delegate wrote on his course evaluation sheet, “ . . . being a Union delegate will be a challenging and rewarding process. I am at no illusion that I will have to work hard and make sure I try to do things correctly, and do the best for members. Chris doesn’t sugar coat things – which gives you a reality check!” Air of concentration: Port Chalmers delegates get to grips with employment agreements. 12 Health and Safety Training

The Maritime Union is taking part in the Health and Safety seminars run by ACC and the Council of Trade Unions. These two day seminars are being run to educate Health and Safety delegates as part of a nationwide campaign. The ‘Unions Talking Health and Safety’ campaign aims to make our workplaces safer. Port Chalmers delegates at their May seminar. From left (standing) Chris McDonald (Union The goal is to elect 10,000 health educator), Andrew Mears, Mark Middleditch, Gene Carthy, Adam Law, (sitting from left) Jeff and safety delegates throughout New Duncan, Cyril Todd, Michael Lysaght. Zealand this year. By ensuring these reps are trained and supported, and by developing systems where workers can partici- pate in health and safety decisions, the campaign can be a success. See page 29 for more health and safety news.

Moro Peters (left) and Richard Goldthorpe of Mt Maunganui Branch President Terrance Tai Mt Maunganui Tauranga branch at their Union (left) with delegate Peter Winiata at the 5 delegates seminar held at the Tauranga Hockey June seminar “Working with members to Club, 5 June 2003. resolve workplace issues.”

Playing it safe: Mt Maunganui Tauranga delegates at the ACC/CTU Health and Safety Rep Training Seminar, 8/9 July 2003. From left, Eddie Cook, Brian Huxtable, John Matehaere, Debbie Gardiner, Scott Tietjen, Sam Nepiata, Tony Gibbons, Mark Oxenham. Back row, from left, Peter Cook, Selwyn Russell, Brian Harrington, Kerry Grant, Daniel Hocking. 13 ACTU Guest speaker ACTU President Sharan Burrow discussed the strategies required to reduce inequality in the workplace and economy. Women are likely to be disadvan- taged in the labour market by the effects of globalization, discrimination, violence, casualization and low pay. Sharan spoke of a possible program in Australia for women with either 20% extra for childcare or 15% for each child. Youth Union Movement (YUM) Tali Williams addressed the confer- ence on behalf of YUM (Youth Union Movement.) She spoke of the disadvantages young workers face in the workforce A two day Women’s Conference was Transport Union (RMTU) and the when well over a quarter of the New recently held at Victoria University, Maritime Union attended. Zealand workforce is now casualized in Wellington, organized by the Council Cabotage the so-called ‘flexible’ labour market. of Trade Unions (CTU). Despite employment growth, many Discussion groups of respective The women delegates of Maritime of these new jobs are low-wage, casual unions were formed to identify issues in Union of New Zealand welcomed the and part-time positions – particularly their workplace. opportunity to attend on the account of in the service sector, where many young The Maritime Union joined with the lack of a women’s structure within people work. fellow sisters from the RMTU to the Union. Casualized or temping agency style identify three hot topics. CTU Vice-President and Women’s workplaces, health and safety, wages, These were lack of education in the Council representative Darien Fenton conditions and security of employment

The changing face of the Union:

opened the conference with an intro- workplace and unions, absence of a are all under attack. duction of the 19 women council women’s structure and Cabotage on the Today’s young workers have never members. New Zealand coast. known some of the conditions that used Speakers included Australian CTU Rachel Goddard spoke on the to be considered as standard, such as President Sharan Burrow, Tali Williams Cabotage issue on behalf of the Mari- the forty-hour week and penal rates for of the Youth Union Movement (YUM), time Union. weekend work. Prime Minister Helen Clark, Audrey The conference learned of the poor Tali spoke of the current legislation Mei of the Service Workers Union at conditions third world crews experience that permits a extremely low minimum Sky City Casino, and Minister of and how different nationalities are used wage for young workers, and of the Women’s Affairs Ruth Dyson. to create divisions. employment agreements that contain It was pointed out that the Maritime age based scales of pay for carrying out 150 Delegates attend conference Union provides voluntary inspectors for the same work. The conference brought more than Flag of Convenience ships through the July sees YUM camps, training 150 women delegates together from all ITF. workshops for young union leaders in over New Zealand. The work of the ITF helps Auckland and the current recruitment Women from ASTE (Tertiary educa- defenceless workers who have been campaign in Wellington underway. tion staff), SFWU (Service workers), abused and underpaid. Activities to date have included Runanga, Komiti Pasefika, PPTA Legislation in the form of the Jones trainee organizers encouraging young (Secondary teachers), AUS (University Act ensures cabotage on the coast of the workers into unions, producing basic staff), DWU (Dairy workers), Finsec USA among other countries. rights pamphlets and secondary school (Finance industry), NZEI (primary Other countries shipping lines have resources, and the training of young teachers), NDU (Distribution workers), the right to exploit Third World labour people to be active in their own unions. EPMU (Engineers, Printing and Manu- on the New Zealand coast, but New The CTU will also be holding facturing workers), NZNO (Nurses), Zealand workers don’t have the right to ‘Organizing young workers’ work- PSA (Public sector), CLAW (Clothing work on theirs. shops. and laundry union), Rail and Maritime

14 Prime Ministers’ speech Sue Boraston says the ASB and TSB 2. For the CTU and affiliates to support Prime Minister Helen Clark spoke to are the only non-union banks. the Maritime Union in the struggle for the Conference about how the Govern- Members asked questions from the Cabotage. ment plans to change laws that affect floor on how they could contribute to Both remits were carried. working women by regulating the the campaign. It was the first year the women’s previous deregulated system. Delegates were asked to talk to their conference has had the right to put Changes included the Employment bank operators and find out if they forward remits or statements for voting Relations Act review, the Holidays Act, were Finsec members. at the full CTU conference in October. If the bank operator was not a Finsec pay equity and protections for vulner- Pay Equity, Paid Parental Leave, Health member to then ask to talk to a Finsec able workers. and Safety The Prime Minister talked of stress member instead. for women workers in factories. If the bank operator was a union The Minister of Women’s Affairs She commented on the outdated member, delegates were asked to Ruth Dyson spoke on the implementa- Holiday’s legislation, and new plans to congratulate them on being a union tion of the government’s agenda on pay separate bereavement leave from sick member and to indicate that they too equity, paid parental leave, and health and domestic leave. were a union member. and safety. The Prime Minister didn’t see four Sky City Casino She discussed the idea that the weeks leave occurring in this term market should determine pay rates, and because of the Government plan to Audrey Mei from the Service the under valuing of women in the tackle the issue gradually as she felt Workers Union at Sky City Casino workforce and society. over regulating would ‘cause an spoke on their campaign to have the The conference ended and thanks imbalance.’ right to work in a smoke free environ- goes to the Maritime Union stopwork The Prime Minister said “unions are ment, and other issues facing the meeting members for electing the an essential part of democracy” and members working there. women to attend the conference. described her view of “evolutionary PSA and Nurses Organization The union would also like to thank rather than revolutionary.” Wellington Seafarer members Marina Clark did not see compulsory union- The PSA’s Pay and Employment Johnson, Colleen Lewis, Sa Baker, Fleur ism as an option, instead promoting Equity Agenda and the Nurses’ Organi- Bishara, Julie Raroa and Auckland improving legal rights and employment zation remuneration strategy were also Seafarer Heidi Mills for their active equity, requiring a longer plan of action. discussed. participation.

