THE MARITIME WORKERS’ JOURNAL AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

Fight for Life, Sign for Life NSCOP campaign escalates

The fight against automation without negotiation

WorkChoices: whatever the name never again. Why we’re fighting Abbott at the election contents 2 Logging On: A Message From National Secretary Paddy Crumlin 6 Fight for life: MUA’s First National Safety Conference 8 Automation: People Before Machines, Dignity Before Profits 14 Election: The Fight For The Future Is On 18 Conference: WA Branch Spotlights Global Solidarity 30 Women: You Don’t Get Me Tony

EDITOR IN CHIEF Paddy Crumlin NEWS, FEATURES & PICTORIAL Jonathan Tasini DESIGN Magnesium Media PRINTER Printcraft Maritime Workers’ Journal 365-375 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000 Contact: 9267 - 9134 Fax: 9261 - 3481 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mua.org.au MWJ reserves the right at all times to edit and/or reduce any articles or letters to be published. Publication No: 1235

For all story ideas, letters, obituaries please email [email protected] on the cover: NSCOP, MUA Automation Campaign and THE Federal elections

THIS PAGE (Left): Delegates To The First MUA National Safety Conference In Brisbane logging on logging on

Iron Lady-Rust in Peace a close friend and ally of Thatcher. It was face of an accelerated move around the world to logging Margaret Thatcher did incalculable damage a Thatcher-Reagan assault on responsible higher technology. It was pretty instructive. to millions of human beings in the UK and the economic and social modeling, allowing the Automation and mechanisation are features on world, leaving a path of community destruction gorging of wealth by banks, corporations and of our industry as it is for many other industries. almost unmatched by any political leader in individuals, which drained the collective wealth Up to this point, it has been engineered by By National Secretary modern industrial history. Together with Ronald of nations, culminating in the Global Financial agreement, particularly when there are large Paddy Crumlin Reagan, she reshaped the world economy Crisis. leaps in technological innovation, such as around the bankrupt policies deregulation and Banks are still being bailed out by sucking the containerization, together with intermodal Don’t just vote Labor. Get others to as privatisation, ideas that continue to fuel the ever economic blood out of the taxpayer, relegating refinement and machinery development. well! increasing gap between rich and poor. Her a generation of working men and women to That agreement has been predicated John Howard tried to kick our arse from one Paddy Crumlin ideology promoted the cavernous elitism of poverty and dismal opportunity for at least a on workplace transitioning, including, at end of Australia to another. His moral compass corporate power that continues to rationalise generation in Europe, the UK, North America one end, retraining, salary maintenance was harder to find than Madelaine McCann. young rank and file workers want to become was elected. We can always do more. Bill Shorten mass unemployment, failure of universal social and many more countries. State funding is and even redundancy, and at the other end, He took pride in ripping at the long traditions officials, and now those same officials—like asked me, on behalf of Minister for Families, support systems in health, aged care and basic being cut back, community support machinery skills development, creation of new jobs of balance and respect in industrial relations WA Deputy Branch Secretary Adrian Evans Housing, Community Services and Indigenous utilities like water gas and electricity. effectively decimated to pay for decades-long and the improvement of working conditions. and together with a savage crew of business in the seat of Hasluck—are prepared to take Affairs Jenny Macklin, to serve partly because She pursued an anti-labour, anti-union orgy of profit gouging and rampant greed. Consultation and structured agreement have leaders and neo-conservative intellectuals tried the next step to ensure his special type of he knew disability had touched Gail and me and agenda, and promoted the widescale erosion of Thatcher loved the murderer Pinochet and defined those outcomes. to do a Margaret Thatcher on the joint. honesty and commitment both supports the our family and partly because it was an area that the job security and economic independence salivated at his Chilean economic agenda, That was the story worldwide in the places Shipping was busted open like an out of community there in West Australia, and the the union also was very active in, particularly of workers and their communities. She modeling hers on more of the same. where best practice was the order of the day. date tomato, wharfies and seafarers were needs of workers and their families there and catastrophic injuries. replaced fundamental workplace protections She promoted religious, social, community, At the shitty end of practice, we find hunted down, sacked, cracked and not everywhere else in the country. It has been a long and demanding journey with casualisation, and a degrading of family industrial and political segregation and the introduction of new systems, with backed because they expect to be listened The difference in this election is we want to with perhaps the most intelligent , moral and and community life as workers moved to a discrimination in Northern Ireland and colluded predetermined outcomes instead of full to on the job by their employers, building make a difference for workers in every way courageous Australians I have had the great seven-day-a-week, 24-hours-a-day availability with state agencies to murder, imprison and consultation, a failure to clearly articulate the workers were criminalised , conspired against we possibly can. Get on board, comrades, honour to work with. largely independent of supportive penalty rate degrade her political opponents and advocates, business case for automation, including proving and casualised. Miners mugged, teachers because there’s only one way to do it. Many with severe disabilities exemplify the systems and predictable time away from the job. whether they campaigned for a republic and or any claimed productivity gains and a general tourniqueted, coppers creamed, metal workers finest attributes of the human condition in their Her philosophy of standard-eroding flexibility a peace process. Remember Pat Finucane, the failure to seek to want to mitigate the impact mangled and public servants pickled. A far better place with a Disability scheme unselfishness and through the great vision of their underpins a rise in industrial death and serious human rights lawyer, was murdered by UK state on the workers affected. A type of designed He pissed up against the wall of ten years of Throughout my working life, there are, and lives to reach out and create a better condition injury in every industry. agents. adverse industrial strategy—or even union- economic boom, gave away our gold when it have been, many satisfactions and rewards of caring and support for all Australians and Reagan’s and Thatcher’s type of bastardary She went to war with Argentina to win an busting . was at historic lows in price, and suckled on the for having the honour of representing the their family coping with severe disability in their has a name: free market, neo- liberalism. Get election, and defined the agenda that war was A number of systems and technology firms tit of big business one day, and George Bush’s needs and interests of working people. Those everyday lives. to know it if you don’t already, it may come to a good for business, an agenda later perfected are marketing their products on this type of the next. Workers threw them out because they satisfactions though haven’t come from a quiet Parents terrified about who would care for their town near if Tony Abbott and his gang of zealots into an art form by George Bush and Dick behaviour. Their pitch is: “Got a strong union were smellier then an alcoholics’ undies when or peaceful life though, considering the great disabled children after they themselves age and win office. Cheney. you don’t want? Give us a ring, have we got a it came to what was being done to workers on challenges confronting workers not only at die, individuals doomed to poverty and material As the infrastructure of nations was privatised The depth of the polarisation in that country, machine for you!.” This gang is in the worst- the job. Is this lot going to be any different? work , but in their private and family lives and neglect because they are injured in a car or at , the new industrial formations Thatcher blessed including Northern Ireland under her leadership practice column by popular agreement of the While it hasn’t been pretty watching communities. work under one state insurance scheme and not in finance and banking facilitated the wholesale is only being repaired inch by inch today. The world’s dockworkers. Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard work out their Our union also has never distinguished another, children caring for disabled parents and pillaging of the national infrastructure, from depth of her political legacy saw the greatest At the automation conference, the big Asian problems, the track record of this Government between the rights of maritime workers and the not being able to get to school or meet the needs roads and rail and supportive urban transport collapse in world wide wealth ever seen in shipping line OOCL made a presentation to the is extraordinary and not just the National greater needs of working people everywhere. ands aspirations that most kids and adolescents to power energy and telecommunications. As humanity’s history. dockers, which included delegates from the Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). That commitment takes us many places and take for granted, families Googling medical standards slipped, prices also spiraled, all in the It would have been more fitting, and less US, Canada, the UK and Europe and Asia. The Shipping reform, including training for to many situations. Talking to Chicka Dixon’s procedures and other support mechanisms service of profit for the newly-created private divisive, if her funeral was privatised and paid for company outlined the scope of its new mega- seafarers to ensure young Australians get the daughter Rhonda last week for a doco on for profoundly disabled wives, husbands, sons, management and their shareholders. The by the failed economic elites she championed terminal at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port. opportunities our existing members had, and the life of that great aboriginal and Australian daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers delivery of this neo liberal agenda was delivered the whole of her political life and in retirement. They have targeted next year or so to hammer the greatest raft of reforms ever seen to both leader and member of our union, I reflected on because care and support is not an available with an emotional and physical savagery that Sponsored by Lehman Brothers and Arthur out an agreement with their workers for their begin the repair job on coastal shipping while his great capacity to support other people in resource to them on a daily or continuous basis. starkly defined class divisions, leaving open Anderson. Music provided by Barclays. Coffin by 3-million-a-year TEU container terminal. Put building our involvement in the carriage of our peril and negligent disregard in a life that took The vision for a society and community that wounds that still cascade into crime, urban Standard and Pours. Reception at Fanny Mae’s OOCL in the best-practice first column. imports and exports. him from the wharfs in Sydney to the centre could address, once and for all, this great gap dysfunction and enormous human suffering and Freddy Mac’s place. Drinks provided by Then, there is Patrick. Patrick still won’t tell Australia isn’t Greece, Spain, the US or of Aboriginal activism and achievement in the and yawning injustice was light years away when and lost opportunity. Bigger prisons were built the Bank of Scotland. All transport fuelled by us which company employs our members. The the UK with spiralling unemployment, failing fight for recognition and justice and through Labor was elected in 2007. to mop up the human flotsam and jetsam, while Enron. Eulogy by AT&T, featuring Bernie Madoff company was never honest with their workers. businesses and a broken financial system that to the greater needs of indigenous people Now due to the hard work of those intricately smothering the real unemployment figures. That live from his cell. The specialist commentary They made a decision to automate while still because Labor got in and supported the around the world. involved in every aspect of the strategy, bi- trend continues. sponsored by Rupert Murdoch and led by negotiating the last agreement and never economy when it had too. Workchoices and Chicka could swing Bob Hawke or Gough partisan support has been achieved and The Thatcherite neo-liberal agenda, which Rebekah Brooks, Neill Wallis, Andy Coulson and uttered a word about their automation plans individual contracts punted out. The abuses Whitlam behind the specific needs to build perhaps one of the greatest initiatives any Labor effectively distanced the economy from Clive Goddman from News of the World. (how’s that for a good working relationship with of 457 visas legislated against. The Allseas reconciliation, recognise land rights, assuage Government, any Government at all in Australia’s individual national interest in favour of an elite Her disgraceful legacy is a reminder to all your employees?). Put them in the bad-practice loophole bringing workers in over the use of the mayhem from the lost and stolen children history, is underway. market economic and political domination, of her supplicants and sycophants still running second column. Australian crane drivers and other offshore and deaths and brutality in custody, while never On behalf of workers, both disabled and able created the environment that would trigger out her spin is that damage and degradation In the same week as the automation workers rolled out. losing sight of friends, comrades and family bodies, I have been blessed in the truest sense the Global Financial Crisis. Inevitably, the new done by politicians and political and economic conference, Patricks decided to speed up some So, what’s the case against them? Tony and the great rewards of being there to help of the word to have been a part of that great institutions of wealth, national infrastructure and leaders are held to a very long account. redundancies and, instead of telling the union Abbott’s charisma? Joe Hockey’s diet? Malcolm and support in the most humane of ways. What journey, together with all our members, officials their sycophantic financiers and banks spun or the workers directly, announced it by press Turnbull’s philanthropy? Eric Abetz’s feminine a bloke, and we have had plenty like him in our and wider community and industry support and further out of control in an orgy of speculative Automation is not automatic statement. side? Those blokes will eat you alive if they union. encouragement that kept the dream alive. An investment engineering, corruption, negligence The Automation Conference held by the Well, if they want a fight they came to the right could. That sought of legacy and identity enormous number of Australians now and into the and arrogant disregard, by both the standards International Transport Workers in Sydney in place. Plenty of dockers from around the world Politics is a tough business, and we have to encouraged me to take up the appointment future will find nurture and haven in this great step monitoring and the compliant and dominated April brought Dockworkers from around the are keen to see them rehabilitated from column back the side that backs us. That’s why great on the Disability Advisory Board when Labor forward. press of people like Rupert Murdoch, himself world to consider their rights and needs in the two to column one.

2 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 3 NSCOP NSCOP

4/04/13 11:45 AM

Bumper sticker.indd 1

with our campaign regardless of employer ships. A ridiculous argument considering it is Safety code nears opposition and already 1200 people have made well recognised that stevedoring is an example Australian submissions in support of NSCOP in the first of concurrent jurisdiction (one Commonwealth final battle days of going online. and one State/Territory). This reality has existed wharfies In a courageous fashion Georga Fitzgibbon, in stevedoring for many decades and it is not killed on the Thanks to the support and actions of MUA members, our ongoing campaign for a daughter of Greg Fitzgibbon who was tragically an obstacle to a Code of Practice or safe work National Stevedoring Code Of Practice has brought us to the doorstep of victory. killed on the Newcastle waterfront in September practices. waterfront: last year, has come out in support of the MUA’s Jurisdictional issues are being raised by 1990 - 2010 NSCOP campaign and has made a heart-felt vested interests to merely muddy the waters and UA members took action across the should come home alive and unhurt. The code have reached crisis levels. The carnage is plea via YouTube for MUA members and those delay or block the code. ■■ Barry Gifford, Darling Harbour, country in March campaigning for a represents basic values: life before profits, alarming and cannot be allowed to continue. Other in the broader community to sign on to the 3. Cranes Sydney, June 1990 Msafer waterfront, this time in the face collective support before individual gain.” Australian industries do not suffer anywhere near MUA’s NSCOP submission. Employers want to have one group of Australian ■■ Brian Greaves, White Bay, of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and the level of workplace fatalities as the waterfront. Members are urged to read our NSCOP workers with lesser standards of crane safety. September, 1991 Industry’s (ACCI) last-ditch efforts to bomb the A t what cost a life? Wharfies are 14 times more likely to be killed submission and sign on to get it across the line. The Crane Code of Practice must not be ■■ James Cairns, Trans Ocean code on behalf of the stevedoring employers. “The cost issues raised by employers are on the job than the average Australian worker,” We should get all our workmates, our friends, excluded from applying on board ships. The Terminals, Melbourne, March, 1991 NSCOP was again on the verge of being astounding and false. It seems those employers Warren Smith said. organisations we are involved in to sign on to Crane Code deals with many systems of work ■■ Rex Lowday, Geelong, August, 1992 released for public comment in mid-March, and business lobbyists campaigning against “Shockingly, the rate of death suffered by NSCOP and the right to come home alive. matters that are not addressed in Marine Order ■■ Roy Audet, Boyne Smelter Wharf, when Safe Work Australia (SWA) met and voted NSCOP fear having company safety systems workers in stevedoring is more than that of 32. All other provisions in the Crane Code will Gladstone, October, 1992 8-1 to put the code out to public comment. The placed under scrutiny,” Warren Smith said. permanent members of the Australian Defence Employers attack NSCOP continue to apply. There is no constitutional basis ■■ Bryan Paterson, East Swanson Dock, stevedoring employers lobbied hard against this What other conclusions can be drawn from Force, including those serving in Afghanistan.” The stevedoring employers and their supporters for excluding the Crane Code from applying September, 1997. decision and launched an assault on the MUA and their false cost argument? A Code of Practice “The time for debate is over and it is time to at Shipping Australia, Australian Logistics on board ships when in port, and it would ■■ Mick Carabott, East Swanson Dock, NSCOP in a factually incorrect and misleading does not confer new rights upon workers or the adopt a National Stevedoring Code of Practice and Council and the Australian Chamber of be inappropriate for the Crane Code to be Melbourne June 1998 article in the Australian Financial Review (20 union. It merely highlights and demonstrates a use it to prevent further deaths in the industry.” Commerce and Industry (ACCI) are advocating excluded. ■■ Bryan Paterson, Melbourne, March). The MUA was not offered an opportunity best practice method to conform with existing that the code be watered down in a range of 4. No code of practice – just guidance May 1999 to respond to the one-sided article in the AFR. laws. Fight for your life – sign areas. ACCI want the code watered down to guidance ■■ Billy Dixon, Tasmania, July 1999 This AFR article triggered the Office of “With the fatality rates on the waterfront for your life 1. The Hatchman and Cargo Space Lookout material, giving it less regulatory force. This is ■■ Jeff Grey, Appleton Dock, Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) to demand a there is little wonder why some companies The MUA has launched a massive campaign Employers are seeking to weaken the provisions dishonest and a backflip by Qube, DP World and Melbourne, June 2003 Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) to take place don’t want their safety systems exposed to the aimed at getting the maximum number of people for the hatchman, which is a key safety position. Patrick if indeed ACCI are representing their ■■ Dean Robinson, Port Adelaide, on NSCOP. This means that NSCOP will effectively scrutiny a Code of Practice may bring. It’s a bit to sign on in support of our NSCOP submission The hatchman is the eyes and ears of a crane interests within SWA. June 2006 be costed. MUA Assistant National Secretary, rich for companies and business lobbyists to to SWA. That submission is available on the MUA driver. The fight for NSCOP and a safer waterfront ■■ Peter Ross, Appleton Dock, Warren Smith, said the circumstances of a belated complain it’s going to cost money to obey the website and there is an online page where the In doing this, they are asking for only limited continues. We get closer and the employers January 2007 push for a RIS were suspicious. law,” Warren said. submission can be endorsed. Other campaign sections of the relevant Marine Orders to apply fight harder. This means we have to keep ■■ Bob Cumberlidge, Westernport, “The MUA doesn’t fear costing of the code “Another dodgy employer argument is that materials are available through MUA branches. in the code. We reject this and say a Code of the pressure up. We need to get as many March 2007. but sees the RIS process as a ploy by employers to the MUA wants a hatchman and a cargo space The MUA is demanding that NSCOP be Practice must not have a lesser standard than submissions as we can around NSCOP and ■■ Brad Gray, Brisbane, February 2010 delay or prevent the implementation of NSCOP – lookout in every crane gang. The code doesn’t out to public comment immediately. The public existing regulation. we need to ensure that our safety regimes on ■■ Nick Fanos, Port Botany Sydney, no doubt with the federal election in September in say this. We have never claimed this, yet it is comment phase is where industry ‘stakeholders’ Employers also claim that we want an extra the job are up to scratch and no corners are March 2010 mind,” Warren Smith said. paraded as a cost to the industry.” can make arguments for and against any Code person in the form of a cargo space lookout on being cut. ■■ Steve Piper, Appleton Dock Paddy Crumlin, MUA National Secretary, of Practice. Signing on in support of NSCOP is every gang, which is a compete fabrication. Melbourne, July 2010 said, “The code is rooted in a very simple, idea: Unacceptable safety effectively sending a submission to SWA to say 2. Jurisdiction Fight for your life – Sign for your life ■■ Greg Fitzgibbon. Newcastle. it should be in the interest of everyone in the standards that you support the Code of Practice and want Employers are calling to exclude the code from Go to www.mua.org.au and sign the September 2012 industry that every person who goes to work “The rates of death and injury in stevedoring the code approved. The MUA is proceeding on applying to stevedoring activities on board submission today.