Women’s Conference Report Report by Wellington Seafarer Rachael Goddard

Women’s Task Force Announcements A Women’s task force will be chaired It was announced Women’s Council Another article from by retirement commissioner Diana representative Sue Shone of the PPTA Auckland delegate Heidi Crossan. Members will be chief execu- would be leaving with Carol Beaumont tives (or their nominees), of the Depart- elected to the position of CTU secretary Mills is printed in the ment of Labour, the Ministry of formerly held by Paul Goulter. Auckland Seafarers Port Women’s Affairs and the State Services Day 1 ended with drinks, food and Roundup on page 20. Commission with three nominees from ‘Choir Choir Pants on Fire’ who per- the CTU. formed at NZEI House. Pacific Women Day 2 Komiti Pasifika spoke on issues Day 2 included “Get A Life” work- facing Pacific women in the workforce. shops and a speech by the Minister of Workshops followed with topics Women’s Affairs Ruth Dyson. including well-being for Pasifika The majority of the Maritime Women, Tautoko Wahine Maori, members took part in the “Get a Life” Casualization, Health and Safety, workshops with members discussing Globalization and Peace, as well as work/life issues, casualization and job Work/Life issues including Hours of security. Work and Pay Equity. The workshops were informative Finsec and educational resulting in collective remits. A panel of women workers armed The Maritime Union put forward with case studies from delegates spoke two remits to the conference: on successes and challenges of the 1. Supporting education of Women, Finsec TSB campaign. Maori and youth

15 FightingFighting forfor NewNew

(any missed have since been ‘cleaned up’ On the by the Auckland Branch.) I spoke to stopwork meetings and was received with true union comradeship. Campaign Trail Auckland’s North Shore was our first Joe Fleetwood 0296 reports visit with a dozen members turning up to canvass the main shopping malls. Well, comrades, we’re still on the We moved into Auckland city on campaign trail over 9 years since the Monday 7 July. introduction of section 198 of the Mari- Tuesday saw members canvassing at time Transport Act. Mangere and Otara Malls where we set up Since that time we have seen the an information centre table with posters decimation of New Zealand coastal and and gave speeches to the public. deep sea shipping. Hundreds of pamphlets were filled out The Seafarers’ Union Committee of and posted. Management met late May 2003 with the We left for Tauranga on Tuesday night, Cabotage campaign high on the agenda. and on Wednesday continued talking to It was decided a rank and file assault the public, filling in pamphlets and on the Government should take place and posting off the completed slips to MPs. I received the honour of coordinating this We headed to Hamilton on Wednesday campaign – giving me a chance to give night, and on Thursday members back to a union and industry that has been letterboxed about 3500 pamphlets. very good to me and friends. Thursday night we moved onto We all know what we owe to each Wanganui where we met ex member other but some choose to forget from time Harry Clark and his wife Wendy who to time, something I believe the ‘old kindly put us up for the night. timers’ of the Union never forgot. We finished with a letter box drop and It is because of their work we have had returned to Wellington on Friday night, a a good run for so long. job well done by all union members. We need to keep the pressure up – we 18 000 pamphlets were distributed in are struggle based union and that is what the North Island in a week, with good makes the Maritime Union what it is. public awareness and interest. The initial pressure for the campaign We are off to the South Island next and was to produce a pamphlet and posters can no doubt expect similar assistance and that were easy to understand and hard goodwill from members. hitting. There has been a large number of Judging by the feedback from members members working very hard behind the and the public we seem to be on track. scenes which has made my job a lot easier. The Government needs to see and feel You know who you are so many thanks the pressure felt by workers and families. to you all comrades. I feel we were received well by MP’s, Keep up the great work (you all make so let’s hope they do the right thing for up for the non active lazy members who New Zealand workers. have a lot to say but that’s where it stops!) Unless the Government condemn the To all of the ports, thanks for pushing exploitation of cheap foreign labour, they hard and campaigning with passion. are going along with the unspeakable Thanks to the ITF for being active in actions committed by global corporates. the campaign, and to the MUA for All of this in the name of profits earned strategies which have strengthened the at the expense of human lives, which have Tasman Maritime Federation. little value to these people. To Local 13, thanks comrades for the We set times to lobby MP’s, and the help and hospitality given. campaign was opened in Wellington by To Gary and the Auckland seafarer Wellington Secretary Mike Williams and members – it’s great to see the fight is still General Secretary Trevor Hanson. very much alive in us all – keep up the Marion Hobbs MP was first cab off the good work comrades. rank, she was very positive and the first to Many thanks to Harry Clark and give a commitment to help the workers. family for the help we received, you only The campaign hit the road on July 6 in get support like that from true unionist. the newly purchased union van. Many thanks to the trade union We were in Auckland for eight days movement and solidarity shown by all canvassing cabinet ministers and MP’s workers. Kia Kaha. Touch one Touch all.

16On the road with the ZealandZealand ShippingShipping

The United States, Japan and the Putting the New European Union all reserve coastal trade for their domestic fleets, or fleets of Zealand flag member nations. New Zealand, by contrast, is at risk of becoming a country where we have few back in coastal trained seafarers left in a job. How can this be in a country that is shipping entirely dependant on shipping as our trading link to the rest of the world? It is widely recognized domestic shipping We need to maintain jobs and skills in between New Zealand ports is a vital part this vital industry, rather than hand it over of our national transport system. to rogue outfits who are essentially The recent Shipping Industry Review importing cheap labour. and the Government’s Transport Strategy The benefits to the economy from the both recognize the importance of shipping reinstatement of cabotage are many. to New Zealand as a trading nation. It supports New Zealand business, and Unfortunately, there is one ‘flag’ missing as such should be a cornerstone of any from New Zealand coastal shipping at economic development policy. present – the New Zealand one. Another overlooked fact is that New Until 1994, shipping between New Zealand is increasingly insecure in an Zealand ports was done by New Zealand unstable global situation. crews working on New Zealand ships, a The Government has to pour millions system known internationally as cabotage. of dollars into ensuring port security. Since that time, New Zealand coastal The simple fact is domestic carriers shipping has been ‘opened up’ to foreign mean less exposure to terrorism. operators who now carry out most domes- A number of flag of convenience ships tic shipping in New Zealand waters. have recently been seized by authorities This has led to a bizarre situation, around the world for suspected involve- where we have watched our own shipping ment in terrorist activity. industry dwindle away to a fraction of its Using domestic carriers will also mean once proud state. less exposure to biosecurity hazards like Our coastal routes are now worked by noxious insect or animal pests escaping flag of convenience ships, owned in one and causing havoc in our agricultural and country, registered in another, crewed by horticultural industries. Third World seafarers who are paid and The Government noted in its recent treated abysmally. Transport Strategy that New Zealand Imagine if our airplanes or trucks were exports have increased by 25 percent in crewed by exploited foreign workers, volume between 1993 and 2001 – and 99 working on substandard vehicles that per cent of imports and exports by volume operated outside New Zealand laws and are moved by sea. safety regulations. The Maritime Union commend the People wouldn’t stand for it – yet this Transport Strategy goals of providing an is exactly what has happened to coastal affordable, safe, integrated and sustainable shipping in New Zealand. transport system by 2010. The only thing being levelled on this Yet unless a viable New Zealand playing field is New Zealand jobs and shipping industry is a central part of the New Zealand industry. strategy, these goals will remain theory There is only one sensible solution to rather than practice. the current botch up. We need to support New Zealand That is the reinstatement of coastal workers, and New Zealand shipping cabotage by ensuring in law that New companies, who have a long-term commit- Zealand crewed and operated ships are ment to the New Zealand economy, to our given priority for domestic shipping. merchant fleet, and to protecting our The removal of cabotage was moti- environment and biosecurity. vated by the thoroughly discredited free New Zealand’s domestic shipping market dogma of the 1990s. should be worked by our own merchant Of course, all our major trading fleet. partners have maintained their own Let’s get our flag back in coastal systems of cabotage. shipping – cabotage is the answer.

e Cabotage Campaign 17 Staunch South

New Zealand’s southernmost port being put under threat by rogue ing a RMTU picket because local has been the site of double action by operators such as Mainland. casuals in that union had not received local workers in the past few weeks. The picket came at the same time a pay rise in twelve years and were on Around thirty Bluff waterfront as members of the other waterfront $9.90 an hour. workers, local townspeople and union the Rail and Maritime Transport supporters from as far north as Port Union (RMTU) picketed Southport in Chalmers picketed the log boat support of a pay rise for their casual ‘Northern Light’ on Saturday 19 July members at Southport. at Southport in Bluff. Members of both Unions sup- The ‘Northern Light’ was being ported each others pickets in the worked by Mainland Stevedoring and unprecedented double industrial their bussed in employees. action in New Zealand’s southernmost Work on the ship was delayed as port. Mainland employees arrived under “Mainland thought they could Maritime Union members join the previous days RMTU picket of Southport (the train in heavy police escort at around 5.20pm. introduce their divide and rule tactics the background is specially parked to provide a They were taken past hiding in a in the Deep South, but weren’t expect- windbreak!) large container box on a truck. ing the continued resistance to their The local workers maintained a methods,” says Maritime Union loud and disciplined picket. General Secretary Trevor Hanson. They spent several hours waiting Maritime Union Bluff Branch in a cool Southern breeze but their Secretary Ray Fife says local union spirits were not dampened. members know they are defending The heart of the issue is about local jobs and the local economy. decent wages, working conditions and In an interview with the Southland a sustainable industry, all of which are Times, he said Mainland had prom- ised to create permanent jobs in ports it had come to, but had not kept its Mainland Stevedoring display their slogan word. “Excellence through Innovation” which should Mr Fife says they will continue read “We hide in a box wherever we go.” resisting Mainland “as long as it takes” in order to defend local jobs and conditions. “We don’t like how Mainland treat workers, the way they do work and how they impact on local communi- ties.” “If Mainland become established here, we know what the effect will be on Bluff workers and the local economy, and we are not going to let that happen.” The Mainland Fan Club: wherever Mainland go, Maritime Union members had they are given an official escort, paid for by the local communities whose livelihoods they spent the last couple of days support- threaten. 18 International News ILWU Convention Anti self handling The Invasion of Iraq votes to get Bush out groundswell grows & Crony Capitalism By Steve Stallone, The Dispatcher European shipowners and bureau- Bush now controls Iraqi oil revenue Spurred on by the dire circumstances crats face a campaign of resistance if and the key port while championing facing the union and the country, they press ahead with moves to a criminal, Ahmed Chalabi, as the delegates to the 2003 Convention of encourage cargo self handling. USA’s man in Baghdad. the International Longshore and ITF Dockers’ Secretary Kees Chalabi has a string of convictions Warehousemen’s Union (ILWU) set a Marges announced an intensified for multi million dollar frauds. clear agenda for the next three years. campaign at the annual convention of He has now been on the US payroll At the San Francisco gathering on the International Longshoremen’s for a decade pocketing some $60 April 28 - May 2, priorities were Association (ILA) in Puerto Rico. million from the CIA and more from dumping Bush in 2004, opposing his Maritime unions around the world the Pentagon. (See “The Thief of war on and occupation of Iraq, have agreed to take action to Baghdad,” Sydney Morning Herald, pushing for universal healthcare and strengthen their opposition to any May 10). continuing the union’s organising threat to waterfront work. Meanwhile, Vice President Dick programme. More than 20,000 port workers in Cheney, former chief executive of The opening session of the Con- Europe went on strike earlier this year Halliburton oil company is busy vention on Monday morning erupted in protest at the EU’s planned liberal- rebuilding Iraq’s oil industry. in a spontaneous chorus of Bush ization of European ports. The UK Guardian reports that bashing that would continue through- “The unrest in January was only a Halliburton has admitted one of its out the week. warm up for our campaign against the subsidiaries paid millions in bribes to ILWU International President Jim destruction of secure employment in a Nigerian official for tax breaks. Spinosa says “the single biggest the docks,” says Mr Marges. And another subsidiary, Kellogg challenge ahead for the ILWU and the “We have brought forward a Brown and Root (KBR), has a broad entire American labor movement is strategy to mobilize 400,000 port role in the Iraqi oil industry. defeating Bush and the right-wing, workers.” The company is now involved in anti-worker members of Congress in The action was approved by the the operation and distribution of oil the 2004 elections.” ITF’s affiliated waterfront unions in products in Iraq. “Things are bad now, but if we fail London in July. The US Government aid agency in 2004, the labor movement will face Unions are angered by what they broke its own rules to award US a real nightmare—a second-term Bush see as encroachment on dock work by terminal operator Stevedoring Ser- who can slash and burn workers self handling on ships, for example by vices of America (SSA) a US $4.8 without ever having to worry about securing and unsecuring containers, million contract to rebuild the Iraqi another election.” and by cargo owners using untrained port of Umm Qasr over international Delegates passed a resolution casual labour inside port terminals. competitors, say news agency reports. committing all the union’s locals to Demonstrations against legal The anti-union firm has clashed political action to defeat Bush and threats to dock work will be matched with workers in three continents. elect pro-worker candidates in 2004. by campaign action in ports and the Fairplay shipping magazine says Spinosa emphasized the need for targeting of shipping companies. the requirement for security clearance access to health care and how rising The ITF is alerting its worldwide was dropped to give SSA the contract. medical costs have made keeping force of inspectors to ensure agree- “The news comes as charges of benefits an issue in all ILWU contracts. ments preventing cargo handling on crony capitalism circulate worldwide The only real solution, he said, is a board ship are being observed. about how the US is handling the national, single-payer healthcare Delegates to the Dockers Section multi-billion dollar reconstruction program. meeting heard that charterers were contracts, especially in the maritime Guest speaker the Reverend Jesse attempting to bypass agreements by industry,” Fairplay reports. Jackson told delegates “workers are making cash payments to seafarers for under attack by this administration.” securing cargo on entering and “If ever there were a time for a leaving port. massive march on Washington by Mr Marges says dockers’ unions workers for jobs, income or health are preparing for a long battle against care, it is now.” self handling on board and in termi- Workers, stand up and fight back.” nals, particularly if the European Union allows cargo owners to recruit non-union, unskilled and casual labour for dock work.