4 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 5 safety safety

Fight For Life: MUA’s First National Safety (Above) Christo Beck; (Below) Safe, Respected and Organised: The theme of the conference Conference

The National Safety Conference, held in Brisbane in December 2012, has kicked off an industry-wide campaign to organize for safety. Assistant Secretary Warren Smith sketches out the union’s safety agenda

he first-ever national safety the process is now back on track. A new draft to be major health and safety risk. Delegates conference was attended by over of the code is expected later this month. resolved to increase our focus on this issue in T 130 delegates and HSRs from all But delegates also expressed grave 2013, including campaigning for better fatigue states and all corners of the industry, including concerns about shortcomings in the management plans and strategies to reduce seafarers, offshore oil and gas, stevedoring, offshore safety regime, administered by the risk of harm due to fatigue. towage, ferry lines and other port workers. NOPSEMA. This was recently illustrated in Delegates came away from the conference Attendees were excited about opportunities the aftermath of the tragic fatalities on the with action plans to build our organization and under the new ‘harmonized’ work health and Stena Clyde in Bass Strait this year. If the capacity, including an interest in examining safety laws, which are now in effect in most marine jurisdiction, which covers blue water whether the safety conference should states. The new laws give health and safety seafarers, is harmonized next year in line become a regular event on the MUA activist representatives some major clout to organize with the new onshore laws, that will leave and leadership calendar. on the job for better safety. the offshore regime isolated and outside The conference has already generated Participants welcomed breakthroughs in the mainstream of safety in this country. a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement the campaign for a national stevedoring code Licensing was also identified as a particular back on the job. Since the conference many of practice. The code was put in jeopardy concern. Delegates noted that the national delegates have already taken positive steps recently after major stevedoring companies licensing regulations do not apply in the to establish safety structures, get health and and Shipping Australia attempted to block the offshore, which is potentially a recipe for safety representatives elected and trained, code just one day after Greg Fitzgibbon was disaster. apply new tools and resources, and tackle tragically killed doing his job in the hold of a The issue of fatigue was identified as a safety issues at work. ship in Newcastle. But thanks to massive protest major issue. It was recognized that fatigue We look forward to a big year in 2013 putting action by MUA members around the country, is endemic in our industry and is thought these plans into place.

6 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 7 automation automation

Port Botany: The center of the automation storm Tricky Patrick’s Plays Same Old Legal Game but the MUA will fight on

When Patrick’s announced its decision to automate, the MUA launched a campaign against Patrick’s that encompassed not just media, industrial and international campaigns but also a legal campaign. The union took Patrick’s to the Federal Court as well as to Fair Work Australia to argue that it breached the enterprise bargaining agreement. Patrick’s legal strategy has been to try to hide behind a complex corporate structure to get out of the Federal Court proceedings. “It’s the same old bag of tricks – they are making the same arguments they used in 1998 about corporate structure and it shows a lack of corporate transparency and a lack of respect for workers and their families,” Paddy Crumlin said. As a result of Patrick’s legal obfuscation, the MUA has withdrawn Federal Court proceedings for the time being to concentrate on the proceedings underway in the Fair Work Commission. “We’re not backing down. They can automation. DP World is also building new a better work/life balance through reduced throw all the legal fictions at us that Automation Through automated ports in Rotterdam and London, hours and better rostering. they want. The fact remains that they and Crumlin will be meeting with DP World’s If companies want to change the equipment breached good faith bargaining and Negotiation, Not Company international management to put forward the used and jobs and skills needed to operate we aren’t ruling out a new action in views of the MUA, unions in the Netherlands container terminals, existing workers must the Federal Court,” Paddy Crumlin Directives and the UK, and the ITF on automation. The be trained up to do these jobs. The workforce said. ITF has also been active in organising for and the union need to be fully informed and It was only days after the new Before going any further, let’s get something straight: the stevedoring industry is making solidarity messages to be sent from unions participate in any re-organisation of working EBA was approved by the Fair Work money. The industry is not losing money. Automation is being used by profitable companies to around the world to the MUA supporting practices. And the bottom line is: we want Commission that Patrick’s owner, make even more money. Full stop. our struggle to preserve jobs and improve a share of the new wealth generated by Asciano, announced the automation conditions at Patrick and DP World through automation, and that has to be reflected in the proposal despite Patrick’s stating to the automation process. This has strengthened jobs and rosters. the MUA during the negotiations that arry Bridges, the legendary Patrick, says, “We know automation is coming. (ITF) Dockers Section that he chairs. There our domestic position considerably. Before going any further, let’s get automation was not in the cards. Australian-born American But, we are not going to let companies use are many other unions around the world The MUA understands that we only win something straight: the stevedoring industry Asciano’s CEO, John Mullen, has H union leader of the International automation to deunionise. We are going to use facing the same struggle, often with different this battle by fighting on many fronts: at the is making money. The industry is not losing revealed on national television Longshore and Warehouse Union, once said, every tool in our arsenal to fight to make sure national operations of the same Global workplace with a smart industrial strategy, money. Automation is being used by profitable that Asciano knew a decision to “Why should we take it upon ourselves to pick we, the workers, determine what terms and Network Terminals that control most of the in the court rooms, on the political front and companies to make even more money automate was coming during the EBA up the pieces after industry discards people conditions are put in place to make sure that, world’s ports. The more coordinated the with a modern communications effort. The because of the greed among executives. Full negotiations. for machines? Isn’t it about time unions got in in a post-automation world, MUA members international union position is, the stronger MUA has significant leverage. It starts with the stop. Throughout the Fair Work there before the fact to insist that there must can lead a life of dignity, respect and a secure we will all be. To this end, an MUA resolution power in the workplace, and the organisation The evidence? The Australian Competition Commission proceedings, which are be some obligation to people in all this?” living.” putting forward an international union position of members who make up the backbone of and Consumer Commission, reported still on foot, the MUA has put forward That notion is exactly the driving philosophy The struggle to ensure the best possible on automation was passed at the Asia-Pacific the union. in October 2012 that from 1998 to 2012 strong arguments to demonstrate that behind the MUA’s fight over automation, a outcome for MUA members has been Dockers Section meeting in January, and will If companies want to reduce the labour the stevedoring industry’s real costs have Patrick’s lacked the requisite good fight taking place everyday from the wharfs to coordinated internationally by our National go forward to the whole ITF Dockers Section. they use by automating some work processes, decreased 45 percent. The ACCC also says faith intentions during the bargaining the courtrooms and across the globe. Secretary, Paddy Crumlin. He has ensured Crumlin has been to meet with the national workers going through this difficult process that the profitability of Australian stevedores period. As Mick Doleman, the MUA’s Deputy that the issue is at the top of the agenda for the leadership of the ILA on the east coast of the have a right to insist on better working remains significantly above the average for Secretary who is leading the negotiations with International Transport Workers Federation USA and the ILWU on the west coast to discuss conditions too. The MUA will campaign for the ASX top 200 companies.

8 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 9 automation automation

“Without the union fight, we would have lost our jobs and livelihood,” says MUA LEADS THE Paul Williams, a union delegate who has been a crane driver for 23 years at FIGHT!

Patrick’s Brisbane terminal. The MUA is leading the fight to shape automation, in Australia and around the world. A resolution proposed by the MUA was adopted at the January 2013 Asia- Pacific dockers as a template for maritime workers’ organising and policy work. In part, it reads: Resolving, that while it will be difficult to slow the growth of technology in the stevedoring sector, companies should only undertake automation on the basis of open, frank and meaningful negotiations with representative unions. “Automation with negotiation” must include a full understanding of the impact of the planned automation and measures to mitigate against job losses, including but not limited to: 1. The development of a workplace agreement that reflects the maximum possible employment opportunities for the workforce affected by the technology. That includes any contractors or third party employees the principle stevedoring company may employ. 2. Training and skills enhancement for the existing workforce so they are able to operate all aspects of the new technology once they are retrained. 3. A reduction of full-time hours of work per week. 4. Full consultation with the union on the number of workers and gang sizes realistically required to operate the new machinery and all associated stevedore functions. And labour productivity has doubled over Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. and a union delegate, sees people ready to not allowed to create a race to the bottom in International Vice President of the ILWU 5. No contracting out of maintenance the same period. Just at Port Botany alone, The reason we fight Patrick every step fight. “I was talking to a guy last week and he stevedoring,” he said. and the 2nd Vice Chair of the ITF’s Dockers services for new machinery. Trained labour productivity has reached an all-time away of the way is clear when looking at the was in tears because he doesn’t want to lose At the end of April 2013, the MUA will host section. “Our goal is to protect permanent workers can perform all maintenance. high. experience of the MUA in Brisbane, where his job,” says Lang. “They’ve been working at in Sydney a global conference on automation, employment for all registered dockworkers 6. Day-to-day oversight of automated Something else hasn’t gone down: CEO Patrick has a fully-automated port. “Without the job for long periods of time, their skill set bringing together the best activists, organisers throughout the world, whether it’s in stevedore machinery, and particularly salaries. Based on the evaluation of the the union fight, we would have lost our jobs is a certain kind. They don’t want to go into and policy leaders. “We have invited the traditional cargo-handling terminals or fully roles which require some manual business press, like many CEOs in the world and livelihood,” says Paul Williams, a union that fly-in, fly-out mining job or have to move International Dockworkers Council and the automated container terminals.” intervention in the stevedore process, today, CEOs in stevedoring simply doesn’t delegate who has been a crane driver for 23 somewhere else because it’s disruptive to the International Labour Organisation to attend Added Sharon James, the ITF’s Dockers’ to be covered by experienced and give value for the money they are paid— years at Patrick’s Brisbane terminal. “We were family.” so we can build the widest build the widest section secretary: “Dockers’ unions are unionised stevedore workers, not money created by the hard work of MUA able to harness automation through the fight Lang says right now the company doesn’t possible alliance to ensure workers’ interests not afraid of the future – workers and their management. members. and the process created work in other areas care about the future of the DP workers. are represented,” said Paddy Crumlin. The communities have at least as big a stake as 7. Expanded union coverage of all So, the picture is clear: the companies are so the overall numbers are not that different.” “Someone asked the human resources conference will also have a panel that includes the employers in these changes. But, we workers associated with the container making huge profits, CEOs are becoming Right now, DP World has declared war on manager about retraining and he said “why employers, allowing a forum for the airing of are determined that automation will not be terminal. even richer, and MUA members are working the workers in Brisbane. The company wants would we do that?’”, says Lang. “That says to the debate over automation. used as a means to break or reduce the 8. The opportunity for retrained workers even harder. Yet, that’s not enough for the to slash in half the number of workers at the us the company is trying to trim the workforce But the focus is to build an alliance on every power of unions.” to find comparable work and conditions companies—they want more. And automation port, from 282 down to just 140. On top of to get an advantage over competitors but they continent to fight back against automation The great scientist Albert Einstein in other sections of the stevedoring is the way to try to mint even more money on that, it isn’t simply who will be left but what don’t care about us.” imposed for the sake of corporate greed. once said, “It is appallingly obvious our industry, or other industries, including the backs of hard-working MUA members. kind of jobs will be offered—the number of In a letter to MUA members working at “Waterfront employers have often said technology has exceeded our humanity.” assistance with relocation where The MUA is also locked in a determined casual workers won’t change, increasing the DP World, Warren Smith, MUA assistant that if they can’t beat us, then they’ll try to The MUA’s goal is to make sure that, necessary. set of battles with Patrick and DP World. When percentage of casual workers and triggering secretary who is leading the negotiations, shrink us down to a more manageable size. at least when it comes to stevedoring, 9. Appropriate separation packages for Patrick announced its automation plans, it did the slow but sure elimination of good-paying, made clear the union is mobilised to fight: They’re hoping that their new 21st Century humanity will have the final say on the workers displaced by the technology to so without consulting with the MUA, which, secure jobs. “We are prepared to do what we have to do to technologies on the docks will eliminate jobs future life of the people working on the assist them in finding other employment. in the union’s view, is a violation of the 2011 Mick Lang, a crane operator for 12 years ensure that greed and profiteering by DPW is and reduce union power,” says Ray Familathe docks of Australia.

10 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 11 AUTOMATION DP WORLD

AUTOMATION CAMPAIGN GATHERS STEAM The MUA is mobilising across the nation to challenge DP World’s automation plans at the Brisbane terminal. While automation is occurring internationally DP World in Brisbane has revealed plans that use automation for industrial purposes: to increase profits and reduce jobs and conditions at the expense of Brisbane DP World workers.

he DPW automation agenda was unveiled in front of the Union “DP World must be dreaming because there’s no way TCommittee, Branch and National we are going to cop this brazen and unjustified assault Mick Doleman, MUA deputy secretary Office at an automation meeting held in (far left), Ray Familathe, ILWU vice Brisbane 4-6 February 2013. The proposals on the workforce” Global Maritime president (second from left), and four US by the company could only be seen as a employer representatives listen, seated Warren Smith, MUA Assistant Secretary above posters of fallen MUA wharfies. slash and burn position, leaving delegates Workers Set staggered at the brazen approach of the company in attacking job coverage and resorted to extremes in job cuts. The Patrick continent. Due to the long-term global work of Automation conditions of work. DP World’s plan will smash Brisbane autostrad terminal has 80 rostered the MUA, the union has relations with Dockers’ the workforce numbers with no real evidence permanents, whereas DPW is proposing just unions around the world, which gives us a Agenda given to verify the proposed stark and vicious 25. The fact that we will drive the straddles at great capacity to roll out an international cuts. DP World is not missed by us. campaign to thwart the union busting methods Delegates from around the world meet in Sydney to build DP World is proposing that FSE jobs In terms of preserving jobs for as many of DPW in Brisbane. If that involves declaring worldwide campaign. would be cut from 97 to 25. The company people as possible, Hutchison has agreed Brisbane DP World a Port of Convenience, also say VSEs will go down from 149 to to a 30-hour week, which will create jobs in then, so be it. 80. Maintenance workers are also on the the face of automated equipment. DP World, If the company does not move, the MUA he energy crackled through the two- professional workers with valuable insight the ILWU, to sit down and work the issues chopping block with numbers slashed and by increasing the percentage of casualised will be calling for solidarity and action against day conference on global automation and experience to share, who see automation through,” he said. “They knew it was going to T/As eradicated. At the same time, casuals workers, has a different message: it does not DPW in all of their operations internationally, Tin Sydney on 29-30 April as 160 as an opportunity for new skills and training. be a difficult process...but notwithstanding that will go from 12% of the workforce to 25% of care about preserving full-time employment. as well as targeting the Citi Group, which representatives from 11 maritime unions in Their place is at the table where the suitability they were keen to get an understanding with the workforce. Previously agreed functions The MUA has put forth a concrete proposal provides the capital behind DPW in Australia. 10 countries set an ambitious and pro-active of new technologies is examined. There must labour about how that technology was going relating to automation have been transferred to have a trial so the union and members The key to victory is for branches and agenda on automation throughout the world be no automation without negotiation. Unions to be implemented.” Patrick, on the other to management. The company is demanding can see for our own eyes whether the wild members to assist in campaign activity in your which is anchored on a clear principle: are committed to dialogue with employers, hand, has engaged in a lack of transparency these cuts on the basis of dodgy company claims of the company around automation area. There is good reason to be angry but maritime workers accept automation as a fact which is open and fair. However, the others, that “looks like, smells like, tastes like union- labour modeling. are justified. That demand comes from solid action must be directed at the company in a of life and are open to transparent negotiations the employers who try to use automation as busting,” Crumlin said. “DP World must be dreaming because international experience, which shows that constructive way that will add to the chances of over implementing automation, but will a means to try and destroy unions, impose Among the other speakers at the there’s no way we are going to cop this brazen DPW’s automation position is deeply flawed. positive change. strongly oppose union-busting dressed up as excessive job cuts and remove conditions conference were Ray Familathe, vice and unjustified assault on the workforce,” says The campaign has gathered steam as This means we must work together and technological change. of work should know that we will take action president mainland of the (ILWU) and Warren Smith, MUA assistant secretary who national officials and the Queensland branch develop the greatest degree of unity and “We are united in the view that automation against them.” Sharon James, Secretary of the ITF’s dockers is the national officer leading the negotiations have been meeting on a regular basis solidarity with each other around these issues will not be imposed, it will come through That automation and negotiation can work section. “Waterfront employers have often with DP World. “I am confident that with the with members. “The members are really and in our campaign. We need to support negotiation,” said Paddy Crumlin, MUA’s together was made abundantly clear by the said that if they can’t beat us, then they’ll try power and solidarity of our members, we can coming together and solid on taking on the local committee which is fighting hard on National Secretary and the president of presence at the conference of US employers to shrink us down to a more manageable beat the excesses of DPW and that must be our DP World,” says Trevor Munday, the branch’s behalf of the members. the International Transport Workers. “We Long Beach Container Terminal (OOCL) and size,” Familathe said. “They’re hoping that aim. We demand that our jobs not be slashed deputy secretary. We need to build maximum unity and are building the widest possible alliance to Ports America Group. The employers have their new 21st Century technologies on the where the roles still exist, that our jobs are not Already the MUA has been involved in really focus all our energies on this important ensure workers’ interests are represented, collective bargaining contracts with the US docks will eliminate jobs and reduce union outsourced and hived off to management and discussions with the International Transport struggle. DPW has adopted objectionable and employers would be well advised to International Longshore and Warehouse Union power. Our goal is to protect permanent other workers, and that our conditions are not Workers Federation Docker’s section, which methods in the implementation of automation. understand that a global network is solidifying (ILWU). employment for all registered dockworkers diminished through DPW greed.” has facilitated contacts with a range of unions The MUA will not sit idly by and allow this and strengthening its resolve to respond Crumlin compared the posture of the US throughout the world, whether it’s in traditional Automation is not new to the MUA. The union and workers in automated terminals around global network terminal behemoth to destroy decisively to unilaterally imposed automation.” employers to the behavior of Patrick. “[OOCL] cargo-handling terminals or fully automated and members face automation by all terminal the world. DPW is a Global Network Terminal conditions, reduce our scope of coverage and He continued: “Dockers are skilled, openly invited the North American unions, container terminals.” stevedoring operators. DP World has so far operator and operates in just about every transfer viable jobs to management.