19 Port Roundup: Auckland Seafarers

by Garry Parsloe Auckland May Day 2003 The Auckland May Day Committee decided to celebrate May Day on Thursday 1 May, despite some groups wishing for activities to be held the following Saturday. Unions and groups assembled at Womens Conference a milestone the bottom of Queen Street at 5pm armed with union banners etc. An open mic operated from 5 – for New Zealand unions 5.30pm with various speakers talking by Heidi Mills Rachael Goddard put forward a on working class issues. remit on Cabotage, focussing on the At 5.30pm the march commenced I recently attended the Women’s environment and job security for New up Queen St. to Aotea Square. Conference in Wellington as a Zealanders. On arrival at Aotea Square, the delegate for the Maritime Union of The remit was unanimously passed Chairman of the May Day Committee, New Zealand and as a representative by delegates. Garry Parsloe called together the rally of Fuller’s Auckland. The opportunity for women to put and introduced the speakers. Five other women members remits forward to the CTU conference The first speaker was Grant Duffy, including seafarer member Rachael was a milestone. Secretary of the Auckland CTU local Goddard also attended the conference All remits will now go forward to Affiliates Council followed by Daphna (see Rachel’s report on page 14). the next CTU Conference. Whitmore, representing the Anti- Conference speakers included Capitalist Alliance. Australian Council of Trade Unions Whisky Hastie, Senior Production President Sharan Burrow and Prime Delegate, Kinleith Mill, and Mike Minister Helen Clark. Treen, Auckland Branch Global Peace Sharon Burrow spoke on strategies and Justice also spoke. to reduce disparities in the workplace After the speeches the Chairman of and economy from an international the May Day Committee put the May perspective. Day resolution: Prime Minister Helen Clark gave “That this meeting calls for an end an overview of the Government’s to the occupation of Iraq – Troops out plans to change the laws and policies now! affecting working women. We pledge our support for the These issues included the Employ- striking Kinleith workers, and we call ment Relations Act review, The on workers in New Zealand to rebuild Holidays Act, pay equity and protec- the trade union movement to be the tion for vulnerable workers. required effective fighting force to Other issues discussed were how combat the anti-union attacks of the many companies have not developed national and international corporates specific policies relating to the em- and their politicians”. ployment of women. The resolution was carried with a (See the Global Employment show of hands and a loud cheer. Policies and Practices published by the After the rally a function was held International Labour Organization). at the Auckland Trade Union Centre in A healthier and safer working Great North Road. environment, where women were May Day falls on a Saturday in involved, and where companies were 2004 and planning is already under- accountable was also discussed. way by the May Day Committee.

Rachael Goddard checks out the handiwork of the Cabotage campaign team. 20 The Cabotage Campaign hit Port Roundup: Tauranga on July 9. Port Roundup: A large number of pamphlets were Mt. Maunganui handed out to a positive response. New Plymouth The local Port Security meeting by Phil Spanswick was held on July 11 with both MUNZ by Shane Parker and the Rail and Maritime Union We recently settled represented. The branch is going the Balance Agri- In the May issue of the Maritimes, through its usual Nutrients, P & O specifically the Auckland Seafarers quiet time for this Ports, Owens and column, Wayne Butson of the Rail and time of year as the Orica Collective Maritime Union says he hopes to dairy season has Agreements and are in negotiations increase that union’s membership in slowed and the farmers have stopped with Tolls and Quality Marshalling Tauranga. putting on fertilizer, probably saving for the renewal of their Collective Does that mean the RMTU will be up for their fart tax. Agreements. embarking on a poaching campaign? This has allowed some of our The ACC/CTU Health and Safety members to travel out of port for the Seminar was held on 8 and 9 July and first time in a long time. twelve of our health and safety It’s good to get around other ports delegates attended. and see what’s going on. At our recent stop work meeting we had a visit from Susan Leuchars from the Super Fund which was timely what with the recent perfor- mance of the fund. She was lucky to be able to inform the members of a improved perfor- mance since the end of the financial year. The first meeting of the local port facility security committee was held and was attended by a large section of local and national industry representa- tives including Dave Morgan from the Port NewsMaritime Union head office. A local committee was set up which includes representatives from Maritime Union and the RMTU. Graham Roberts has recently Delegates at the Mt Maunganui Tauranga branch training seminar on 5 June, 2003. From left, stood down as President of the local Nick Bischoff, Sam Nepiate, Gavin Cooper, Selwyn Russell, Dennis Kemp and Brian Harrington. branch, and his replacement for the position will be decided at the upcom- ing AGM.