12 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 13 election election Our campaign for secure jobs and (Left) NT Branch members get behind Labor’s Nova Peris, who your rights at has pledged that she will always back fairness at work and will continue to address indigenous work disadvantage as a Senator. One thing’s for sure (Right) Labor Senator Anne Urquhart throws about our union – we’re her support behind the MUA’s campaign for a not backwards in coming National Stevedoring forward and we will Code of Practice. always campaign for what we believe in.

The upcoming election campaign is A t the April National to oppose the exploitation of workers opportunity for us to campaign to ensure Council, the following holding 457 visas and any attempt by that working people get the best results and resolution was adopted bosses to use these visas to drive down that’s why we are seeking commitments from unanimously: wages or conditions at work; political parties to stand up for rights at work. • We make no apology for standing up to The MUA supports the existence of a class employers who attempt to use the 457 Some of the key outcomes we are of temporary work visas (457 visas) that visa system to increase profits, exploit pushing for include: are used consistently with their intended workers, to de-unionise the workforce ■ ensur ing proper regulations are in purpose: to fill temporary gaps in the national or to avoid training Australian workers; place to prevent exploitation of guest workforce so that projects that add value to • The MUA has members from almost workers and ensure local employment the Australian economy are not thwarted every cultural origin and we are standards and conditions aren’t undercut because of a shortage of appropriately actively at the forefront of campaigns Paddy Crumlin speaking about the election and the importance of shipping ■ br inging offshore oil and gas back skilled labour. to fight racism in our community and to Australian Workers Union conference. under the Navigation Act to make sure However, the MUA believes that: internationally; that companies can’t circumvent safety • Temporary work visas must not be • The MUA will continue to encourage standards and fail to employ people used to displace existing workers who workers holding 457 visas to join the properly trained in safety are capable and willing to perform the union so that their rights and conditions ■ reforming the 457 visa program and role; at work are protected. We will continue Enterprise Migration Schemes to make • Adequate labour market testing to advocate that 457 visa holders gain e have achieved some great scheme undermine rights at work and the ability of sure that there are no people in the must take place to ensure that local permanent residency and citizenship. outcomes for workers as a ■ Incr eased the superannuation guar- unions to represent their members. market who can fill the jobs or interstate workers do have an The MUA is an internationalist union Wunion movement through this antee from 9% to 12%, which will help At our 2012 National Council, it was unan- ■ achie ving a commitment that the new opportunity to apply for and be trained recognising the fact that the struggles of Federal Labor Government: Australians retire with better security imously agreed that the MUA would strongly National Stevedoring Code of Practice for available jobs, including women working class people across the globe are ■ Ne w laws to secure the future of Austra- of income support Federal Labor’s re-election. will protect the safety of wharfies so that and ATSI peoples who are under- linked. Our long association with the ITF lian shipping and jobs that rely on ship- ■ Announced a $1 billion plan to protect We have nailed our colours to the mast, we don’t see any more lives lost represented in the workforce; and our vast array of international activity ping and encouraging more coastal Australian jobs in manufacturing so to speak, because we know that we can ■ mor e effective procurement • Australian governments and employers is a testament to this. We are proud of our cargo to be carried on Australian ships ■ Intr oduced new laws to protect rely on Labor to support our jobs, support requirements to ensure local content in must ensure that adequate funding, role in supporting seafarers and all maritime ■ T he government has announced, after outworkers in the textiles and clothing security of employment and they understand projects and to help underpin labour training and education is provided workers the world over in their struggles for a campaign from the MUA, that it would industry the pressures and needs of working class and safety standards to meet current and projected skills wage and social justice. Our solidarity with close the loophole allowing offshore oil ■ Acted quickly to help support jobs Australians. ■ ne w arrangements to ensure adequate needs such as the Maritime Workforce the South African people against apartheid and gas companies to employ guest through the Global Financial Crisis The MUA will be campaigning side by training for seafarers and to see these Development Forum; is legendary as is our support for just causes workers without a visa and has kept unemployment low side with the ACTU and other comrades in skills represented on the full range • Temporary work visas must not be of people from all walks of life and cultural ■ Commitment to legislate penalty rates ■ A National Disability Insurance other unions to work towards the re-election of vessels so that safety at sea is not used as a mechanism by employers backgrounds. ■ Safe rates for Australian truckies Scheme which is on par with Medi- of Labor and the defeat of Tony Abbott. Mem- compromised to drive down wages and conditions We must never let the racism and ■ $2.1 billion in support of equal pay for care as one of Australia’s most signifi- bers will be receiving correspondence and ■ ensur ing that shipping reform is a key at work. All workers should be able xenophobia of the Murdoch press taint our workers in the social and community cant social reforms email updates from the National Office about part of manufacturing policy given that to join and be represented by unions view on the 457-visa issue and recognise that services sectors ■ Intr oduction of the National Dental getting involved in the campaign. shipping remains a critical component and receive the same wages as other internationalism is the backbone of our union ■ Har monised occupational health and Health Scheme We must win this fight – the last thing we in manufacturing unionised workers in the same or and that our struggle is against abuses of safety laws so companies are bound by ■ Increased hospital funding by 50% want is to wake up on September 15 and see ■ changes in laws to encourage similar jobs. this system and the exploitation of members strong standards irrespective of where The list goes on. But the key point is – we Tony Abbott and his lot getting in and destroy- superannuation funds to invest in debt National Council resolved that: of the Australian working class by maritime they operate know when it comes to the crunch, Labor ing everything this union and its members financing of priority infrastructure like • The MUA will continue to campaign industry employers and employers generally. ■ The abolition of WorkChoices legislates for workers whereas the Coalition have worked for in terms of rights at work and ports ■ Austr alia’s first ever paid parental leave backs its mates in big business and tries to making Australia a more equitable society.

14 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 15 ELECTION ELECTION

poison and keep to tightly-worded scripts to try to hoodwink the Australian people into believing he has changed. Abbott is known to be a big policy back- Abbott’s flipper. You name it: climate change, asylum Presenter: John Hewson is being used in seekers, paid maternity leave, company tax– Words of advertising campaigns by the Labor Party, you’ll find several different Abbott positions on Wisdom describing you as innumerate. Does that all of them, sometimes expressed at the same annoy you? time. Straight from the mouth of the man who is Abbott: Look, I think it was colourful But, one belief he has always held is that putting himself up for the job as Australia’s language by John. I had three years trade unions are the enemy of the Liberal Party, Prime Minister working for John back in the 1980s and they which has always stuck up for its mates in big were good years – sorry the 1990s… business. Nothing about that is going to change. On unions, WorkChoices and Tony Abbott, 15 August 2010 As Dave Oliver, Secretary of the ACTU, rights at work reminded everyone when the election was The next Coalition government…will have “Compulsory paid maternity leave? Over called, Abbott has said unfair dismissal laws are to revisit the workplace reforms that gave it this government’s dead body, frankly.” a “monkey” on the back of small businesses. so much political grief but that are central Tony Abbott, July 2002 Let’s not forget that he called workers who to a productive economy…WorkChoices were fighting to protect their entitlements wasn’t all bad. On honesty “economic traitors”. And, of course, who could Tony Abbott, Battlelines, 2009 “Sometimes, in the heat of discussion, forget him attacking the dying asbestos victim you go a little bit further than you would Bernie Banton as being “not pure of heart” Abbott: We need to make sure that these if it was an absolutely calm, considered, when Banton was sticking up for the cause of companies are able to operate as smart as prepared, scripted remark, which is one of asbestos sufferers. they possibly can, and that means trying the reasons why the statements that need to Liberal Governments sack workers – we not to have the union albatross around their be taken absolutely as gospel truth is those have seen it in Queensland, we’ve seen it it neck. carefully scripted remarks.” in New South Wales. This is what they do and Leigh Sales: No, that means moving your Tony Abbott, 15 May 2010 what they believe in – the principles of “labour business to where it can be done most flexibility” and “let the market rule itself” cheaply, which is China in many cases “One man’s lie is another man’s judgment call.” always triumph for the Tories. Abbott: Well, but, but, but, no, no Tony Abbott, 5 June 2007 Why Abbott would So if orchestrating scabs to help Patrick’s 27 February 2009 sack their unionised workforce didn’t work On the Liberal-National Coalition and if legislating through WorkChoices for “Should 99 good bosses have their ability “Trying to keep the ‘doctors’ wives’, spell disaster for employers to sack workers because they felt to employ people shackled lest one bad Howard battlers and Hanson ‘rednecks’ like it didn’t work, the Liberals are going to try a boss try to rip off his workers? It was, after more or less inside the same ‘broad workers and our union new, more creative strategy. all, the Scholastic, Domingo de Soto, who church’… is no easy task when in And they’ve already started. By claiming the said of workers, ‘If they free accepted this government, and is even harder when in HSU scandals are endemic, the Tories will go salary for their job, it must be just … If you opposition, but is essential if the Coalition is movement after the thing that makes workers powerful as do not want to serve for that salary, leave!’” to win elections.” a collective – their unions. They will take away Tony Abbott, 6 July 2007 Tony Abbott, Battlelines, 2009 rights of work not by explicitly deleting them from laws but by undermining the power of They came after us in 1998 on have the Gillard Government to thank for this. unions to represent workers, give effect to just the waterfront in an attempt But, they can be bloody awful as well laws and expose injustices. to break the strength of our – WorkChoices, championed by Abbott They will attack the right of unions to enter union and we fought back. They throughout his political career, is an example of workplaces to protect the interests and safety came after us with WorkChoices laws that instilled perpetual fear into the lives of of their members. Using the HSU scandal as and we fought back. It will be so many working Australians. a pretext, they will try to tie unions up with a matter of “same strategy, Just over five years ago, the Australian people royal commission investigations into unions Liberal frontbencher Abetz different tactics.” voted en masse to throw the Coalition out and bankrupt unions trying to represent their attacks MUA Politics matters. Our union has always had because of WorkChoices. But, not before jobs members. a proud history of engaging with political were lost, not before people had their penalty The Liberal’s anti-union friends in the One of Abbott’s henchmen, Liberal senator Eric Abetz, has a long history of anti-union rhetoric, issues – whether it be campaigning against rates ripped off, not before families suffered media will help Abbott’s campaign. We will accusing MUA members of being “thieves” and union officials of being “militant thugs” for the Vietnam or Iraq Wars, stopping shipments because their only breadwinner got dismissed move back to the bad old days under Howard wanting to improve members’ pay and conditions. to apartheid-ridden South Africa, fighting for without reason. when unions were demonised – rather than Federal Labor Employment Minister, Bill Shorten, attended the WA Branch of the MUA’s universal superannuation or hurling abuse at Tony Abbott became Leader of the accepted as legitimate collaborators in the conference recently and declared he was proud to be a unionist. Abetz’s reaction was to spit ‘Pig Iron’ Bob Menzies – this union has stood up Liberal-National Coalition largely by default. economy, respected as the voice of workers out a bunch of vituperative anti-union rubbish along the lines that a “Minister of the Crown” for the issues and values that it so passionately He wasn’t Malcolm Turnbull, who is loathed and acknowledged to be the great leveler to should not attend an MUA conference because the union was too “militant”. believes in. by his party for supporting Labor’s move counterbalance the great power of employers. Never mind the Coalition’s support for “militant capitalism” – Abbott you might recall was There is no doubt that our industrial to stop climate change by pricing carbon. Comrades, it is critical that our attention is Minister for Industrial Relations under the Howard Government that introduced WorkChoices. campaigns are critical to our bargaining ability. The party’s experiment with Brendan Nelson focused on this battle. We have come a long Abetz has a long history of opposing better protections for workers – he argued against Let’s not mince words – if the Coalition But, parliaments make laws. They can be great failed spectacularly. Abbott was one of the way since 1998 and it is not our intention to let harmonised occupational health and safety laws, against minimum wages cases, and against Government wins the election in September laws – like the recent shipping reforms that few left standing. “He’s the Steven Bradbury of industrial relations take a giant step backwards. key protections in the Fair Work Act. this year, it will find any way that it can to try, passed parliament last year after over a decade Australian politics.” Vote to stop a union-hating Government getting You’ve got to wonder – with such an anti-union industrial relations spokesperson what the once again, to destroy the collective power of of lobbying by the MUA. These laws will help His political minders told him to shut up into Canberra and vote to protect your rights Coalition has in store for unions if they win the next election. workers embodied in the union movement. secure the future of Australian shipping and we about WorkChoices because it’s electoral at work.

16 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 17 wa bRANCH WA BRANCH

WA Conference Marks Growth, Activism and International Alliances

For an entire week at the end of March, Fremantle was the center of MUA activism, international bridge-building and strategy development for the future, as hundreds of delegates met at the branch’s conference, bolstered by a large contingent of international maritime leaders.

(Opposite) National Secretary Paddy Crumlin speaks to mass Perth jobs rally, as WA Branch Secretary Chris Cain, left, watches his back

(This page, from top right to bottom) Adrian Evans, WA deputy branch secretary and Labor candidate for Hasluck, presents signed solidarity pact to ILWU delegates; WA Branch secretary Chris Cain and ILWU official Scott Mason celebrate alliance; conference delegates observe minute of silence for killed wharfies

he WA Branch conference was for it. It’s about sticking strong with the union is our time. There’s unfinished business. We “I can’t be there in person, but as a She also highlighted the Government’s preceded by a day-long youth- when it’s under attack. You have to get behind got rid of the worst government this country proud Labor Leader, I’m certainly there investment in the future. “Plus we’ve Twomen-ATSI conference which the push to retain a labor government in this has ever seen, the Howard government which in spirit today,” the Prime Minister wrote. recently announced a $1 billion jobs began with a minute of silence to recognise country. This is the time to get organised to systematically stripped away your rights.” “I’m deeply proud of each of you – for package to help provide local content the comrades who have been killed on the get focused, to reach out, embrace and bring Shorten, addressing an attack leveled by the job you do as workers to make this a on major resources projects and with it, waterfront. back people into the fold.” a Liberal leader who questioned Shorten›s nation of opportunity; and for the job you employment for our kids and grandkids,” Assistant National Secretary Ian Bray, who “This branch has grown 470 percent over attendance at the conference, Shorten shot do as unionists to make this a nation of she wrote. observed that the WA branch was where the last ten years, 70 percent in the last year back without hesitation: “There is no place I’d fairness. The MUA has been a voice for he started as an MUA member and leader, alone,” said Chris Cain, WA Branch Secretary. rather be in Australia...I am a trade unionist, fairness and opportunity since 1872, and Global Alliances noted the strong growth of the branch and the “It’s giving the union back to the members. I am proud of it.” Shorten recounted the few unions have your amazing record of The conference also devoted a full day to rise in numbers for the union as a whole. The We stand up for union rights in this country. many advances the Government has pushed strength and solidarity in good times and in international developments and alliances, Branch has hit 5,000 members; nationally, the It’s about social justice.” through on behalf of maritime workers, and all bad. Because the two wings of the Labour which highlighted the importance of union has grown dramatically in ten years to National Secretary Paddy Crumlin fired up Australians. Movement – party and unions – have working globally and in solidarity with hit 16,000 members. “We’ve all but doubled the hundreds of delegates at the WA branch And Shorten thanked the MUA, and the worked hand in hand for a better Australia, other unions as a way of protecting MUA our membership because we are a militant conference on the opening day, leading into union movement as a whole for making we’ve achieved some remarkable things.” members’ rights. fighting union. The union will stand up and an impassioned defence of unionism by Australia a place where regular people The Prime Minister made special note of Branch Secretary Cain introduced Bob have a go,” said Bray. Bill Shorten, Minister of Employment and can make a decent living. “It’s the men and the Government’s role in shipping reforms. McEllrath, president of the US International He also made note of the coming federal Workplace Relations, Financial Services and women in trade unions, when they stand up, “Our world leading coastal shipping Longshore and Warehouse Union, who election. If the conservatives win, “There’s Superannuation. they lift the standards of all Australians,” he reforms are the most significant change told the story of a major fight against EGT no doubt about it there’s going to be a Royal Opening the morning in a speech leading said. to the industry since 1912. We’ve unified at the port of Longview. “Allegedly, we Commission into the union movement. They to the introduction of Minister Shorten, transport regulation. We’re making record took over the grain facility, we captured just need to throw enough shit at the union Crumlin made it clear what the challenge is. PM Hails Branch infrastructure funding commitments like the port security guy, we locked him up movement that workers want to distance Speaking of the federal election, Crumlin said: The conference also heard from Prime Minister the Gateway project,” she wrote. “And of in a room, these are all alleged things we themselves from it,” said Bray. “We have to “You got a bunch of cannibals that want to Julia Gillard who greeted the delegates via a course, we’ve consigned Work Choices to did,” he said to applause. “By the time we expect it will happen and we have to be ready take over and revert to the Howard years. This strong written message of solidarity. the dustbin of history where it belongs.” were done, they arrested over 250 people.

18 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 19 WA BRANCH WA BRANCH

Paddy Crumlin marches at jobs rally with Ray Familathe, vice Chris Cain revs up the rally president of the ILWU

But, they didn’t arrest them that day. [The Ncew Pa ts Signed will learn from each other how best to police] waited til the next day until [the During the conference, the MUA, the assure that our diversity is our virtue... workers] went to the grade schools and ILWU and Maritime Union of New The collaborative commitment will also be picked up their kids, and they’d throw Zealand (MUNZ) inked key ports alliance applied to training and safety. The maritime them down on the ground in front of their agreements to broaden campaigning industry is an inherently dangerous place kids, handcuff them.” across borders on behalf of maritime to work with far too many workers killed Throughout the fight against EGT, workers. globally each year.” the MUA showed strong solidarity, in Scott Mason, president of ILWU Local particular through the International 23, explained that the pact signed MUA Spearheads Mass MUA YOUTH MOVEMENT Transport Workers Federation. The ITF’s between the WA Branch and his Local Jobs Rally current president is Paddy Crumlin, our came after visits of solidarity between Towards the end of the conference week, he MUA Youth Movement is National Secretary. the two unions. “We talked about the Chris Cain, Adrian Evans and Branch gathering momentum across Bob Crow, the General Secretary of the similarities, about the waterfront,” he said. Assistant Secretary Will Tracey led T Australia. UK Rail Maritime and Transport Union, “We are off to a really good start. This delegates to a mass rally for jobs. Stepping All MUA members under the age of 35 are gave a rousing talk about the importance won’t just be a piece of paper. This is off from the Supreme Court Gardens in encouraged to become active within their of seeing the trade union work as a 24-7 going to be a work in progress and we ‘ve Perth, thousands of unionists streamed up branches by contacting their youth delegate or community operation. “We stand for very already started laying out our next steps, in the warm afternoon towards Hale House, official. simple things in life. We want everyone short term goals, medium goals and long- the official residence of Liberal Premier Committees have now been set up in every to have a job with decent pay. We want a term goals.” Colin Barnett, who is refurbishing the state with elected delegates and officials house to live in. We want our kids to have Willie Adams, ILWU International residence at a cost of $25 million without responsible for their state’s activities and events, good schooling’,” he said. “Capitalism Secretary-Treasurer and a member of using a single union construction worker, with national report back meetings occurring has failed mankind. They can’t find money Local 23, added: “It’s for the rank and according to Dave Noonan, the head of monthly. to end poverty. They can find money for file, by the rank and file. My local has that the construction division of the CFMEU. With a national framework now established, nuclear weapons to smash and destruct same passion so it was a natural fit for us The march and rally was organised by a the youth movement can continue to increase society when they should be spending to come together. Our friends are here.” coalition of unions: the CFMEU, AMWU, it’s presence within the MUA and the maritime money on constructing society, building The Solidarity agreement reads in CEPU and the MUA. industry. schools, and houses. The Murdoch press part:“The alliance between our two The central demand of the march and Current key campaigns include; attacks us because we dare stand up and organisations at this time represents the rally was building support for the Labor National Stevedoring Code of Practice, say ‘enough is enough’”. necessary commitment to international Opposition’s Skilled Jobs (Benefits of the Local Content/Youth Unemployment Wrapping up the international session, solidarity required for labour to be Boom) Bill, which seeks to make local Green jobs/Renewable energy future incoming ITF General Secretary Steve successful in this time of corporate content plans as part of major projects As the year progresses we will be working Cotton laid out the vision of change, which globalisation...Both branches are militant more transparent to the public. in conjunction with both the Women and ASTI the MUA has led. “You are the catalyst for and progressive and share an approach Paddy Crumlin marched side-by-side (Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander) committees change,” he said. “It’s your ITF, it’s your to rank and file campaigning that unites with Cain, Evans and Tracey, as well as on campaigns that affect our union and society ability to drive an international agenda.” us. As the world becomes smaller with Noonan; Michael O’Connor, CFMEU as a whole. After the international session, fewer and fewer industrial conglomerates national secretary; Tony Maher, CFMEU As our industry and Union continues to grow delegates occupied a nearby intersection controlling more and more of the worlds national president; Andrew Vickers, year on year it is creating more opportunity to highlight the fight for a national capital and resources, we must be CFMEU General Secretary; and Paul to get the younger generation active and this stevedoring code of practice. Flowing innovative in our strategies to protect and Bastian, AMWU National Secretary. needs to be driven by the broader membership into the intersection of Queen Victoria enhance the wages, hours and working “We have to take the values of the trade working alongside the Youth reps in each state. St. and Tydeman Road, hundreds of conditions of our members. union movement into this fight,” Crumlin If we can continue to pass on knowledge delegates, waving flags and carrying The WA Branch also formalised a said at the rally at Hale House. “We’re sick through to the younger generation, create mass mock coffins, occupied the area to give Solidarity pact with the Wellington Branch of the distortions and the dissembling. activism and offer quality training to members, voice to the demand for a national code of MUNZ We’re sick of the manipulating of the truth. this union will continue to defy the declining of safety. Adrian Evans, WA deputy branch The Pact reads in part: We want to enjoy the fruits of our labor.” union trend and lead the way in it’s revival. secretary, read out the names of wharfies “The make-up of our workforces and Earlier, Cain said, “Every Australian has MUA Here to Stay! (Top) Youth delegates from strategy meeting in Sydney killed on the job. our communities are very diverse. We a right to work in their own country.” Danny Cain - WA Branch Organiser (Bottom) – WA Branch youth delegates before action at Perth mall

20 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 21 COUNCIL council NATIONAL COUNCIL BOOSTS REGIONAL MARITIME FEDERATION

Labor Minister Anthony Albanese, centre, addresses National Council, as Paddy Crumlin, left, listens. Paddy Crumlin thanks PNG Maritime Union General Secretary Reg McAllister for his support for proposed regional maritime federation, as Former MUA National Secretary Pat Geraghty, right, listens.

he MUA National Conference of “Your union helped Papuan maritime membership of each division, while offering far Robert Coombs, industrial officer of In addition to the unity over the Parliament. members policy for a regional workers establish their union in 1972” said greater opportunities for building cooperation the Australian Maritime Officers Union regional federation, the National Council Indeed, the MUA hopes to see one of Tmaritime federation took a giant leap General secretary McAllistair “and have and effective organising and campaigning (AMOU) distributed a statement, which recommitted itself to a massive effort in the our own leaders join Parliament. Adrian forward at the April National Council meeting, continued to work with us to build our trade across the whole of the federation in an outlined the AMOU’s enthusiasm for a upcoming federal election. The Council Evans, Western Australia’s deputy branch as MUA officers joined with other national union rights, including the latest campaign industry dominated by enormous international national and regional dialogue between welcomed three ministers from Labor: secretary, was pre-selected for the seat and international maritime union leaders to and organising support toensure that the corporations in shipping stevedoring port the two unions to identify opportunities to Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure of Hasluck. “It’s a critical election for the endorse a common vision for a federation massive development of national resources services and the hydrocarbon industry. further the interests of both unions and their and Transport, Greg Combet, Minister for people of Hasluck and I am looking forward aimed at bringing more unity and power for in PNG translatesinto decent agreements in Any successful federation would be membership. He advised the Council that Climate Change, Industry and Innovation to taking up the fight for Labor with the full maritime workers. unionized workplaces” based on mutual respect and consensus AMOU is planning to meet again with the and Brendan O’Connor, Minister for support of the MUA. An Abbott government “We have the opportunity to come He went on to also praised the MUA acrossnational divisions and international ones MUA’s executive officers to advance the Immigration and Citizenship. The ministers will hurt everyday Aussies and hand our together, and work together under a support for the international shipping to work he said. understandings between the two unions combined policy and politics, outlining jobs to overseas workers on dodgy visas. federation, but still keep our individual register in Australia as an opportunity to “This resolution by National Council and and build support for a closer working the strong record of Labor, particularly This is an election we can’t afford to lose,” histories, political views and processes,” develop regional job opportunities including the Executive of the PNGMU begins a process relationship. (see box) on maritime issues, and how that record said Evans. said National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. “We for his members, which McAllister said of dialogue between our two unions and In addition, Gary Parsloe, the president wouldinfluence the election campaign. The National Council also heard an can build both a universal approach to trade would provide real support for workers and our memberships to ensure the Federation of the Maritime Union of New Zealand who The Council also delved into the update from the National Secretary on union solidarity in an international industry their communities in the Pacific region. meets all our needs and will include an attended the meeting, reported that his specific details of the election campaign, financial management guidelines, and while establishing a structure where one Crumlin outlined the potential areas active dialogue focused on finding the most executive board will take up the options spearheaded by a presentation by Mick reviewed andapproved rules for elections union division doesn’t overpower another.” of the regional federation’s work could acceptable structure to all the unions and their for the proposed Federation at its next Doleman, MUA Deputy Secretary, who has for branch positions in Western Australia The step forward in realizing a regional include government lobbying; the Australian membership” said the National Secretary at meeting inMay. He indicated strong support been designated as the union’s point person and the Northern Territories. In addition, maritime federation came about at the Shipping Register; industry policy; legal the Council. The National Executive of the MUA for a closer industrial relationship between and liaison with the election efforts led by the Council addressed the Migration National Council when Reg McAllister, the support and strategy, building training would have the responsibility to hold those the MUA and other unions in the region and the ACTU and ALP. ALP General Secretary Maritime Task Force, shipping and maritime general secretary of the Papua New Guinea capacity; campaigning and organising; discussions and report back to the National invited the MUA to attend and outline the George Wright, alongwith key ALP staffers, reform, a Maritime Workforce Development Maritime Union, informed the Council that his research, flag of convenience issues Council and membership on any proposal. union’s policy for a regional federation to outlined a seat-by-seat strategy designed Strategy, stevedoring automation, offshore union had endorsed theregional federation and Port of Convenience campaigns; Crumlin stressed that is about keeping that executive. (see box on pages 24-25) to exceed the current Labor numbers in EBA negotiations and offshore safety. at its last executive council meeting. “We andfinancial services such as pension funds existing identities that work and structures that are confident our members would back and credit unions. are acceptable to the membership of each this 100 percent,” he said. The PNGMU was The National Secretary outlined a union while mutually committing to supporting THE WORK TO BUILD A “The 2012 Quadrennial Conference of The union should investigate the Members resolves that the MUA will options and support for a Regional in attendance at the MUA’s Quadrennial potential for each division having their own each other in ways previously not open under REGIONAL MARITIME continue to work with regional maritime Maritime Federation and report Conference of members in 2012 when existing officers and rules , elected as they existing arrangements. FEDERATION WAS RATIFIED BY THE 2012 NATIONAL unions to build stronger alliances progress to the union’s members as the historic MUA policy was supported currently are and determining their policies “Just as with the ITF no other approach CONFERENCE: in shipping and stevedoring. soon as possible.” unanimously by the MUA delegates (see box) and structures based on the needs of the would be successful,” he concluded.

22 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 23 council council

24 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 25 ATSI skills

DELIVERING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY TO INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS Assistant National Secretary Ian Bray writes that the MUA should be proud of its long history of supporting our indigenous brothers and sisters. In recent years, we have played an exciting and major role in ensuring that the multinationals do more than pay lip service to closing the gap – that they provide real, long-term jobs to ATSI people.

boriginal and Torres Strait Island multinational companies and resource projects. There is a whole suite of projects that is (ATSI) peoples are only too familiar They deliver the opportunity for communities underway at the moment. For example, the A with the challenges faced by their to become empowered and engage in a way MUA has also successfully negotiated for communities in the struggle for recognition, that is of benefit to members of the community. training and employment of ATSI people on empowerment and equality. They should be as Importantly, they establish strong relationships dredging programs that support major resource they have fought with dogged determination between workers, unions and ATSI communities projects on Inpex. We are also on the verge of to right the wrongs, injustices and prejudices that are based on a deep respect and mutual a major training and employment initiative that Australian society has dished out to them for trust that comes from a partnership. will see opportunities for employment of ATSI over 200 years. Social compacts are not a charity – they are people in the maritime industry become far Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a mechanism for communities, workers and more accessible by delivering national marine been invaded, had their lands stolen, been unions to reach out and work constructively qualifications. This will also be supported by MUA Pushes Skills and murdered, tortured, raped, displaced, legislatively together in a genuine attempt to ensure that no mentors that will provide assistance and support and culturally discriminated against, and had one gets left behind. So far we have signed off to trainees. Training Upgrades their children stolen from them. They have also on social compacts with the North Queensland The MUA has successfully negotiated with generally been pushed to the perimeters of any Land Council, the Gurang Gurang people in Svitzer the donation of a tug (to be used as a From seafarers to dockers, the MUA wants members to have all the tools debate that is ever held regarding delivering Gladstone and we also have strong ties with training vessel) to Tribal Warrior. We have further needed to advance at work. equality, justice, empowerment and even the most the Kimberley Land Council. We are currently negotiated with Van Oord to engage and support basic of human rights – the right of recognition of working on several other social compacts being the project and they have donated $175, 000 their people. finalised throughout Queensland, WA and NT. to ensure that the project gets off the ground. he union continues to focus resources employment in an economic downturn – even what are known as Skills Sets (one or more Throughout this dark history you never It is early days yet in terms of measuring the METL will be responsible for the governance on improving occupational skills and outside our industry.” Units of Competency that represent the skills had to look too far to find the MUA or its success of social compacts however everyone of sponsorship moneys and will be a key Ttraining across all the occupations in The union is moving in this critical area in a for a license or a specialist function, but which predecessor unions standing shoulder to involved believes that they are a positive step in stakeholder in the initiative and we expect to which MUA members work. variety of forums. We are closely involved in don’t in total add to a full VET qualification). shoulder with our ATSI brothers and sisters the right direction and could be one of the most receive broad industry support for the project. The union objective is to ensure that, for every the work of the Transport and Logistics Industry The MUA is also revising all our logs of in support of their struggle for equality and successful initiatives the trade union movement We expect that all trainees that enter the occupation covered by the union’s Enterprise Skills Council (TLISC), a tripartite body that claims for bargaining so that job classifications recognition. We were doing so well before engages in to deliver real and beneficial training program will be sponsored by an Agreements, the job classification is linked is responsible for working with unions and are defined by reference to the qualification it became popular or fashionable to do so. outcomes to ATSI communities. employer to ensure that they are guaranteed to a vocational education and training (VET) employers to keep up to date the Units of and license that is required to perform the This support is something that every past, One of the key areas that the MUA has also a start once off the job training has been qualification e.g. Certificate Level III, and where Competency on which training providers job. For example, the current offshore EBA log present and future MUA member should been working on is the identifying training completed. For employers that would like to be appropriate a related occupational license design courses that lead to a VET qualification of claims will include those linkages, aimed know and be proud of. and employment programs for ATSI people. involved but have limited positions available they e.g. AMSA Certificate of Proficiency, or reach and issue of licenses by regulatory bodies. at preventing the employer from de-skilling Three years ago the MUA made a conscious We have taken a hard-line approach with will be able to sponsor trainees to complete the stacker license. In all new EBAs, the union will As a result, there will from mid 2013 be a our core IR classification by placing workers decision to step up our role in the fight to employers and resource projects and we training course and we can discuss employment be ensuring that job classifications are defined VET qualification for Chief Integrated rating who do not hold the VET Certificate Level support ATSI people and their communities. We reject any notion of training for training’s sake. placement through another company (venture by reference to the qualification and license a (Certificate Level IV), for Marine Cook III qualification and AMSA Certificate of committed to fight even harder to ensure that we Unless there is a job at the end of any partner) that has come on board called worker must hold to be able to work in that job (Certificate Level III in Marine Cookery), for Proficiency as IR in such jobs. actively shaped the debate that could provide an training conducted then we are simple not Indigenous Maritime & Mining Services (IMMS). classification. General Purpose Hand (GPH) (Certificate The MUA is working with the TLISC alternative culture that was inclusive of our ATSI interested in participating. It is quite clear This company will be working with major project “Our program helps maintain the integrity Level I and for Linesman (Certificate Level I). to establish a set of qualification for the brothers and sisters, a debate that focussed on that many employers do not understand employers to seek placement of ATSI personnel of the occupational or job classification, and Similarly, there is an associated occupational stevedoring industry. A Certificate II has real and practical initiatives that supported the the damage caused to communities when on projects and will work with other industry importantly it is a barrier to deskilling,” said license to accompany each of these VET already been developed and is being rolled rhetoric and delivered outcomes consistent with they promise the world to a community employers to fill any employment shortfalls that National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. “It provides qualifications. Our long term aim over 2013 out to members and a Certificate III is currently the aim of stamping out the wrongs and creating and then go and deliver a handful of occur from time to time. the foundation for bargaining of better wage to 2015 is to obtain VET qualifications and being updated and is expected to be ready genuine opportunities to deliver equality and gardening courses with no job or any real Comrades these initiatives will ensure that and conditions outcomes - the higher the skill associated AMSA licenses for Chief Marine for 2014. empowerment to ATSI people. employment prospects attached.The MUA is our ATSI brothers and sisters are treated equally level required for the job, as codified in a VET Cook, Marine Steward and Chief Marine The union is also working with AMSA on Over the last three years, the MUA has delivered striving to stamp out this mentality and examples when it comes to training and employment qualification and occupational license, the Steward and for Ratings working on dredging, reviewing seatime recognition to maximise on its commitment. We have become much more of delivering on this commitment are there for all prospects in our industry. They will also higher the work value of the occupation for towage, marine tourism and other related member opportunity to gain seatime on the engaged with ATSI communities through the Social to see. The Henderson supply base in Western remove any excuses maritime employers have which better pay can be demanded” areas. spectrum of vessel types in the Australian Compact initiatives rolled out by this union and Australia, which currently feeds the Gorgon about it all being too hard. Once this venture Crumlin added: “We, then, create career The union is also seeking to ensure that maritime industry. supported by the broader trade union movement. project, employs some 400 MUA members of gets off the ground there will be no excuses path opportunities for our members, extending specialist competencies such as required We are also working with the Registered These Social Compacts have set out the framework which 20 per cent are Aboriginal. That is 80 for employers not to engage and do their bit the union culture into higher level jobs into to worker required to undertake helicopter Training Organisations (RTOs) like AMC to for how we can better understand each other jobs on one site alone provided to ATSI people to provide opportunities for our aboriginal which our members might progress. It is good transfer (as in the BOSIET and TBOSIET explore issues such as better integration of and how we can work together to achieve real and would arguably be the most successful communities. This is an extremely exciting for the self esteem of our members and makes courses), or for licenses such as for confined on and off-the-job training and assessment of outcomes that deliver opportunities for workers employment initiative on resource projects in this program and one I have no doubt the MUA will them a more valuable participant in the labour space work, and crane operations are all competencies and flexibilities in delivery of and communities to extract social dividends from country ever. be very proud of. market and improves their ability to retain recognised either in VET qualifications or in training, though modularisation of delivery.

26 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 27 offshore offshore ‘FLOATING’ LNG FACILITIES A DISASTER FOR JOBS The LNG industry could be revolutionised – in a negative way – if Royal Dutch Shell gets its way.

here have been rumours for in the Browse basin. But by producing, months that the multinational liquefying, storing and transferring LNG at “If pipelines to carry T companies involved in the Browse sea before shipping directly to overseas LNG project could abandon their long-held markets, Shell’s proposal would not only the gas onshore aren’t plans to build the LNG processing facility have the potential to wipe out LNG-depen- built, we won’t be able near Broome. One of the companies, Shell, dent jobs, it could also potentially pose a has been developing a new technology, the serious environmental risk. to use them for future “Prelude FLNG project” that could remove “Woodside and its joint venture partners fuels and for carbon the need for a great number of workers don’t give a damn about the Australian needed in the LNG sector. economy and jobs – by locating the facility waste. FLNG is bad on Shell’s plan – if it can convince the other 200km offshore, they are cutting out local all fronts...and it’s bad joint venture partners – is to radically cut workers, cutting out local content and cut- costs by building a floating processing ting out local laws,” MUA Assistant National for Australian jobs.” facility offshore above the natural gas field Secretary Ian Bray said.