On the P & O Ports collective agreement negotiations team, from left to right, Paul Sellers, Neil Chapman, Phil Spanswick, Peter Winiata, Andrew Cooper, and Moro Peters. The collective agreement was ratified on Tuesday 15 July. 21 It is widely known that the Union Port Roundup: was the main advocate of this pro- Port Roundup: posed piece of legislation becoming a Napier legally binding document and has Gisborne been since the initial meeting in June by Bill Connelly of 1996. by Dein Ferris The General Secretary and I have Around and about contacted the interested parties from If it was any quieter OSH and the MSA to try and get this up here, we’d be at a The port is back on the table for discussion. standstill. reasonably busy at As most of you are aware the only There have only the moment, even two points holding up further discus- been a couple of though the fruit and squash, which are sion and implementation was “Stress ships in the last month and it appears Hawkes Bay’s major seasonal exports, and Fatigue and the Hours of Work”. the bottom has fallen out of the log are coming to a close. This is now covered under the trade. The Port of Napier is in the process changes to the Health and Safety in Trevor and I attended the Port of the demolition of Number 2 Shed. Employment Act. Securities meeting on June 30 which It is understood this is to create My own personal opinion is the was worthwhile. added space for the expected increase sooner we have some form of legisla- I am on the committee so will be in container traffic through the port. tion in place to cover the old General able to present our point of view. Ohope Beach Accommodation in Harbour Regulations 1968, which I We met with a few of the members New Zealand might add expired on the 31 March after the meeting and they expressed 2003 along with other outdated their views to Trev. Members should be aware that the legislation covered under the old We managed to get Trevor on a holiday accommodation at Ohope Harbours Act 1950, the better. plane by 7.00am – we do have good Beach is now at a premium, because of The current Guidelines for Health weather aye Trev? the sale of the front two units. and Safety in Port Operations being The Gisborne branch executive is The Union still owns unit number displayed on the web are dated 1997, as follows: 3 and bookings can be made through whereas the final draft dated August President: Ian Croker the Napier Branch, by contacting the 2000 is much more comprehensive Secretary : Dein Ferris Secretary either at the Union Office, and worker friendly. Executive : his home or on his mobile telephone Rex O’Connell number (see page 31 for contacts.) James Harvey Gold Coast Accommodation in Rubin Anderson Port NewsMalcolm Deans Australia This is proving to be a most popular destination for all members throughout the country. Please note that the confirmation period for bookings is now six months, which means that members around New Zealand can now book six months in advance. Due to our recent inclement weather bookings have been heavy. It seems everyone want to escape to the warmer climate of the Gold Coast. Demand means we do not have any vacancies until 21 February 2004. Code of Practice for Health and Safety in Port Operations This was the question I asked in the last issue of the Maritimes. With the introduction of the changes to the Health & Safety in Employment Act soon to become law one has to ask the question what ever Auckland branch Local 13 delegates at their recent health and safety training seminar, from left happened to the August 2000 final Joe Tairua (Leonard & Dingley), Brett Haldane (Auckland Stevedores), Graham McKean (Axis draft on the “Code of Practice for Fergusson), George Pou (Axis Bledisloe) & Jacki Dickinson (Road Office Port Company.) Health & Safety in Port Operations?“ (photo: Bob Stephenson)

22 This type of training is essential for Port Roundup: our members to defend themselves and progress into the future. Wellington Waterfront There will be follow-up seminars in the next few months. by John Whiting Many thanks to Chris McDonald Ted Thompson and Craig Harrison for running this course. We mark the passing of our deeply respected Life Member, Ted Crane pain: a ships crane at Centreport in Thompson with sadness but also with Wellington snapped and fell in July. No-one was injured but the consequences could have gratitude for his life of service. been far worse. Ted’s contribution to the lives of all (Photos courtesy of Todd Valster of the RMTU.) watersiders from the 1950’s through to the present day should never be forgotten. His energy, commitment, industrial and political acumen, and his acute sense of the achievable have left us a legacy that includes the container agreements – the base of today’s terms and conditions, the sound organiza- tional and financial structure of our Union, and the Waterfront Superan- nuation Fund. Vale, Ted. He continued his interest in our struggles and always volunteered his wise counsel right up to the most recent months. PPort companyort negotiations News These negotiations are into heavy weather with a 48 hour strike defi- nitely on as the Maritimes goes to print. The main problem is the sale of the Port Company’s stevedoring subsid- iary to new owners Independent Stevedoring of Mt. Maunganui in combination with Tasman Orient Line. We believe this is effectively selling our jobs. It is evident from Centreport’s late Crew change, Ocean Bounty style: the helicopter is a SuperPuma, carrying 16 in comfort. claims to change starting and notifica- (photo by Bob Thorpe) tion times, and smoko arrangements, that the new structure will involve further downgrading of work condi- tions. Our members are strongly opposed to any further worsening of the Collective Employment Agreement and we are determined to fight for a positive outcome. Delegate Training We recently held our first delegate training seminar. A group of young members from our Waterfront Branch and the local Graham Roberts (New Plymouth), Mike Williams (Wellington Seafarers) and Brian Callaghan Seafarers Branch attended and ben- (Nelson) at the Maritime Union Joint Council Meeting in June. Graham has recently resigned as efited from the course. New Plymouth Branch President. 23 Port Roundup: Port Roundup: Port Roundup: Lyttelton Timaru Nelson by Les Wells by Kevin Forde By Brian Callaghan

The Police Inquiry The Timaru branch Stevedoring Ser- into Christine had our AGM vices manager John Clarke’s death based recently. Moore recently on complaints The Branch moved north to received by Derek executive comprises Tauranga and the Powell was released recently. Kevin Forde (President) and Tony staff wish him well in his new It seems that some of his com- Townsend (Secretary), with the venture. plaints were upheld - so what - he was executive members Graham Wallace, The new manager Steve Bell is still the bastard behind the wheel. Greg Murphy, Wayne Hanson and from Tauranga and is currently As reported last edition Pacifica Peter O’Driscoll. commuting between two ports. has lost a ship, and there is more and The Maritime Safety Authority A busy fruit season has just fin- more pressure being put on the men to held their port security meeting on ished. make changes to the rosters. July 22 which myself and Trevor The hoki season is underway but it We continue to battle on with the Hanson attended, even though it is not expected to be as busy this year other three companies dealing with appeared they didn’t want us in- as quota have been reduced. the everyday pressures put on the volved. Log trade is continuing and is still workforce with reduced manning. I was proud to be made a life a major export from Nelson with five member of the Union at the last ships calling into the port in June. national meeting. Port security has been stepped up On June 12 the branch picketed the recently and various meetings held, cement ship Nan Chang Hai. however no representatives from the A local cement loading contract Maritime Union were in attendance. was given to Mainland Stevedoring and their out of town employees. Local union members will continue to defend local jobs and the local Porteconomy. News

Recently sighted in the port of Lyttelton by a keen eyed photographer.

‘Doom’ of Bluff unloading urea. (photo by ‘Harry’ Holland)

At the June National Council Meeting (from left) Joint National President Les Wells, Port Chalmers Branch President Dave Dick, Assistant General Secretary Terry Ryan and Mt Maunganui Tauranga Secretary Phil Spanswick.