Here are seven reasons why we will fight Shell all the way on floating LNG:

1. OUR JOBS WILL GO 3. WEST AUSTRALIANS WILL 6. UNREGULATED FOREIGN Divers, dredging, pipe-laying, pipe- SUFFER LABOUR MIGHT BE USED trenching, construction workers, stevedores, FLNG will stop investment in state INSTEAD port workers, pilot boats, tugs, equipment infrastructure as it will remove the right of Chris Cain, Secretary of the MUA’s WA suppliers and other workers that are states to charge these companies royalties, Branch, has warned that under current laws, essential to the LNG supply chain will be a form of tax. These taxes not only have unregulated foreign labor could be used tossed on the scrap heap. helped pay for infrastructure in the past, on the offshore site because it would not be Also, floating LNG production centres will they also contribute to community situated in Australia’s migration zone. be classified as non-marine. Many of you wellbeing generally. would remember that Woodside is leading 7. PIPELINES TO AN an industry attack on seafaring positions on 4. GAS PRICES COULD RISE ONSHORE PLANT ARE FPSOs. This means that you don’t need to Going entirely offshore also allows the major VALUABLE FOR FUTURE man the facilities with crew that have high- multinational corporations involved to avoid PROJECTS level safety qualifications – for example, to the 15% gas reserve set by the previous LNG is a short-lived technology – new act in the event of an emergency cyclone. State Labor Government for domestic and technology will come in and change the way We are fighting to remain on FPSOs – not just industry usage. This could mean higher gas we exploit these natural gases. But pipelines, to protect jobs but also to protect the safety rates into the future. which would carry the natural gas back to of all crew onboard. an onshore site for processing, can carry not 5. WE COULD SEE just LNG but future fuels 2. THEY WILL STOP ENVIRONMENTAL like hydrogen, biofuels and even carbon-waste BUILDING BIGGER PORTS ARMAGEDDON into the future. By cutting out the pipelines, FLNG will stop much needed investment There are no guarantees that this is multinationals like Shell would pursuing the in ports and infrastructure in that they will environmentally safe and as politicians from short-term, environmentally inferior option. remove the need of port expansions. This not WA have noted, if there is a leak or explosion only means that we get a poor deal in terms the environment could suffer badly, as well of our infrastructure for future generations. as the individuals trying to man that vessel It also means less need for stevedores and without the necessary safety training. dock workers because the ships will go directly to worldwide markets from the FLNG.

“It’s no surprise BHP has decided to exit the Browse project – there is a potential disaster looming with this proposal.”

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

YOU DON’T GET ME TONY! By Mich-Elle Myers, National Officer

MUA women say ‘You don’t get me Tony’

“I wouldn’t vote for Tony Abbott because he is a conservative far right wing “There are so many bigot; he is a sexiest, homophobic, arrogant union bashing liberal who reasons why I will not vote for Tony Abbott in On women wants to embrace the “Howard years” again.” “But what if men are by philosophy or the upcoming election. temperament more adapted to exercise authority Ann Gray, a Seafarer Queensland Womens’ representative He has fundamentally or to issue command?” 29 August 1998 misogynistic views ony Abbott should never run a to have a family and a career, who want to stay But, here is the crucial point for us: we can have of women and often “I think it would be folly to expect that women country but he, and his wife, have a home with their kids or want to marry a woman. an open dialogue with the current Government. shows this in public will ever dominate or even approach equal T great future as a travelling comedy Women want real progress. Labor has We can sit down with the Prime Minister and her representation in large numbers of areas simply duo. Because trying to convince women that delivered that. Sure, Labor hasn’t been team and make a strong case. They hear us and and internationally. He because their aptitudes, abilities and interests are he gets us is one big joke--but with serious everything to everyone. But, what government understand us because many of them, from the has no respect for non different for physiological reasons.” consequences if we buy the phony sales pitch. can deliver everything that working people Prime Minister down to senior officials, come 1979 I remember when Tony and Margie Abbott need. I think they have done a pretty good job from the ranks of unions. traditional families rolled out a marketing campaign to try to deal of getting some very important bills passed Tony Abbott and his gang won’t even bother to and single mothers. “What the housewives of Australia need to with a huge problem he has: women don’t trust despite being a minority government. consider our issues. He would do all in his understand as they do the ironing is that if they him. When Margie Abbott said, “Tony gets We need to remember that Labor introduced I also think it’s important to add that I believe get it done commercially it’s going to go up in women” my reaction was, “he doesn’t get me or the first paid parental leave for Australia, which Abbott has no respect for Aboriginal or Torres power to remove or halt price.” any working woman I know.” is now extended to dad’s and partners. The Strait islander people. Again, that’s based on the the progress of gay and 8 February 2010 The whole staged publicity stunt should have Government has made important changes horrendous track record of the Coalition over lesbian rights. He wants been obvious to the media. On the Sunrise to strengthen anti-discrimination acts and many years—and that’s not something Abbott Homosexuality program Tony Abbott was sitting slouched, toughened workplace bullying laws. can paper over with a little bit of made up media to remove the rights of Liz Hayes: Homosexuality? How do you feel about with his body positioned behind hers. They Labour has put in place the right to request theatre. working Australians to that? tried to give us the illusion that she was sitting flexible working arrangements. All employees Labour’s commitment to women is in line Abbott: I’d probably, I feel a bit threatened … tall, that she has power in the family. Anyone with caring responsibilities, older workers and with the history of International Women’s Day. organise collectively. 5 March 2010 watching the program should have been workers experiencing domestic violence now When we celebrate that important day, we, of He doesn’t believe in offended, as I was, by this transparent attempt to have the right to request a change in work course, remember and cherish all our victories Climate change science Leigh Sales: What was “threatened” referring to? rewrite history. Margie Abbott has never liked arrangements. The Coalition did not support and the path we have travelled. But, we want to Abbott: Well there is no doubt that it challenges, the public spotlight and for them to force her that important right. look ahead and chart the path into the future for and he is not the person if you like, orthodox notions of the right order of to come out in defence of her husband was To be open, Labor didn’t go all the way on ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. I want representing this things… another example of how he views women—as if the flexible working arrangements. Without an In that mission, we have advocates in the current great country locally or 3 August 2010 we can simply be manipulated so easily. obligation on employers to treat the requests government who want to continue that tradition in The fact is Australian women and men are seriously, or the right for an employee to appeal the future. internationally as our smart. We are hard working and we care about an unreasonable refusal, the Fair Work Act’s We’re going to make sure Tony Abbott can’t elected leader.” our families. We know deep down that Tony right to request a change in work arrangements invent a new history, or stop progressive history Sue Virago NSW Women’s representative Abbott will be bad for this country. He does not provision remains not much more than the right from being written. care, based on his policies, for women that want to ask for something. You don’t get me Tony. Neither me, nor my vote.

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

Hands off Bob! (Left, above and below) A massive show of MUA support for Bob Carnegie. (Below) MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Hundreds of workers protested outside the Brisbane and Paul McAleer and CFMEU National Sydney offices of Lend Lease in support of a unionist who is Secretary Dave Noonan. facing 54 contempt of court charges.

ob Carnegie, a former Maritime Union of Australia official and B a long-time union activist, has become a symbol throughout the country for his fight against a bullying corporation. In February, he was successful in having 36 charges of contempt dismissed. The charges arose from his leadership of a community protest during a nine week strike by 600 trade unionists at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. But, he still faces 18 more charges and will learn his fate in April. If convicted, he could face a gaol sentence and over a million dollars in fines, as well as significant legal bills. The contempt of court charges relate to the alleged breach of an order in the Federal Magistrates Court last year, banning Carnegie from involvement in industrial action. Carnegie has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The legal case against Carnegie is a simple case of corporate bullying. The initial dispute with Abigroup, which is owned by “We will not rest until the threat to Bob is over. Lend Lease, was settled and, in fact, as part of the settlement, Abigroup agreed not to The rallies today across the nation in support of pursue legal action against a number of Bob show that he can rely on the support of his QHC workers. mates and community allies.” But, the company decided to hound Carnegie, cynically abusing legal MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin manouvres in an attempt to bankrupt him and send a chilling message to workers who stand up against corporate abuse every day. coming from the International Transport was the contempt Lend Lease and Abigroup What did Carnegie do during his support Workers and the International Trade Union have for values we hold dear in Australia – for the community protest? He spent every Confederation. the principles of democracy, free speech day at the protest, cooked a barbeque “While the majority of the charges and the right of association,” Mr Crumlin to make sure people were fed and just were withdrawn at the beginning of the said. provided a helping hand. He acted in good court hearing, Mr Carnegie still faces “We will not rest until the threat to Bob is trade union fashion, putting his passion, 18 charges brought by the company - over. The rallies today across the nation in energy and solidarity to work. charges to which he has pleaded not support of Bob show that he can rely on the On the day of Carnegie’s first appearance guilty and which should never have been support of his mates and community allies.” in court on February 11th, thousands of brought in the first place,” said Sharan Speaking at the rally in Sydney, MUA union members rallied on his behalf in Burrow, General Secretary of the ITUC. Sydney branch secretary Paul McAleer Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and other Reacting to the news that that Carnegie said union members were “sick to death” of cities at Land Lease’s offices in Sydney and had been cleared of 36 charges, National workers being fined or gaoled for standing Brisbane and the courthouse. Secretary Paddy Crumlin said that while up for their fellow workers and mates. “We will never let big corporations the news that some charges were being McAleer said protests will continue if Mr destroy people who are simply standing dropped was welcome, Carnegie still has Carnegie is found guilty of any charges. up for the rights of workers and fighting to a battle ahead of him and the MUA would “If Bob Carnegie is fined one cent or defend the principle of free speech,” said be standing rock-solid behind him. more we will continue this struggle,” said the Mick Carr, Queensland Branch Secretary. “Australians everywhere have rallied to Sydney Branch Secretary. “If he is gaoled we In addition, the support for Carnegie Bob’s side because they understand that will organise much more than a simple get- went global, with statements of support the only contempt involved in this case together in front of Lend Lease’s office.”

32 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 33 METL your super Q&A

The regulator for the superannuation industry the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) recently released performance data for all superannuation funds within Maritime Super its control. Not surprisingly Maritime Super featured Rockets Into Top Ten prominently demonstrating why it is so highly valued by its The Maritime Super has rocketed members. The MWJ presented some questions reflecting into the top ten list of “the best members’ questions to Maritime Super officials. performers” based on rankings published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. The rankings, hile Maritime Super continues What should members do if they are published in the Sydney Morning to perform strongly in relation unsure of what type of investment Herald, placed the Maritime Super in W to its peers, the ongoing overall options they should be utilising? eighth place. market volatilityis of concern to members. The Fund employs professional Finan- The chief executive of the Australian What is causing this volatility and how does cial Planners who are available to talk to Institute of Superannuation Trustees, Maritime Super react in these types of members about all aspects of their financial Fiona Reynolds, said the gap between markets? situation. Our planners over the course of the retail funds and non-profits was The global markets have been impacted a discussion can identify the risk profile of ‘’nothing to be sneezed at’’. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin meets Japanese Seaman’s Union and leaders of Japanese crewing companies to discuss METL by concerns relating to economic growth in an individual and ensure they are investing ‘’Over a 30 to 40-year working life the mature markets such as the United States in an investment option which is best suited of superannuation contributions, an and the risk of sovereign debt in Europe to them. outperformance of 1 or 2 per cent especially. However it has been pleasing to every year can make a very big METL TIR gives back see over the last 6-12 months more positive The Government is also introducing difference to an individual’s retirement returns as the international regulators have new legislation called MySuper. What outcome,’’ said Ms Reynolds, who to the industry provided some certainty on debt in Europe is the main impact this will have on represents the not-for-profit sector. and the US has rebounded strongly in terms members? The Maritime Super certainly isn’t of economic growth. The Australian market The aim of MySuper is to protect members anything to sneeze at, racking up a 6.9 lot has been said about METL Trainees time with him at the college. He would have where he is today…he also pays $10 a day has also continued to perform well and has that are considered ‘not engaged’ to ensure percent annualised return over nine and questions are often asked about been doing it tough with a wife and kids living from his PAB. been a strong component of our perfor- that they are being provided with a mini- years. Ahow we recruit them. We aim to be in a different state, spending 3 months away on We discussed this gesture and decided to mance over the past year or so. mum standard of Death & TPD insurance, a impartial and to pick the best people who will the training course and then 12 week swings, pass the money onto Hunterlink Discovery The Trustee of Maritime Super utilises the default investment option and set fees. This do themselves, their families, their union and but he was one of those people who was Services to help them provide early best investment advice and holds true to its process can work well for a new member their employer proud. No mean feat. focused, got stuck in and didn’t ever complain. intervention services for other young people investment philosophy and objectives. The but existing members will find that their ac- This story is about one young man, a At the end of 2011, when the offshore in the industry. Just as the MUA and METL had Fund believes in strategic allocation of its count balance and future contributions will humble, quiet achiever who has done just that. sector was booming, a number of employers helped this young man on his path (and what assets across a diverse group of assets. We be moved into the MySuper investment I spoke to him and while he said he didn’t want approached METL for trainees. We referred a solid start he has had), his donation will in will try and invest in quality assets across option if they don’t actively make their own to be named, METL wanted to share this tale people we knew would do a good job, this turn help others who are having difficulties different sectors (shares, property etc.), choice. with the union membership, and let everyone bloke included. He’s finished his time now, is navigating their way. He was really happy regions (local, developed markets, emerging know that such champions walk amongst us. still with the same employer and should have about the fact that his generosity would directly markets), investment styles (growth, value What are some of the other major Recently, National Secretary Paddy Crumlin his IR Certificate by the time you read this. help Hunterlink to carry on its vital work in the etc.) and different managers. challenges facing Maritime Super in passed on a letter to us from a former trainee. The letter he sent to Paddy was to express industry and contribute to the well-being of his The Fund invests for the long term but is the years to come? This TIR had been referred to METL in his thanks to the union and to METL for the fellow seafarers. abreast of current issues that impact upon The main challenge is to educate members the early days and has a name that is well opportunity he’d been given. Those thanks While he remains nameless, we know who the markets during the short term. We can on investment choice to ensure that they get regarded in the industry. I had the pleasure of extend to all the people contributing to METL he is and METL extends our gratitude. Mate, if move investments within our asset allocation the investment structure that is right for speaking with his father a number of times and and making it possible for these young guys you’re reading this, you’ve done us all proud. ranges if it’s appropriate to take advantage of them as an individual and not just default it’s clear why the name is well-regarded. and girls to get away. Enclosed with the letter a shorter term position. into the MySuper catch-all product. I know that the TIR we are talking about gave was a cheque for $5,000, putting something Simon Earle We have several different types of invest- As part of our commitment to members we it his best in training because I spent some back into the system that helped to get him CEO, METL ment options that members can choose from are undertaking a complete rebuild of the to suit their individualcinrcomstances. Maritime Super web site. The new site will contain retirement projection calculators as well as a lot more imagery and graphs to explain concepts in simpler terms.

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

A SEAFARER’S TALE: If you asked me 6 months ago if mediations between my employer for members in our industry. Over the I would be alive today, I probably and Hunterlink, I was also able to next few weeks I was able to let go would have said no. I am 45-year-old attend a 30-day rehab program and start to appreciate and trust recovering alcoholic, amphetamine organised by Hunterlink which was myself again, through reassurance HOW I ALMOST DIED and marijuana addict. I’ve spent the so helpful especially so I could get and support from Hunterlink. last twenty years living around the back to work. They had a unique way For six months Hunterlink ensured It’s a sad truth, but terrible things can befall any one of us. Or we can make one wrong turn world and working in the shipping of steering me in the right direction I had weekly appointments with and find ourselves in a world of trouble. industry. During that time I loved to and encouraging me to do the work them, which were via telephone and drink and I loved to gamble and it always supporting me along the way. face to face via Skype. I was in the wasn’t long before drugs became a To this day I still receive follow up North Indian Ocean and having face part of my life. calls enquiring on my wellbeing; no- to face counselling sessions with Life has been pretty good to me. I one has ever done that before! my counsellor via Skype. Although made lots of money in the industry I am now sober and enjoying life. It they are based in Newcastle, NSW but sadly enough, I threw most of still amazes me when I look back at my counsellor met me in port at that away on alcohol, my drug habit where I was and how far I have come South Fremantle because he was and gambling at the horse races. today. For the first time in nearly at a conference close by. Through The past few years have been hell. In twenty years I feel whole again. I mediations between my employer March 2012, I overdosed at a friend’s know there are people out there and Hunterlink, I was also able to party. It was the overdose that made just like me. People who are caught attend a 30 day rehab program me “wake up”. I thought, what I am up in drugs, alcohol and gambling. organised by Hunterlink which was doing here lying in this hospital bed? Addiction is not fulfilling. Take it from so helpful especially so I could get I am almost 46 years old and my life me, someone who has been there. back to work. They had a unique way is a disaster. Addiction is only an attempt to fill a of steering me in the right direction There aren’t any rehab options for void in your life. My advice to anyone and encouraging me to do the work Seafarers living around the world. out there, who is suffering from always supporting me along the way. A seafarer friend told me about addiction, is to give yourself a chance To this day I still receive follow up Hunterlink Recovery Services and to feel whole again. Go to rehab and calls enquiring on how they were helping workers get clean. Life can be pretty amazing my wellbeing; no-one has ever done on a national basis in the shipping if you only give it a chance. Many that before! industry so I decided to give it a try. thanks to Hunterlink for helping me I am now sober and enjoying life. From assessment I felt at ease with to see that. It still amazes me when I look back the staff at Hunterlink, who although John* at where I was and how far I have were professional were also able *Member’s name has been come today. For the first time in nearly to engage and understand exactly withheld at the request of the twenty years I feel whole again. I where I was at. This alone is difficult member. know there are people out there for members in our industry. Over Overdose that made me “wake just like me. People who are caught the next few weeks I was able to let up”. I thought, what I am doing here up in drugs, alcohol and gambling. go and start to appreciate and trust lying in this hospital bed? I am almost Addiction is not fulfilling. Take it from myself again, through reassurance 46 years old and my life is a disaster. me, someone who has been there. and support from Hunterlink. There aren’t any rehab options for Addiction is only an attempt to fill a For six months Hunterlink ensured Seafarers living around the world. void in your life. My advice to anyone I had weekly appointments with A seafarer friend told me about out there, who is suffering from L-R: Paul Karras, Hunterlink Recovery Services (left), Paddy Crumlin MUA National Secretary them, which were via telephone and Hunterlink Recovery Services and addiction, is to give yourself a chance (middle) and Climate Change Minister and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet. face to face via Skype. I was in the how they were helping workers to feel whole again. North Indian Ocean and having face on a national basis in the shipping Go to rehab and get clean. Life can UA member and seafarer, John*, – long hours, insufficient sleep, fatigue, and his job, Hunterlink contacted all the workers at to face counselling sessions with industry so I decided to give it a try. be pretty amazing if you only give it a movingly tells his story about missing out on time spent with family can all the site to work to support them through that my counsellor via Skype. Although From assessment I felt at ease with chance. Many thanks to Hunterlink for Mhis battle with drug and alcohol combine and lead to anxiety or depression. incredibly difficult time. they are based in Newcastle, NSW the staff at Hunterlink, who although helping me to see that. addiction and how Hunterlink helped him turn Depressing and suicide have devastating Just recently, the MUA together with Minister my counsellor met me in port at were professional were also able John* his life around. consequences – for workers, their families, Greg Combet launched Hunterlink’s National South Fremantle because he was to engage and understand exactly *Author’s name has been changed at Hunterlink was established with the their mates and their work colleagues. It’s a Helpline so that people can access the service at a conference close by. Through where I was at. This alone is difficult his request. support of the MUA to help workers address national tragedy that seafarer suicides are so 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere issues such as depression, addiction, suicidal high but there is support available. in Australia. thoughts, family problems, trauma recovery, Since 2011, Hunterlink has provided more Members are strongly encouraged to anger issues, financial stress and a wide range than 1500 counselling sessions to workers and contact Hunterlink from anywhere in Australia of issues that affect so many people. other members of the community. to discuss any concerns the might have or For help, call Hunterlink National Helpline The MUA has been heavily involved in People reach out for support to Hunterlink provide the details to friends or family that Hunterlink’s work to deliver better support to every day but Hunterlink also gets involved could benefit from Hunterlink’s support. 1800 554 654 workers and this came about as a result of the when there are tragedies at work – for The MUA is negotiating with employers to high number of suicides in our industry. example, one day after the death of our ensure that they work with Hunterlink so that which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The seafaring industry in particular has a comrade, Greg Fitzgibbon, a father-of-two workers can access the support they need, statistically high rate of mental health concerns wharfie in Newcastle who was killed doing when they need it.

36 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 37 TASMANIA NDIS

Tassie Rallies For Burn Victims AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR AUSTRALIANS WITH DISABILITY he members of the Tasmanian Branch of the Maritime Union of and their families: NDIS T Australia (MUA) held a collection for two young boys; Fletcher and Spencer, who BECOMES LAW on the 5th December 2012 were set alight, in a locked car by their father, in an attempt to snuff out his own life along with theirs. Fletcher, aged 8, received 17% burns to his body and little Spencer, 5, has 37% burns to his body. He will require facial plastic surgery in the future. Due to their tender ages, they will need to continue receiving treatment and grafting operations long into their adult lives. These two little boys have a very long road to recovery ahead of them, not only physically but emotional and mentally. This tragic event touched our members deeply and we wanted to make sure that the family has support around it at this difficult time. So in fine MUA tradition, our Jason Campbell, Tasmania Branch Secretary, presents check to Bill Lowry to help with care for his grandchildren, Feltcher and Spencer members came together because we saw a need and we knew we could do something to help, because really that is what we as Unions are about: family, community and support; here to assist with social change and development for the betterment of all. We understand there are many fundraising efforts going on over the north west coast. We are aware the family is very touched by the kindness of those in the Supporters rally in support of NDIS community. I thought it would be nice to put together a small piece about the efforts of the MUA and its members. The MUA, more he passage of the historic Nation- “Despite initial political bickering from • provides for early intervention ther- often than not, gets a rough time in the al Disability Insurance Scheme some quarters, this Bill passed the Federal apies and supports to help improve a media. Frustratingly, the good things we do Tthrough the Federal Parliament Parliament with unanimous support. person’s function or prevent worsening are never highlighted. recently was an emotional and euphoric “This is a testament to Julia Gillard’s and of a disability over time The Australian Maritime Union held a moment for Australians living with disabili- Jenny Macklin’s negotiation skills and their “Those State Liberal Premiers that have barbecue prior to Christmas at the TOLL ty, their families and carers. dedication to getting results – it’s not a walk tried to generate a debate about funding Shipping Yard on the Burnie Wharf. The From left: Tony Holland, George Bugeja and Mick O’Neill. Members of the Maritime Union National Secretary Paddy Crumlin sits in the park to charter historic reforms akin must come to the table and get on board– it’s purpose of the barbecue was to raise of Australia Social Club, Tony Holland and Mick O’Neill, presenting a cheque for $2000.00 on Minister Jenny Macklin’s Disabilities to Medicare and superannuation through a disappointing really. This landmark achieve- to George Bugeja, the Lions Tasmania Vice-District Governor and Chairman of the Fletcher money for Fletcher and Spencer, the two and Spencer Fund-Raising Committee. and Carer’s Council and the MUA is hung Parliament, where negativism rules ment for all Australians must be separated young boys who have suffered serious strongly committed to the replacement of the day for some politicians. from politically driven agendas other than burns resulting from the car explosion in Fletcher and Spencer Fund-Raising Committee an unfair “lottery” system with a Disabil- “Here we are – we have a new law that what is the best and most efficient manner Burnie in December. Maritime Union of Australia Barbecue ity Insurance Scheme that is national, mandates choice, freedom, dignity and of extending the important support mecha- The barbecue was organized by non-discriminatory and provides tailored appropriate support for people with disabil- nisms for many disabled Australians,” Paddy The Australian Maritime Union held Maritime Union members and truck drivers Matthew Smith and Mick O’Neill. The meat and appropriate support to people with a ity - the lives of hundreds of thousands of Crumlin said. a barbecue prior to Christmas at the purchased barbecue food and donated was donated by HW Greenham & Sons disability. Australians will be forever affected by these “State Governments also now need to com- TOLL Shipping Yard on the Burnie money. Pty Ltd. The cooks were Tony Holland and “For too long, people with disability, reforms. It’s an emotional day. mit to a National Injury Insurance Scheme Wharf. Crew members from the TOLL ship Gary Oliver. Maritime Union members and their family, and their carers have been The NDIS trials will start in certain (NIIS) – which the Productivity Commission The purpose of the barbecue was to Tasmanian Achiever also donated money. truck drivers purchased barbecue food and serviced by a sub-standard system that locations from July this year. The legislation said was a necessary complement to the raise money for Fletcher and Spencer, The total amount raised was $2000.00. donated money. was fragmented, inadequately funded and requires that the system: NDIS. The state lottery when catastrophic the two young boys who have suffered On Wednesday 9 January, the cheque Crew members from the TOLL ship even unfair,” Paddy Crumlin said. • provides Australians with significant injuries take place is unfair. serious burns resulting from the car was presented to George Bugeja, Lions Tasmanian Achiever also donated money. “Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister or profound disability access to long- “Without a NIIS, the NDIS is likely to be- explosion in Burnie in December. Tasmania Vice-District Governor and The total amount raised was $2000.00. Jenny Macklin, Minister Bill Shorten and term care and support, regardless of come overburdened and unworkable. State The barbecue was organized by Chairperson of the Fletcher and Spencer On Wednesday 9 January, the cheque Parliamentary Secretary for Disabili- how they acquired that disability Premiers can’t run and hide on this one – the Matthew Smith and Mick O’Neill. The Fund-Raising Committee. was presented to George Bugeja, Lions ties and Carers Jan McLucas deserve • support people to achieve their goals community hasn’t forgotten that the wheels meat was donated by HW Greenham For further information, please contact Tasmania Vice-District Governor and the highest praise for their unwavering in a way that is tailored to their needs of reform need to hit State Government laws & Sons Pty Ltd. The cooks were Tony the Chairperson, George Bugeja Chairperson of the Fletcher and Spencer commitment to ensuring these reforms • provides for choice, control and regarding motor vehicle and other serious Holland and Gary Oliver. (Mobile: 0407 877 460). Fund-Raising Committee. become a reality. dignity injuries.“

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

FIGHTING THE O’FARRELL GOVT TO KEEP SYDNEY ports SAFE

hen the appropriately named “Challenge” became lodged W on the rocks off Cronulla Point a few weeks ago, Australians got a somewhat amusing taste of what harbour rescues could be like if Sydney Ports had its way. With Sydney Ports seeming intent on having the salvage occur without already paid-for MUA-crewed tugs, the operation descended into slapstick comedy. There were reports of the incident controller stripping down to his budgies and diving in with a piece of rope, some duct tape and a knife between his teeth in a MacGyver-like act of heroism against the odds. Then, they brought in a tug with a 6-tonne bollard pull to try to shift the 100-tonne Challenge off the rocks. “It was the equivalent of using a kid’s scooter to pull a parked car down the road,” Sydney Branch Secretary Paul McAleer said. “Despite the fact that there were If only the Sydney Ports authority emergency vessels ready to help nearby, could call on MacGyver Sydney Ports failed to utilise the capacity available to them. The failure to replace the vessel would told the media. “There was also 6,000 litres of diesel and have left Sydney with no firefighting “We’ve said time and time again – the 400 litres of lube on board and the oil spill response capability at sea and there were O’Farrell Government must ensure that experts around the corner in Glebe weren’t already 26 cruise ships and a dozen tankers Sydney Ports maintains safety services and even called in. on the horizon. This was a clear departure direct that it uses resources appropriately. from good practice followed for more than The MUA believes Sydney Ports’ the not-so-hilarious 25 years by successive governments. attempts to cut services are a direct result side “Our comrades on the day in the MUA of privatization of Port Botany and Port “Only two weeks before the incident, and AMOU deserve our thanks for their Kembla by the O’Farrell Government Sydney Ports argued to Fair Work Australia principled stand over such a critical “The whole concept of selling off the that it didn’t need to replace slipped safety issue effecting all of Sydney. Their family silver for electoral gain and the long tugs with commercial vessels to ensure discipline and calmness through what was term loss of that income producing asset operational capacity was maintained. an explosive situation was terrific,” Paul still rankles us all though. “Well, if this is how Sydney Ports views a McAleer said. “Despite assurances from the successful operation, the MUA’s position has “The whole failed rescue would have Treasurer Mike Baird and other Liberal been thoroughly vindicated.” remained a mere comedy of errors if it Parliamentarians, Sydney Ports continue The MUA won that dispute with Sydney didn’t raise the serious question – why does on the path of rationalisation the expense Ports in Fair Work Australia but that was only Sydney Ports think it’s fine to reduce our of port sites. The MUA will fight this after MUA members refused to dock the emergency response capabilities on our relentlessly until emergency,” Paul Shirley Smith tug in protest. coast and in our waterways?” Paul McAleer McAleer said.

The trawler “Challenge” stranded www.mua.org.au 41 vic wharf ACTU

The Victoria wharf in earlier days

negotiations but “Working men declining to work under an inhuman award were MUA GALLIPOLI now outlaws.” The PPSA would be the last Branch of the Tireless VETERAN FINALLY WWF to return did to work. When they did go back they could not get a job, because they campaigner wins HONOURED became second preference to the thousands of scab’s that had taken their jobs. By 2nd top award Allan Whitaker survived the wounds he suffered on the beaches November 1,400 men had unsuccessfully at Gallipoli. But, 13 years later, he was shot and felled by the attended the pick up at Hogans Flat. When a A seafarer who spends his spare time mentoring young bullet of a police officer. It has taken 85 years to have a plaque trainload of scabs arrived at Port Melbourne workers in the shipping industry was last night named the placed in Victoria that will begin to tell his story.. station, they needed the police escort to get off the station safely when greeted by the ACTU’s union delegate of the year. wives and mothers of starving families. llan Whitaker survived the wounds length. “Melbourne watersiders, with the They were rushed from the station to start he suffered on the beaches at PPSA in the van had waged a long fight work on the vessels at Princes Pier. The anger Gallipoli. But, 13 years later, he against scandalous excesses of overtime of 1,400 men, whose families were in dire ohn “Madge” McGartland, a serves as a vice president of the ACTU. MUA member John “Madge” McGartland, ACTU A Delegate of the year. was shot and felled by the bullet of a police - the “double headers” or 24 hours shifts, straights boiled over and many rushed onto Wollongong-based seafarer and ACTU President Ged Kearney said officer. It has taken 85 years to have a plaque sometimes extending to 48 and even to 72 the pier. Police charged the men, waving Jmember of the Maritime Union of John McGartland epitomised the spirit of Top right – McGartland accepts his award from placed in Victoria that will begin to tell his hours. The record was an 86-hour shift.” The batons, steam hoses were turned on and Australia, won the Delegate of the Year award Australian unionism by tirelessly working ACTU President Ged Kearney story. PPSA had placed bans on extensions, to cut pistols were drawn. on a night when his union scooped the pool for the betterment of his colleagues. Mr Middle Right – MUA winners with Kearney and Allan and his brother Percy were shift lengths and the “eight hour shifts had After union officials had convinced the at the annual ACTU National Union Awards. McGartland began his seafaring career Assistant Secretaries Ian Bray and Warren Smith members of the Port Phillip Stevedores made a marked reduction on deaths and men to withdraw and they were beyond the The MUA won four awards, including both in Port Kembla, and now works in the Bottom Right – MUA’s Patrick Neliman collected Association (PPSA), a founding member of accidents and created a fairer distribution of Gatehouse, Chief Inspector Mossop ordered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander awards, offshore oil and gas industry. both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander the Waterside Workers Federation (WWF) work and wages” The Award cut overtime his men to open fire. Witnesses reported while the long-serving National Secretary “Madge’s work is particularly awards that had pioneered many of the best rates in “Melbourne, Geelong, Freemantle over 90 shots were fired so most police of the Communications, Electrical and dangerous and he has witnessed the working conditions in the Federation. Their and Geraldton – ports all opposed to the were shooting in the air, but at least one was Plumbing Union, Peter Tighe, was awarded loss of colleagues at work,” Ms Kearney headquarters were in Bay Street, Melbourne overlong shifts.” A 1,000 pounds penalty aiming to kill. Occupational Health and Safety Campaigner said. “He has fought tirelessly to improve seafarers in important skills” where they would do their labour pick-up. on unions for striking was passed. The Allan Whitaker was shot through the neck, of the year. the health and safety and other working The MUA took out four awards in total, The PPSA worked the international ships Beeby Award was to come into effect 10th with the bullet breaking his teeth as it came Other winners included the NSW Nurses conditions for his fellow workers. He including the best OH&S Campaign for that berthed at the Port Melbourne and September 1928. out through his jaw. Allan died on 26th January and Midwives’ Association for its Unions has proven to be there for members its work on a national stevedoring code of Williamston piers. On the night of September 11th Prime 1929 (Australia Day) from the wound. for Transfusions program for community assisting them with industrial issues and practice. At the 1923 Federal Election, Stanley Bruce Minister Bruce issued a proclamation under It is vitally important that we do not forget outreach, and the Swinburne University encouraging them to become active The Jennie George Award for was elected as the Prime Minister. He was the Crimes Act prosecuting watersiders our history. Our opponents would like us to branch of the National Tertiary Education delegates themselves. contributions to women’s advancement in closely associated with British shipping unless they immediately reported for work; think that Allan Whitaker never existed, but Union for the best workplace campaign. “He is well respected by his fellow unions was shared by Luba Grigorovitch interests. Bruce introduced a referendum in it also offered protection for strike breakers. his story tells us much of what has made our “This recognition for our activists and members and employers alike for his of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union in Victoria 1926 to impose harsh penalties on striking On the 18th September the COM of the country what it is. After 85 years a plaque delegates, in so many different arenas of knowledge of the seafaring industry. and Lorraine Usher of the Construction, unionists, which was defeated. He enlisted WWF resolved that watersiders should is to be placed at Princes Pier to recall his work inside the union, underscores the “Madge is also passionate about Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, while Chief Justice George Stephenson Beeby, who present themselves for work under the new story. leadership role the MUA plays throughout encouraging and mentoring younger Darius Altman of the New South Wales established a new draconian Award. Award. They tried unsuccessfully to bring A full version of this account appears on the the labour movement of Australia,” said MUA members and while onshore he runs free Nurses and Midwives’ Association was The Award removed any maximum shift the shipowners and government together for MUA website. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin, who also seafaring courses to help train young named Organiser of the Year.