Gilly Holland loading scrap onto the Flacon Tiger. (photo by ‘Harry’ Holland)

24 Superfund Port Roundup: Port Roundup: Waterfront Super Fund Director Local 21 Susan Leuchars addressed a good turn Bluff out of members on the present state of by Phil Mansor By Ray Fife the fund, and gave her view of the long term projection of the fund. The establishment It has been unevent- The meeting was very informative of Local 21, the ful in the deep south with many questions asked and Stores and Ware- lately as shipping answered in a positive manner. house branch of the has tapered off at We would like to again thank Maritime Union, has the moment. Susan for attending and hope these been a long time coming. The downturn is probably due to meetings will be on a more regular There had been conflict between the high NZ dollar and the SARS basis. the two unions (Stores and outbreak. Health and Safety Watersiders) around the start of Biosecurity containerization in the early 1970’s. Ray Fife, Harry Holland, Terry This led to the Stores Union Recently we had a spider incident Osborne and Paul Cross have been leaving the then Federation of Labour on the vessel MSC New Plymouth elected as Health and Safety delegates. (FOL) as we felt decisions had been while it was in port. A training workshop has yet to be stacked against us. A very observant casual stevedore organized for down south, but the However the problems between us found dead red back spiders on handbook issued by National Office and the watersiders were worked board. has been made use of already in through, and the two unions began All members walked off the ship recording incidents/accidents and day working together. and would not return until MAF to day safety issues. I first discussed the proposal of carried out a thorough search. It is good to see delegates take a forming an alliance between the Stores Subsequently live red back spiders positive attitude toward their added Union and the Watersiders with were found and the ship was fumi- responsibilities. former Watersiders Secretary Sam gated before the resumption of work. Jennings in the early 1980s. The National Executive policy of Bluff picket see page 18 The idea was to set up a similar “find it, report it” has paid off it system as used by the ILWU on the seems. West coast of the United States. Members are now more aware and After meetings with members at are being more observant when Pthat time, weort came into the Waterside working aboardNews vessels. office and the Watersiders General Secretary became our General Secre- tary as well. During the mid-eighties, transport and maritime workers came together in a federation after concerns about the formation of the CTU from the FOL and public sector unions. Over the late eighties and nineties, other events including the Industrial Relations Act and the Employment Contracts Act had a major impact on the way we functioned. The introduction of the Employ- ment Relations Act in August 2000 was the last major change. Apart from the collective bargain- ing and good faith requirements, there is not too much joy in it for Unions. I am of the firm opinion we need to follow the pattern of the ILWU in the USA and Canada. The formation of Local 21, repre- senting stores workers, is a step in this direction. Archie and Kevin of Bluff unloading fish from Pacinui The way forward is for Maritime (photo by ‘Harry’ Holland) Unions to become more global in the same way as big business.

25 Port Roundup: Port Company News South Island Organizer The lads at Port Chalmers Cargo The Port Chalmers branch still Services have been reasonably busy supports the creation of this position. Port Chalmers with logs, containers, fish and fertil- However in the South Island it is by Phil Adams izer. quite a fragmented situation. Their boss, Ross Gibb, recently This is due to the fact not all ports With the winter well moved to the port company to take up use their elected representatives for upon us in the the role of Assistant Terminal Manager negotiations and problems, and south, the busy at Port Otago. instead port company unionism is nature of our port The new manager for members at being practiced. continues to keep Port Chalmers Cargo Services is Ross It is the latter case that the branch members occupied, particularly in Burket, formerly from Lyttelton. now views the South Island the terminal. Our first job with him will be to organizers’s job as ineffective. Weekend work has become the address issues that were agreed to Elected representatives has been norm which although acceptable to with the previous manager. the strongest attribute of the union the employees is causing concern One of the major issues to be throughout the years. amongst those who continually turn discussed is the casual rate. The South Island organizers’s up. The port company have agreed to position would be justified if the A roster system is being looked at pay casuals overtime, which is be- system currently operating here was which hopefully may allow for more lieved to be unique around ports in practiced in each South Island port. predictable time off, and a more New Zealand and should be aimed at Here we have one person (Phil contented home life for members. by all ports. Adams) working for the port company Highest number of TEUS The port company have opened and involved in negotiations and for year to date what is seen to be an inland port. issues for all companies in the port. We have put the company on There is no problems with this The terminal has just turned over notice the Union hopes to represent structure, and as the National President 100,000 TEUS for the year. those who work there and bring them would say, the members come first. This is the highest number of under our collective agreement. containers the port has handled, Ted Thompson Mainland which puts us in a good position for It was with great regret that we the future, and augers well for the The Port Chalmers branch is still received news of the death of Ted employment of more young new very vigilant in regard to companies Thompson. entrants. like Mainland. Those who knew Ted found him New tug The branch will be supporting totally dedicated to the members he future pickets by the Bluff branch to served, and in his later years the Port There is a new tug in the Port, halt Mainland’s attempts at establish- Chalmers branch used Ted in various much needed for the berthing of the ing the company there. situations in which he never hesitated 4100 vessels. Notification is the problem at the to help. It apparently has a higher bollard moment, but members are prepared to Ted served as National Secretary pull than Lyttelton’s Blackadder tug, travel to help their comrades. during the good old days and could another much needed victory over our Both the Port Chalmers and Bluff see the struggles the union had in rivals further north. branches have written to the forestry recent times. company using Mainland in Bluff and He congratulated the Union in are yet to receive a reply. adapting to the current industrial climate that was totally foreign to him. Ted could see the Union was holding its own and in some cases clawing back what had been lost, and keeping the Union at the forefront of unionism in New Zealand. Our deepest sympathy to Ted’s family, he will be missed. Racing with Nautilus Franco Running a slashing second to qualify for the graduation final at Forbury recently, Nautilus Franco ran last in the final. Nautilus Franco continues our heartache of owing a racehorse, but rest assured she will be back in the new season to agonize us all. Former Waterfront National Secretary Bruce Malcolm, Dave Dick and Keith Currie at Port Otago. 26 Sheds missed out will see their turn come in the future. The branch now represents all who This can only be good for the work in the warehousing side of Port branch. Otago. It is also hoped to have a represen- Currently they are looking at tative from both warehousing and moving to a shift system which seafarers on the executive this year. although attractive may see the ability to earn a reasonable wage threatened. Amalgamation Members concerns were conveyed The amalgamation has been going to the company by David Dick and smoothly for the branch. myself, and hopefully a meeting to Seafarers are attending meetings Stu Neill of Port Chalmers asking the tough address the issues will be held. questions to Waterfront Super Fund manager and given the opportunity at meetings As a collective group is vitally Susan Leuchars. to raise matters, which they do. important at this time, we left the Amalgamation with the RMTU still meeting assured the men were totally the lads in the sheds who are convinced seems light years away and the branch behind the negotiators in our stance. the super scheme is the way to go. believes in getting one amalgamation Susan Leuchars, David Young and Holiday Unit out of the way before starting another. Geoff Plunkett recently addressed a The holiday unit continues to be Maritime Union Structure super fund meeting. fully utilized. This went a long way to addressing With the first full Maritime Union Its popularity extends to ports in concerns and all who attended are elections in October, those standing the North Island from where we have quietly confident of the future of the for positions should now be consider- received inquiries. scheme. ing their options. It is now fully booked for the rest Member Stu Neill met with Susan The new union needs dynamic of the year. Leuchars after the meeting to ask leaders to see it into the future with Enquiries to Ian Quarrell telephone additional questions. confidence. 03 472 7216 or Phil Adams 03 472 8052. The Union can make a difference Branch reports for “Maritimes” Local Elections by sticking to union principles and The opportunity to write a branch using the system instead of working Elections for the positions of report for the “Maritimes” should not outside the system. officials and Executive were recently be underestimated as it is well re- The Joint Council meeting held in held with the following results: ceived in the port and long may it June in Wellington included looking at President: Dave Dick continue. the structure and budget of the new Vice President: Clive Giles With 2003 being the first year of the union. Secretary: Phil Adams amalgamation the transition has been Members left knowing the Union is Executive: Noel Currie, Keith Currie, smooth, and the amalgamation is in a sound position both financially Ian Quarrell, Adam Law and Wayne something that should have happened and structurally. Welsh. years ago. Trustees: Keith Currie, Murray Gillon. Super Fund The young members in the branch It was indeed heartening to see 10 are interested in the Union’s affairs so The super fund seems to be coming people contest the five executive the future looks assured and I hope back after a disastrous year. positions and although incumbents this is happening in other ports Members continue to join, such as prevailed, the calibre of those who around the country.