42 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 43 ILWU ILWU

ITF Unions Show Support For ILWU In Grain Dispute ITF-affiliated unions around the world are showing support for their colleagues in the ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) in what could be a major labour showdown in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.

ultinational grain companies which are currently making record Mprofits have reportedly hired replacement non-union workers to take over work currently performed by ILWU members in case of a lockout in the Ports of Seattle, Taco- ma, and Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, ILWU thanks Crumlin Oregon. after workers approve Solidarity with their docker colleagues was historic Hawaii hotel shown this week, when ITF US West Coast labour contract co-ordinator Jeff Engels boarded the vessel The ILWU has personally thanked the Ramada Queen at United Grain in Vancouver, International Transport Workers’ Federation and found that the captain and crew were very (ITF) and President Paddy Crumlin after aware of the ILWU’s labour dispute, and that workers overwhelmingly approved the first they expressed solidarity with the ILWU on be- labor contract ever at the Pacific Beach Hotel, half of their own union, the Japanese Seamen’s ending 10 years of labor strife that wound up in Union (JSU). the courts. “The captain and seafarers had learned of the In a letter to ITF President Paddy Crumlin, ILWU’s struggle weeks ago, while they were ILWU President Robert McEllrath personally still docked in Asian ports. As union members thanked him and the ITF for the solidarity themselves, who are among 4.5 million work- provided during negotiations: ers united as affiliates of the ITF, they knew the “I want to thank you for your support. We players involved as well as the high stakes for would have not been successful without the workers” said Mr Engels. solidarity from the ITF.” JSU contracts include an ITF solidarity clause Local 142 of the ILWU announced approval that its members will honour other unions’ in current negotiations include Japanese the warning: our friends in the ILWU can be by more than 99 percent of workers, and a picket lines (see below). The JSU had informed powerhouses Mitsui and Marubeni, Nether- sure of worldwide support against that type of source in the union said only one worker the ship’s owner of this clause. lands-based Louis Dreyfus Commodities, and behaviour.” voted against it. Voting was completed at the “The crew reiterated that it stand one hundred United States-based Cargill and CHS. Acting ITF general secretary Steve Cotton beginning of the weekend and announced percent in solidarity with their brothers and The companies have hired JR Gettier andAsso- added: “ITF unions are on standby to help their Monday morning. sisters in the ILWU,” Jeff Engels said. ciates, a known strikebreaking firm, and union colleagues in the US. Whether it’s on ships or Workers ratified a four-year contract with The ILWU reports that global grain giants are longshoremen (dockers) have seen replace- in ports, workers are watching what happens immediate 5 percent raises for non-tipped attacking an 80-year-old collective bargaining ment workers milling about the facilities. next and planning accordingly.” employees and 13 percent total over the full agreement they have had with the union since “The global grain giants control the world’s Solidarity clause in ITF agree- term of the agreement, with smaller raises for 1934. Negotiations began in late August 2012 food supply, and they’re trying to use that ments: tipped employees. All employees won fully- and ended without a contract in mid-Decem- power to break unions, even as they are Article 3.2: “Where a vessel is in a port where paid medical care including dental, vision and ber, with the employer barely budging from its making record profits,” said Engels. “The an official trade dispute involving an ITF-affiliat- pharmaceuticals.They will also receive eight non-starter, concessionary proposals, which global network of solidarity among workers ed dock workers’ union is taking place, neither paid holidays instead of the previous three. Each time the management contractor Court but the justices refused to hear the are apparently designed to create an impasse. provides a counterweight to the power of these ship’s crew nor anyone else on board whether Employees first signed a unionisation changed, the hotel made employees reapply case. The members are now working under an corporations.” in permanent or temporary employment by petition in 2002. “For 10 plus years,” the union for their jobs. The Pacific Beach Hotel specializes in imposed contract. ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers’ the Company shall be instructed or induced to said, “the workers endured mass firings, In 2011, U.S. District Court for Hawaii for the Japanese trade and may have lost some of “Seafarers from around the world are grateful section, Paddy Crumlin, said: “When you undergo cargo handling and other work, tradi- intimidation and other obstacles.” At one point second time granted an injunction sought by of that trade when the ILWU told Japanese for the ILWU’s solidarity over the decades,” sign up to the ITF you sign up to watching out tionally and historically done by members of the owners hired Outrigger to manage the the NLRB, which found repeated violations of labor unions what was going on. In 2008 said Engels. “They’re eager to have the oppor- for your mates. That’s what solidarity is, and that union which would affect the resolution of property, then, when a union agreement was federal labor law but said it could not get the the Japanese Trade Union Confederation tunity to support the ILWU in their campaign that’s what’s built into everything we do. I am such a dispute. The Company will not take any near, dismissed Outrigger and created their hotel ownership and management to abide by endorsed a boycott of the hotel. to secure a good contract with the global grain heartened and not surprised to see this crew punitive measures against any seafarer who own management company to be the outside its orders. “Once again the court agrees that “We thank the many people and merchants. They understand that workersneed spreading that message. respects such dockworkers’ trade dispute and management contractor, resetting contract talks the hotel has engaged in unfair labor practices,” organizations from Hawaii and around the to stick together, or we’ll all be exploited by “We don’t like employers who pretend to any such lawful act by the Seafarer shall not be to zero. The National Labor Relations Board ruling said. world who came forward to support this corporations that put profit above the wellbeing be interested in negotiation but reach for treated as any breach of the Seafarer’s contract ruled that there was effectively no difference The hotel appealed, but the lower court was struggle,” said ILWU International Vice of workers.” union-busting strategies instead. That be- of employment, provided that this act is lawful between the new management company and upheld last year by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of President Wesley Furtado Corporate owners of the six elevators involved haviour has been noticed, and here comes within the country it is taken.” the hotel itself. Appeals. The owners went to the U.S. Supreme in a statement.

44 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 45 MUNZ LETTERS MUNZ POAL LATEST: AUSSIE SHIPMATES ITF COMMENT

Crew members of the now sunk M/V Global Mariner n 31st January, MUNZ reacted with guarded optimism to a POAL uring June 1980 I joined an passage from Sydney to Fremantle. One day, crossing the bight with a good Ostatement that the employer is ageing five hatch freighter Already on board were three Aussie sea running on the beam and the ship willing to compromise, on the basis of the D in Bremen, Germany. The AB’s: John Bailey from Queensland, Ian rolling through 15/20 degrees , we were recommendations of a facilitator, to reach a m/v Global Mariner, which had been Christiansen from Fremantle, and Todd running new slewing wires to number two settlement of a collective agreement at the purchased by the ITF was to be refitted Richardson - who I think hailed from the derrick when the sleeve fouled in a top port. In the wake of initial signs of positive as an exhibition ship and we were to Sydney area. These three staunch MUA block some 70 feet above the deck. I just movement in the struggle by the Maritime circumnavigate the globe, highlighting the members had joined us in the Philippines managed to stop Paul who was getting into Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) to gain a fair obscenities endured by seafarers of all and were welcome additions to the deck a safety harness climbing aloft to clear it. and just contract with the Ports of Auckland nationalities serving on ships trading under crowd as they proved to be first rate I had to play the health and safety card and Limited, the Maritime Union of Australia the flag of convenience system and the seamen and good comrades. explain they were not officially part of the (MUA) and the International Transport misery caused to millions by globalisation. Paul Summers and Harry McCorriston crew, and therefore were not insured. Workers’ Federation (ITF) are monitoring I was appointed as Bosun for the two year were the retirees joining the ship in Sydney. He was really pissed off at not being developments to decide how to continue odyssey during which we eventually visited They decided that they would work their allowed aloft. their support of the struggle. MUNZ national 86 ports in 51 countries, having sailed passage on the way round to Perth and two Nights in the recreation room were president Garry Parsloe said the union 77,000 nautical miles attracting media very willing and able hands they were! But great fun with them. After a beer or two considers the recommendations as a whole attention wherever we went and hundreds as one ex-crewman said to me later: ”it was the stories would get racier and more to be a useful basis to enter into what it hopes of thousands of visitors. bad enough having one hard-nosed bastard outlandish. Many a good old lamp- will be a successful round of negotiations with Although the core crew was British watching us - we ended up with three!” swinging session was enjoyed by all of us, (Top) A show of solidarity with our New Zealand comrades. POAL, as is recommended by the facilitator, to (Bottom) Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman addresses the rally at the New Zealand we also were manned by nationals from Both these shellbacks were mustered as especially the younger crewmen, with Paul reach a settlement that is fair to all the parties. consulate in Sydney last year. many other countries. In fact during the passengers but upon joining they made it and Harry regaling them with stories of The recent movement mirrors what Parsloe voyage we had at 28 nationalities serving clear that they would be, “turning to,” with shipping in the halcyon days long gone. said in August 2012: fair agreement with an employer that has “Our comrades in Auckland and their in various capacities at different times: the dayworkers and requested an issue of They had been close friends for a “What we need now is a bit of used lock-outs and anti-union tactics,” said families have been through enough,” Icelander, Norwegian, Peruvian, Croatian, protective clothing etc… I tried explained great many years and I was later told they commonsense. We’ve had the months and Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the MUA said Sharon James, secretary of the ITF Japanese, German, Filipino, Danish, that as our guests they were not expected had driven to Fremantle from Sydney months of fighting. We’ve had the strikes, and president of the ITF. dockers’ section. Burmese, Indian, etc… to work but they would have none of it, both together with the kids and all their worldly we’ve had the lockouts. It’s about time we “While we welcome the initial signs of “The insecurity must end. ITF affiliates We also from time to time carried even appearing on the bridge at night to goods seeking work and settled there. signed off on a collective, put everyone to rest progress, we want to make clear that we will now expect POAL to negotiate in good faith supernumeraries, pressmen and women, give the watch keepers much welcome No mean feat I am told, with the type of and let the port kick on again.” not pull back one bit in our global support for to conclude a fair deal with MUNZ as soon as local trade unionists, ITF employees etc… breaks, and relieving the boredom for vehicles they would have owned at the “We hope this is a sign that our comrades the MUNZ workers and we will monitor the possible, and continue to back the union until But the most memorable guests were two the mates with their tales of sea lore on time and the terrain they would have had in New Zealand will soon achieve a just and developments closely.” that goal is achieved.” retired Australian Bosuns who joined for the Australian ships in days gone by. to have crossed. Both were great trade

46 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 47 letters LETTERS

REMEMBER YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP! Recently I was diagnosed with prostate cancer even though it showed no symptoms and had a blood test. The cancer was picked up when as a precaution I had a digital test. I would encourage all male members to have this test done annually. There is a great book called localised prostate cancer (a guide for men and their families) that explains everything about prostate cancer available from the free from the Cancer Council. Luckily I feel all right but I wanted to alert everyone to the dangers you face when you don’t have an annual check-up.

Graeme (hava chat) Bailey THANK you, comrades

Comrades, As many of you know, I suffered a serious illness in the latter part of last year which saw me unable to work. I had been unemployed for months prior to my illness and things were very tough for us at home. I never thought I would find myself in this position and hope to never be so again. Words cannot express the Crew members of the Global Mariner immense gratitude that my family and I feel toward all comrades who helped us through this time. Many ships and unionists and took relish in joining in with draughts and soon the old house began the November Melbourne stop work our shipboard union meetings or as they again to fulfil grandpa’s dream of protection meeting donated money to assist us. termed them, “stopworks”. for his family. This, they said, was the story These kind donations enabled us to Two shipmates of the old school, who of trade unionism worldwide. keep afloat, pay some bills and give used the simile of a man’s great grandfather At a recent get together of some of our grandchildren a lovely Christmas. building a house from scratch, laying the the old crew I was reminded of these I deeply appreciate the kindness foundation deep, cutting and seasoning the two stalwarts who made such a lasting shown to me by many old ship mates timber for the frame and using stones for impression on us all. I was given the task of who called me to see how I was doing the stout walls and chimneys. For the rest writing to your magazine to thank you for and to say “stop bludging and get of his life he maintained it to the highest the wonderful hospitality we received back back to work!” It lifted my spirits and standard, and in return it sheltered him and in 1999. Australia was one of the highlights aided my recovery. The Maritime his family of four sons and three daughters. of the tour for many of us who had crewed Mining and Power Credit Union has After his death successive generations the ships trading to your shores regularly in been very helpful and understanding failed to care properly for the old building the old days before containerisation, Paul of my situation. I want to particularly taking for granted the protection it provided. and Harry evoked so memories for us all. thank Barbara Ryan and the girls at Eventually, the roof began to leak and It was with great sadness that we learned our Melbourne Branch. In particular, the windows and doors began to let the that Paul crossed the bar for his final I want to thank Wayne Doleman, Jason draughts blow through and the house no voyage in February last year. He is fondly Miners and Gordon Elrick. I do not longer protected the family as it once had. remembered by the guys and girls of the know what I would have done without After years of neglect one of his great G.M. A view shared I am sure by all who all of you. I am now back at work and grandsons recognised what a wonderful met and knew him. I hope Harry is still on the road to recovery. I go back for building this was, built on solid foundations. around and we would like to say him to more tests in April and am hopeful He vowed to put it right. The grandson him through the medium of your magazine, that all will be cleared up by then. worked hard and diligently, replacing roof “Ahoy shipmate, splice the mainbrace”. Yours in Unity, tiles to stop the leaks and replacing the Cheers from all your friends in the R.M.T. windows and doors which were causing By Fred Potter, RMT (UK) Wayne Finch 6002299

48 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 49 vale vale

vale rex munn At the funeral, thanks were made to her workmates for their love and support

ex Munn was born in the River struggling for safety, better conditions of door knocking hundred of houses and was Murry town of Mannum in 1928 in employment, permanency or more altruistic a shining example to younger activists of R the midst of the great depression. purposes such as aboriginal rights, peace the campaign. He truly lived by the MUA The third of seven children Rex was required movement or international campaigns Veterans slogan “retired from the workforce to deliver milk and trap rabbits amongst such as the anti apartheid movement & not from the Struggle” other odd jobs in his childhood to help FOC Campaign. Rex was also the Unions representative sustain the family in harsh economic times. At this time a number of campaigns to the SA Government Asbestos Advisory He was 12 when the family moved to the Port were activated and in particular the Peace Group and a leader in fair go for Adelaide suburb of Semaphore and so was movement, Rex and a number of other pensioners, a volunteer to the Port Adelaide born a lifelong love of the Port Peninsula and Comrades gained some international Maritime Museum and a committee its people. notoriety when they painted “Ban the member of the Port Adelaide Branch of the VALE svend Rex was a gifted scholar and could have Bomb” on an Australian warship visiting National Trust which successfully ensured gone on to an academic path in life but Port Adelaide and on the lifting Birkenhead the preservation of the Waterside Workers pedersen given the economic realities of the day it Bridge that when drawn allowed half of Port Federation Hall in Nile St Port Adelaide, was difficult for his family to provide that Adelaide to see the message. The resulting fittlingly the Building where Rex Munn’s Sadly we regret to inform the members opportunity. So Rex naturally sought work media attention and exposure is considered memorial was held. of the passing of Svend Pedersen. in a number of occupations, first as a clerk the genesis for the “Ban the Bomb” slogan To the South Australian Labour Movement The lanky Viking Bosun retired from immediately after school followed by and rally cry internationally Rex was probably best known for his the Iron Yandi in 2010 after having construction jobs. Given Rex’s political and industrial association with May Day. Rex was Vice served as Chief I.R. in the Iron Yandi for In 1951 aged 23 Rex became a wharfie activity he was an obvious choice for President of the May Day Committee, approximately 10 years. Possessing a this was at a time when the Waterside delegate on most shifts he worked, he awarded the May Day “Spanner Award” for dry sense of humour and a valuable Workers Federation controlled the labour was considered a tenacious advocate for service to the ideals and promotion of May contribution to both the running of the and new entrants had to be nominated, members but considered in his approach to Day. Rex was best remembered for leading vessel and shipboard life in general, he seconded & paraded in front of a meeting the “internationale” & “Solidarity Forever” was very rarely at a loss for words. of members. The significance of which was songs at the conclusion of the May Day One of Svend’s great passions in to establish whether one was physically fit Vale Comrade Rex Dinner and it is here he was referred to as life was his beloved yacht, in which he enough for the rigors of the job but more Munn. An inspiration the Singing Socialist. spent a considerable amount of time importantly whether one was a SCAB or While Rex was revered for his unflinching sailing and maintaining while on leave a known non unionist. Rex clearly passed to all who he support of his union and industrial & and on his retirement in Hervey Bay. the muster. The 1950’s were days of great encountered. political struggles he knew he couldn’t do We extend our condolences to his struggles to improve working conditions this without the unwavering support of his wife and family. Farewell comrade, from and wages on the waterfront and Rex fast beloved wife Marcia and the support of his the delegates and crew of the M.V. became an active participant in working ensure any organising met with the objects children and extended family. Never have you Mariloula ex Iron Yandi crew. class struggle. Influenced by the struggles and rules of the union, or simply put Rex seen 2 people so devoted and so in love. Rex of the day and the leadership of the “didn’t go off half cocked”. would fondly leave every meeting by saying Union notably Jim Healy, Rex joined the Rex spent 36 years on the wharf, hard “right I have to get back to my darling”. communist party in 1953 and became a years, long before mechanization, when Rex had many other varied pursuits member of the Red Gang on the waterfront, men carried sacks on their backs and a outside of the union & politics, his love of VALE KELI MOIMOI known for its militant activity both politically man’s best help was his Gang. In the final gardening, his famous home brew and a & industrially. stages of his career Rex was elected as the 50 year association with the Tea Tree Gully t is with sadness that the Queensland and many would be aware during her Keli was a beloved wife to Ron Moimoi 1956 saw the culmination of an industrial Vigilance Officer (VO) for the WWF Port Football club, where Rex was a life member Branch relays to the broader cancer battle, that Keli was more worried and leaves behind 2 children. She had dispute years in the making where wharfies Adelaide Branch a position he held until his and in 2012 was awarded supporter of the I membership the passing of Keli Moi about the plight of others in the workplace, an immense love for her family. Ron was went on strike for 3 weeks. The mobilization early retirement in 1987. year and saw the club win the premiership. Moi, who lost her long battle with breast rather than focussing on or being downcast a former member, who left Patrick in of union activists to support the strike Rex and his wife Marcia embarked on Rex is survived by his wife Marcia, cancer. Keli was one of the first women about her own situation despite often December 2008 to pursue other career resulted in Rex leading the entertainment overseas travel followed by the grey nomad Children: Norma, Michael, Janet & Step engaged at Patrick as an operational being in immense pain. options. committee. Those lucky enough to know caravan tour around Australia before Children: Mary, Ruth, Jane, Sally & May and watersider worker, coming in the industry A funeral service was held at 10.00am At the funeral, thanks were made to her Rex would be aware of his fine singing voice settling in the Clare Valley, South Australia. many grandchildren. in October 1998. on Monday 21st January at the Great workmates for their love and support, and his enthusiasm to entertain a crowd After 8 years in the Clare they returned to Vale Comrade Rex Munn. An inspiration Keli was an active member of the Union Southern Memorial Park, 1774 Mt Cotton demonstrated by their selfless gifting of whether in plays such as Reedy River or Adelaide where Rex relaunched himself to all who he encountered. and represented the Branch at the 2004 Road, Carbrook. There was a large sick leave and contributions via the Patrick’s singing the “ballad of 1891” or revolutionary into Union and Political activity. ( Rex will be eternally remembered with National Women’s Conference. attendance at the funeral with around 60% Benevolent Fund. songs such as The Internationale, The Red Rex became the President of the South his name inscribed on the Port Adelaide Anyone who had personal dealings with of the current workforce, as well as retired The Branch expresses our condolences Flag and Solidarity Forever. Australian MUA Veterans Association and Workers Memorial coinciding with May Day Keli would appreciate that she was certainly members. All local Patrick management to family and friends.Keli Moimoi – Rest in Rex often regaled and reminisced about worked tirelessly with other retired Unionist Events this year). forthright and made no bones about attended as well. Peace – never forgotten. the unity and solidarity on the waterfront, groups and also Pensioner organizations. Jamie Newlyn coming straight to the point; an attribute that Speakers at the Service reiterated what Trevor Munday of the great leadership and unwavering During the Your Rights at Work Campaign Maritime Union of Australia South Australian many admired. has already been stated above: with Keli, QLD Deputy Branch Secretary support of the membership, whether it was Rex campaigned solidly, leafleting and Branch Secretary (on behalf of Rex’s family) Keli was certainly a very strong woman what you saw is what you got. Queensland Branch