Maritime Union of New Zealand Port Chalmers Dunedin Branch Stopwork Meeting, June 2003 27 Union Interport 2004 plans Clothing under way The Maritime Union of New Zealand The Maritime Union 50th Interport Entry fees is ordering Union clothing for Sports 2004 Tournament is to be held The Auckland local executive has members that will be available from from the 9-12 February next year at authorized an account to be used for the National Office. Gisborne. the Interport entry fees and fund- Thank you to those who wrote in All ports are cordially invited to raising activities. on the inquiry form that was in the compete and all entries should be sent Any cheques can therefore be made last issue of the Maritimes. to the Auckland branch Local 13 out to the Auckland branch. This helped us plan what orders office, PO Box 2645, Auckland. As per 3(d) of the MUNZ council we were going to make and we will Due to heavy interest some events of sport constitution, the Secretary for get back to you all personally in the may of necessity have a cut off im- the tournament will be the Local 13 next few weeks. posed at a future date. Secretary. At this initial stage only t-shirts, Entry fees set by the Council of All correspondence to PO Box polo shirts and ‘beanie’ hats will be Sport in Lyttelton were set at $150 and 2645, Auckland. available. must accompany any entry registra- Any disputes over eligibility will Once we have seen how this first tion. be determined by MUNZ Joint set goes we may extend our range of Sports competitions will be catered National Council. items. for in the following events: Golf, The clothes will be made in New Fishing, and Indoor Sports (which Accommodation Zealand by unionized companies. sees all contestants playing Indoor The Waikanae Beach holiday park Once they are ready we will let you Bowls, 8 Ball, Snooker, and Darts over at the beach end of Grey St. (phone 06 know by posting the information on the 4 days of competition.) 867 5634) has Ranch house cabins (24 our website www.munz.org.nz and Venues two bed cabins), tourist units (16 with there will be order forms in the next two bedrooms and TV) and Deluxe edition of the Maritimes due out in Golf - Poverty Golf Club Tourist flats with excellent modern November. Fishing - in the Ariel reef, South Rocks facilities. area This along with other motels in the Indoor Sports - to be confirmed (either area are all within walking distance to the RSA or Cosmopolitan Club). the venues. Contacts Memorabilia Gisborne Co-ordinator: We are desperate for old interport Dein Ferris (phone 025 649 9697) memorabilia, stories, photos, Golf: Arthur Peke (phone 09 274 5852) programmes etc. for the 50th annual Fishing: Terry Ryan (ph. 09 303 4652) event programme. Indoor Sports: Sam Pene (ph. 09 275 Older material in particular is 8260) required.

Clive Giles (left) and Dave Dick of Port Chalmers branch enjoy a glass of Port Otago wine at the launch of the new tugboat ‘Otago’. The $7 million vessel arrived in April. Spirit of Competition, Wellington Harbour, February 2003. 28 Health & Safety News

Website has the ested in health and safety – checked be dealt with out the site, contributed to the on-line • Consulting with OSH inspectors on answers for health forum, and emailed me with any news health and safety issues and safety reps or suggestions,” he said. • Promoting the interests of workers “I’d also like to get case studies to in a health and safety context gener- The website for workplace health put up in the campaign section, which ally and in particular those workers and safety representatives is live. describe problems and how the reps who have been harmed at work, http://www.worksafereps.org.nz found solutions – workers’ stories are including in relation to arrangements is lively and interactive, featuring a the best way of showing how the new for rehabilitation and return to work handy toolkit for health and safety law is working.” • Carrying out any functions con- reps, information on training Nick Henry says the best part of ferred on the representative by: programmes and the latest news from his job is getting feedback on the site. (a) a system of employee participation New Zealand and overseas. “I am looking forward to seeing (if an agreed system) Website editor Nick Henry says the the site taking on a life of its own (b) or the employer (with the agree- site aims to support workplace reps through the participation of reps and ment of the health and safety rep or and help anyone interested in looking other workers interested in health and the union representing the health and out for the heath and safety of their safety.” safety rep), including any functions workmates. referred to in a Code of Practice. There is a helpdesk with informa- The Role of the tion about accidents, hazards, ACC, Other Responsibilities the Occupational Health and Safety Health & Safety Rep Service, the law, and the role of The Act contains a set of functions Hazard Notices workplace representatives. for health and safety representatives Health and safety reps will be If you can’t find what you are listed below. trained to undertake the process looking for, the site allows visitors to The role of the rep should be leading up to and, if necessary serving post their own questions. included in your workplace's Worker a Hazard Notice on the employer. Visitors to the site can also add Participation system. Hazard notices can be issued by a their own health and safety experi- You need to make sure the func- trained health and safety rep using the ences in the “Sharing Solutions” open tions your worksite agrees to are form which can be downloaded from forum section. appropriate for your own workplace. the website. Here, reps can discuss problems That may mean agreeing with your affecting their workplace and offer employer to a different set of functions Advising Fellow Workers On Refusal one another solutions; share success than those set out in the Act. of Unsafe Work stories; discuss wider health and Being an elected Health and Safety The Act places a significant respon- safety issues; and talk about the issues Representative is a very important sibility on the health and safety rep in involved in being a workplace rep. role. advising fellow workers on refusal of It’s also possible to subscribe to a It carries with it significant powers, unsafe work. monthly health and safety newsletter, but also the responsibility of repre- If the health and safety rep advises and order resources such as t-shirts, senting fellow workers in relation to the worker that the work is likely to posters and pamphlets. health and safety issues. cause serious harm then that amounts There is information on the Coun- to reasonable grounds. cil of Trade Unions’ campaign What does the Act say about the “Unions talking Health and Safety” role of reps? which aims to train 10,000 workplace The role of the health and safety representatives by the middle of next rep includes: year. • Fostering positive health and safety Nick Henry says the website is management practices in the place of modeled on similar sites in other work countries, where they have success- • Identifying and bring to the fully supported the role of health and employer's attention hazards in the safety representatives. place of work, and discussing with the “It would be great if health and employer ways that the hazards may safety reps – and any worker inter-

29 Webwatch

The Maritime Union of New Zealand website has been up for a couple of months now and we have received lots of visits from members and interested ‘browsers’. You can check out our website at the following address:

www.munz.org.nz

It has information about the cabotage campaign and news about Union events, downloadable versions Seafarers at the national Maritime Union joint council meeting in June 2003, from left Brian of the Maritimes and the Union rules, Forde, John Jefferies and Alan Windsor. as well as links to other interesting sites. Some other good union sites can be found here:

CTU website www.union.org.nz

Health & Safety at work website www.worksafereps.org.nz

ILWU website www.ilwu.org

MUA website www.mua.org.au

ITF website www.itf.org.uk

Here are political websites of interest to workers:

Labour Party www.labour.org.nz No need for a plumber: MUA member Chris Alexander of Newcastle on board the Ocean Bounty. (photo by Bob Thorpe) Green Party www.greens.org.nz

Alliance Party www.alliance.org.nz

Progressive Party www.progressive.org.nz

Socialist Worker http://au.geocities.com/swo_nz/

The New Zealand Government also has a huge number of websites which can be found by going to:

www.govt.nz

Delegates at the Maritime Union of New Zealand Joint National Council, June 2003

30 Why is this? Regional Contacts Are we simply seen as groups of Letters self interested workers pushing our Whangarei own barrow? Mobile: 021 855 121 We have got to be able to show the Fax: 09 4351 453 Challenge for the Union Address: PO Box 397, Whangarei Government the direct benefits to the Email: [email protected] whole country of having a NZ ship- During a recent visit to see Margaret ping industry and unionized wharves. Auckland (Seafarers) Wilson (Minister of Labour) as part I am sure the new Union will be far Phone: 09 3032 562 Fax: 09 3790 766 of our cabotage campaign, seafarers Mobile: 021 326 261 more effective in tackling these and Address: PO Box 1840, Auckland were able to inform her we were now other issues. Email: [email protected] members of the Maritime Union of We will need to tap into every bit New Zealand. of talent the new Union has and where Auckland (Local 13) This simple statement spoke Phone: 09 3034 652 Fax: 09 3096 851 needed find new and innovative ways Mobile: 021 760 887 volumes in terms of empowering us in to fight. Address: PO Box 2645, Auckland our efforts to lobby her. Email: [email protected] The new Union is bigger with a Peter Harvey Mount Maunganui more diverse membership and occu- Tauranga Seafarer Phone: 07 5755 668 Fax: 07 5759 043 pies a strategic position within the Mobile: 025 782 308 Maritime industry. Address: PO Box 5121, Mt. Maunganui Politicians and anyone else need to Glimmer of hope Email: [email protected] take more notice of bigger stronger Gisborne unions and will find it harder to Retired wharfies deal mostly in Phone: 06 8676 438 ignore us. nostalgia so it is pleasing to see a Mobile: 025 6499 697 However the challenge of the new glimmer of hope in the amalgam- Address: 23 Bloomfield Rd, RD1, Gisborne Email: [email protected] union in preserving and hopefully ation of the Maritime interests. expanding our existing job base in a At this stage it is probably too New Plymouth fast changing world is immense. much to think that the real value of Phone: 06 7589 728 Fax: 06 7513 646 collective bargaining is alive and well Mobile: 0274 127 854 The attainment of these goals will Address: PO Box 659, New Plymouth depend to a large extent on the unity across the workers in the Maritime Email: [email protected] and commitment of the membership industries. to achieve them. In these enlightened times it seems Napier Phone/Fax: 06 8358 622 This comes down to a membership to be left to the so called professionals Mobile: 025 2174 289 who identify with the new union and and academics to do that. Address: PO Box 70, Napier comprehend what it’s about. Those retired members and others Email: [email protected] who knew Ted Thompson will recall Everybody has got to come on Wellington (Seafarers) board. his abilities not the least of which was Phone: 04 3859 288 Fax: 04 3848 766 The marriage of the two unions has his knack of making the hard deci- Mobile: 021 481 242 taken place but the courtship between sions without fear or favour. Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington Email: [email protected] Wharfies and Seafarers will continue One always knew when he ad- for some time. dressed the multitude and included Wellington (Waterfront) This process will occur naturally as the work “however” the tumult and Phone: 04 3859 288 Fax: 04 3848 766 the union develops and we face the the shouting died. Address: PO Box 2773, Wellington Email: [email protected] challenges that lie ahead together. A resolution to fill the bill was The structure of the new union will produced that others thought they Nelson also have an effect on this process. had engineered. Phone/Fax: 03 5446 886 Let there be no moaning at the lean Mobile: 025 844 148 It seems we are all living under the Address: PO Box 5016, Nelson same roof but are for the most part now that he’s put out to sea. separated off in different rooms. Lyttelton We must ensure that this type of Lloyd Jenkin Phone: 03 3288 306 Fax: 03 3288 798 Mobile: 0274 329 620 structure does not create inefficiencies Timaru Address: PO Box 29, Lyttelton or hinder us in pursuing our collective Email: [email protected] goals. There are now many well estab- The Maritimes welcomes letters from Timaru Phone/Fax: 03 6843 364 lished and resourced non union and members and former members, as well as other interested individuals Mobile: 021 2991 091 scab stevedores working on New Address: PO Box 813, Timaru Zealand wharves. and groups. Port Chalmers (Dunedin) The numbers of New Zealand Please mail to ‘The Maritimes’ Magazine, Maritime Union of New Phone: 03 4728 052 Fax: 03 4727 492 crewed ships continues to decline. Mobile: 027 437 7601 We have as previous unions been Zealand, PO Box 27004, Wellington, Address: PO Box 44, Port Chalmers unable (despite all our efforts) to New Zealand. Email: [email protected] counter these threats even with a Fax 03 4736 975 Email [email protected] Bluff Labour Government in power. Phone/Fax: 03 2128 189 Mobile: 0274 475 317 Address: PO Box 5, Bluff Email: [email protected] 31 Colin Wilson and Mike Clark, tw o of our oldest serving members aboard the Ocean Bounty (photo by Bob Thorpe)

Bluff workers picket Mainland, 19 July 2003

Wellington members get to grips with delegate training

airua, Glyn Davies and Smoko time: Joe T raining Antony Brown at Auckland Delegate T (photo by Bob Stephenson)

Maritime Union delegates at CTU w omens conference, from left (standing) H Rachael Goddard, (sitting) M eidi Mills, arina Johnson, Colleen Lewis, Sa Baker

Common purpose: Auckland Health and Safety delegates