50 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 51 CHINA COMMUNITY Hollywood hails Crumlin Advances MUA Shipping best victory Agenda With Chinese Labour after best

National Secretary Paddy Crumlin engaged in an in-depth conversation with a delegation of knockout leaders from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), led by Madame Zhang Shiping who is a Vice President of the ACFTU’s Secretariat. The trade union leaders met in Sydney on MUA Wharfie Chad Bennett moved closer to a shot at December 8th to share strategies and possible areas of cooperation. the World Boxing Organisation’s junior-welterweight belt after beating Ghana’s Ben Ankrah in Las Vegas rumlin and Madame Zhang in shipping, particularly in countries like China. her comrades, would never forget the hand on Australia Day. discussed the potential alliances After listening intently to Comrade Zhang, extended by the MUA to the CSU during very Cbetween the MUA and the ACFTU. Crumlin observed that the challenge for the difficult times. Bennett weathered some early punishment before landing a third-round Crumlin focused on shipping and bi-lateral ACFTU is to address the needs of 200 million The ACFTU represents 130 million workers, knockout. trade relations between China and Australia. rural workers, who are struggling to make according Madame Zhong Xia, Deputy The 39-year-old described his second fight in the US as ‘‘the best win of my In particular, Crumlin discussed the use of ends at a time when housing prices are rising Director General of the ACFTU’s Women career’’, especially given the boost it has given to his reputation abroad. Australian flagged ships to move the large dramatically, and, at the same time, work to Workers Department, who participated in ‘‘He came out strong and landed some big shots on me which rocked me supplies of iron ore flowing from Australia to defend the middle-class wages attained by the discussion with Crumlin. Madame Zhang in the opening round, but I came back and smashed him out,’’ Bennett told the China. Crumlin briefed Zhang on the broader millions of urban dwellers. Crumlin has been started out as a worker in the early 1970s in an Newcastle Herald. discussion the MUA is having with the federal active in building relationships with Chinese auto repair factory of Xicheng District, Beijing. The Novocastrian’s US-based agent, Vlad Warton, will now attempt to Government, particularly the ministers of trade unions, most recently during his 2012 In addition to Comrades Zhang and Zhong, negotiate a world-title fight for him in Newcastle in April, possibly against trade and foreign affairs, about maximising visit to China in which he represented the the delegation included: Guo Mingshan, another Ghanaian, Ebenezer Lamptey, the WBO’s African junior-welterweight Australian economic opportunity from the Australian Council of Trade Unions as part of a Deputy Director General of the Staff Service champion. 2012 shipping reforms. Crumlin told Zhang global delegation of the ITUC. Center; Peng Yong, Deputy Director General of Lamptey, 26, has won 22 of 23 professional fights, including 17 by knockout. that he has put forward a proposal to the They reviewed the history of their respective the International Department; Yao Li, researcher Bennett’s record is 31 wins, 22 by stoppage, four losses and three draws. Government that it develop a shipping reform unions, including the support the MUA gave for Asia and Pacific of the International Bennett’s former manager, Newcastle businessman Richard Claut, said implementation plan that would seek to for the China Seaman’s Union during World Department; and Liu Xiaoqin, from the ACFTU’s yesterday the win in Vegas would ‘‘open up options’’ for Bennett. engage international leaders with experience War II. Madame Zhang said that she, and General Office. ‘‘He was fighting under the banner of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, so there were people there like Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Moseley who have now seen Chad fight,’’ Claut said. ‘‘And his promoter, Vlad Warton, is a guy with contacts throughout the industry.

National Secretary Paddy Crumlin ‘‘A win like this can really give him and Chad some bargaining power.’’ presents MUA T-shirts to Madame Bennett, a former World Boxing Federation champion, was expected to Zhang and her delegation arrive back in Australia overnight and begin planning his next bout, which is likely to be on April 5 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

McGrath Foundation

hey have a reputation for being no one even hesitated. The workers tough, but Maritime Union chipped in 25%, the Queensland T members donned pink hard branch of the MUA 25%, and PB Sea hats for a good cause last week. And the Tow the remaining 50%.” cause was the McGrath Foundation, which Employee Kellie Northfield said, as a received a donation of almost $9,000 from woman, she was breast care aware and the men and women in pink. Supported by wanted to help the McGrath Foundation. the MUA and PB Sea Tow, MUA Queensland “And I knew the guys would love the organiser Jason Miners said the initiative chance to wear pink,” she said. “I’m was driven by the employees. stoked with the support the members “The MUA has a rolling fund our have shown; I never thought we’d raise members pay into – it’s a fighting fund, but that much money.” we also use those funds to support charities. Gaylene Weir, breast care nurse and We have a long history of helping out at a McGrath Foundation representative was (Above) MUA members celebrate money local level,” he said. on hand to receive the cheque. Gaylene collected to fight breast cancer. “Kellie came to us with the idea and was thrilled with the donation.

52 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 53 AMSA ALC

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR SEAFARERS

AMSA has issued a new Marine Notice and made a number of changes to the validity and revalidation of seafarer certificates.

All seafarers must hold a security awareness endorsement by December 2016 but are eligible to gain this endorsement by gaining recognition of sea service.

This sea service recognition must be applied for BEFORE DECEMBER THIS YEAR.

One of a number of new requirements is for all seafarers (Masters, Deck Officers, Engineer Officers, Ratings (Deck and Engine Room) and holders of Certificates of Safety Training (COST) to hold a Security Awareness endorsement. If a seafarer does not hold the endorsement their certificate will not be valid after 31 December 2016.

There are two options for obtaining a Security Awareness endorsement:

Option 1 – until 1 January 2014 seafarers may apply to AMSA if they have approved qualifying The National sea service of at least 6 months between 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2011. Secretary in full flight Option 2 – complete an approved Security Awareness training course at an AMSA approved college. MUA DEMANDS FACTS NOT AMSA is concerned that seafarers holding an AMSA issued STCW certificate with at least 6 months qualifying sea service, served between 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2011, may FICTION FROM AUSTRALIAN not be aware of option 1 and not apply to AMSA before 1 January 2014. LOGISTICS COUNCIL If they do not take the opportunity and apply in 2013 they will be required to complete the full approved course at an AMSA approved college, which AMSA says has the potential MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin used a high-level panel debate at the to have a significant financial impact on the Australian maritime industry as a whole and Australian Logistics Council forum in Melbourne recently to demand an open, inconvenience many seafarers. factually accurate debate about the future of Australian shipping from the ALC.

All seafarers are advised to act now, rather than leave it until it is too late, to have their sea service assessed and recognised by AMSA and be issued with the Security Awareness endorsement. After 1 January 2014 AMSA will no longer be able to recognise the sea service in escribed by Lloyd’s List as “a amok and let’s blame the workers when it famous 1970s Australian film, Don’s Party. contest as fierce as an AFL grand comes to productivity. “But we’re not just here for the fun of lieu of an approved training course. Dfinal”, Paddy locked horns with “I’m here to assure you – we are not the it, we’re here for the truth of it and you’ve Don Telford, the ALC’s Chairman. Don Bandidos. In fact, we’re much closer to the again picked an ALC worst-case scenario.” Seafarers who believe they have satisfied the qualifying sea service requirements for a Security Telford tried to argue that the Federal Salvation Army. Paddy Crumlin described the ALC Awareness endorsement should forward, before 1 January 2014, their STCW certificate Labor Government’s changes to cabotage “The ALC’s rhetoric is driven by the approach as “blanket opposition based on (Masters, Deck Officers, Engineer Officers, Ratings (Deck and Engine Room) and holders of laws and changes to the Single Voyage foreign ship owners. The shipping reforms premises that don’t stack up in a majority Certificates of Safety Training - COST) to AMSA, together with the completed form AMSA Permit system were too restrictive and are about creating an opportunity – not for of areas”. 63, (attached) the appropriate fee and proof of sea service in the form of an original letter, on labour costs were too high. a foreign shipping task, but a domestic task, “Your approach, Don, in your party, is letterhead paper, from the employer. “While most of the industry has been predicated on capital expenditure, ships that you only look at the problems, you transparent and objective and argued that are able to trans-ship, and short-sea don’t come up with the solutions.” the merits of robust and economically shipping. The speech coincided with the MUA’s The STCW Convention specifically states that the transition period for recognising at least six responsible policy that has the national “The new laws will ensure the interaction release of a detailed critique of the ALC’s months sea service is between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011. AMSA cannot change interest in mind, the ALC has trafficked of foreign and domestic ships in a way that positions, titled ‘Fact Versus ALC Fiction’ this as it has agreed the content of the Convention at the diplomatic conference in Manila in in arguments that have either no basis in would be intelligent and sustainable.” (which can be found on the MUA website 2010 along with 154 other countries. fact or are inconsistent, which does not Don Telford responded by saying the new at www.mua.org.au) to contrast the MUA’s serve the national interest,” Paddy told the shipping laws didn’t take economics into responsible and economically sound audience. consideration. Paddy Crumlin fired back. positions that are in the interests of the “The ALC’s approach to coastal shipping “Don, I like your parties, they’re great Australian community, against the ALC’s is all about two things: let the market run parties,” Paddy said, a reference to the self-interested positions.

54 www.mua.org.au www.mua.org.au 55 ALC FICTION FACT VERSUS ALC FICTION ALC FICTION

he Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) the last 2 years and has identified its position to The ALC’s Dream World: for shippers, leading to greater costs and safety benefits from Australian shipping. It has discretionary tax concessions for ship owners has been a strong advocate for the be a series of misinformation and disingenuous The ALC claims that the coastal shipping reforms competition for space on land based transport dressed up sectional interests as the national and ship operators. Furthermore, the tax changes Trevitalisation of shipping for several statements. This must surely call into question were not justified through the government’s as well as increased congestion around cities interest, and has harmed the credibility of the were never intended to apply to shippers, they decades, but particularly since 1996 when the the integrity of the ALC. In what follows, we have regulatory impact statement (RIS). The RIS didn’t and higher carbon emissions. ALC. was only ever intended for ship owners and ship reforms of the 1980s were dismantled by the pointed out the FACTs. We will let you be the attempt to quantify any of the additional costs that (Source: 5 March 2012 – ALC Comment on the 17 February 2011 - The ALC response to operators. They actually offer one of the most Howard Government. judge. would be faced by shippers as a result. Shipping Reform Bills) the Department of Infrastructure and Transport generous investment stimulating tax benefit of During the period since 1996 until the Australian coastal shipping The Real World: The Real World: Discussion Paper “Reforming Australia’s any package offered to an Australian industry Gillard Government reforms passed the The ALC’s Dream World: The Government’s Regulatory Impact Statement Unless action was taken to revitalise the Shipping” sector – bearing in mind that is required to Parliament in mid June 2012 and commenced ALC has requested the review into the regime (RIS) did in fact show that the reforms would Australian domestic shipping industry by The ALC’s Dream World: ensure Australia is competitive in an international on 1 July 2012, we worked closely with shipping with the intention of removing restrictions, which deliver a net present value benefit on 3 out of moving away from the permit system which The ALC queried how the proposal to shipping market industry owners and operators, the associations prevent the efficient operation of the coastal the 4 scenarios analysed (see Table 2 on Pvii of was undermining the Australian industry, by consider the abolition of continuing voyage Stevedoring representing those owners and operators, with trade. the RIS found at http://www.infrastructure. establishment of a fair competitive system that permits and a reduction in the use of single The ALC’s Dream World: academia, with think tanks and transport and (Source: 25 February 2013 – ALC Media Release gov.au/maritime/shipping_reform/files/ created conditions for investment in Australian voyage permits is reflective of international There is a “causal link” between the logistics consultancy firms and, of course, with entitled “ALC calls for review to test objectives of RIS_post_OBPR_20110816_formatted.pdf). coastal trading ships then there would inevitably best practice in the context of expanding establishment of FWA and more confrontational the Government to develop a sound policy coastal shipping legislation“) The ALC’s Dream World: be a transfer of freight costs to the land transport Australia’s productive capacity. relationships. Negotiations between employers package that was tailored for the Australian The Real World: On January 25, soda ash company Penrice system and land transport infrastructure – the (Source: 17 February 2011 - The ALC and unions are no longer just about pay, but about shipping industry. We researched all the world’s These comments show that the ALC fails to explained that it would begin importing rather complete opposite of the ALC position. response to the Department of Infrastructure the ability of unions to “dictate to management” cabotage systems, and at no stage did we understand the Coastal Trading Act nor does than making soda ash. ALC claims that one The ALC’s Dream World: and Transport Discussion Paper “Reforming how the business would be run. advocate some other country’s model, like the it have any idea of how the sea freight market reason given by chairman David Trebeck The ALC said that if the taxation incentives do Australia’s Shipping”) (Source: Australian Financial Review 20 April US Jones Act or European model, the Brazilian works. was “restrictive and costly coastal shipping not increase the number of Australian flagged The Real World: 2012) or Indonesian model. We developed a unique What the CT Act has done, combined with the regulation.” vessels, the compliance costs imposed on The increasing use permits created a The Real World: Australian model that was responsive to our taxation measures is establish a comprehensive (Source: Penrice media release of 28 February industry members, including shippers, inherent dysfunctional sea freight market that There is no such evidence and we challenge volumes, our trades, our geography and that package of reform that has in fact removed the 2013, and CEO investor public Conference Call of in the provisions of the Coastal Trading Bill undermined investment confidence and the ALC to produce evidence for its claim. The was consistent with other aspects of transport barriers to enable shipping to compete with February 2013) would effectively be deadweight losses passed simply lined the pockets of international MUA has exercised its limited right to take and logistics policy. other freight modes on fair competitive terms The Real World: on to customers with no benefit. shipping lines. International best practice protected action in accordance with the Fair We were transparent and passionate about in the domestic freight market, and in that way Penrice did not cite coastal shipping regulation (Source: 5 March 2012 – ALC Comment on the requires a level field for competition to thrive Work Act in support of fair wage outcomes our advocacy. We argued the merits of deliver efficiencies t shippers. as a factor in its decision to close its Australian Shipping Reform Bills) – there was no level playing field under the during bargaining negotiations. We have never robust and economically responsible policy The CT Act has in fact established a new soda ash manufacturing business in its investor The Real World: permit system. Minister Albanese’s shipping sought to dictate to management about how to that had the national interest in mind. It is and transparent process to enable General briefings or in public statements. Rather, Penrice The ALC at last acknowledges that if there reform legislation is an attempt to level the run its business but we have and will continue true that there are more seafarer jobs in an Licensed vessels to contest coastal cargoes cited: are increased numbers of Australian ships, playing field to enable Australian ships to to discuss issues which affect employees, expanding shipping industry, and that is good that would otherwise be carried on Temporary 1. Declining demand in client industries such compliance costs will fall, which you would compete on a level footing with other transport such as rosters, safety, training and career for seafarers and for the MUA. But, there are Licensed foreign ships, subject to a set of tests as the glass, detergent and aluminium expect would be welcomed by ALC. However, modes in the domestic freight market. progression. Does the ALC seriously argue that also more efficient supply chains, more taxation – tests that are largely self regulated with a light market it should be noted that the compliance costs on The ALC’s Dream World: those are not matters on which workers have revenue, more support and service industry touch oversight by public officials acting under 2. The high Australian dollar industry in conforming with the Coastal Trading The ALC said the restriction in the use of a legitimate interest and should be seeking opportunities, and more investment in the delegation of the Minister. 3. Increased import competition placing Act are negligible and furthermore, the whole international vessels in domestic shipping, agreed outcomes with the employer? economy. These are all good for the economy, If the ALC had taken the time to understand pressure on prices and margins rationale of the legislative package is to deliver as proposed by the paper (the Department’s The ALC’s Dream World: for the business sector and for the nation. shipping and to understand the legislation, they 4. Continuing falls in major downstream benefits to shippers in being able to secure long shipping reform discussion paper of Regarding the national stevedoring code of By contrast, the ALC policy position is would realise that the legislation is carefully markets such as construction term freight contracts in reliable, safe Australian December 2011), moves Australia from having practice, the ALC claims the draft Code failed inconsistent when it comes to shipping. While designed to ensure that where trade can 5. Labour cost increases in manufacturing ships rather than reliance on the spot market one of the world’s more liberal cabotage to meet seven key principles set down by the the ALC has consistently argued for sustain either a GL ship/s, or a combination of 6. Government taxes and charges. process of the permit system or temporary regimes to one of the more restrictive models, Office of Best Practice Regulation for the design Government intervention to provide a sound GL and TL ships where the combination of the The ALC’s Dream World: license system where quality assurance is not thus restricting competition in the Australian of regulations. and comprehensive regulatory framework for 2 license types delivers a sustainable freight The ALC has long advocated that the effect of guaranteed and has in fact led to major costs domestic sea freight market. (Source: 30 October 2012 – ALC Media Release road and rail, and intermodal infrastructure, rate, as it does in the bauxite trade and the regulation should not distort the mode by which being borne by the industry e.g. the clean up of The Real World: headed “Stevedoring Code of Proactive needs to including support for Government funding of petroleum trade to name just two, there this is an consumers dispatch freight. the container spill off Queensland, arising from a The Discussion Paper did not advocate a Reflect Best Practice”) infrastructure, its approach to shipping is the acceptable and deliverable outcome. (Source: 13 April 2012 – The ALC Submission to foreign FOC ship. restricted competitive model but rather a The Real World: opposite. It claims that shipping regulation, It is that flexibility in the structure and the House of Representatives Standing Committee The ALC’s Dream World: more balanced model of cabotage providing The ALC simply quoted from an industry paper even light handed regulation as embodied operation of the CT Act that delivers the on Infrastructure and Communications Inquiry into The ALC said the general welfare of the flexibility through the access by shippers prepared by the stevedoring companies and in the 2012 shipping reforms, is unnecessary efficiency by creating the opportunity for the Shipping Reform Bills) Australian community is advanced if shippers to both Australian ships and foreign ships. Shipping Australia, which had its facts wrong. and is undermining competition. Thus, its shippers to move away from the high cost and The Real World: have the capacity to use the most efficient Nor has the policy response, as reflected in The so- called 7 key principles of best practice schizophrenic and inconsistent approach variable spot market (represented by TLs and The ALC at no stage acknowledged that the method of shipping cargo from port to port. the shipping reform legislation, created a regulation identified in that industry paper do suggests the ALC is running some political formerly permits) to sustainable and secure liberal permit system that it passionately The Real World: restrictive competitive model. Not one party not reflect the current policy of the Australian agenda to advance particular sectional interests. freight rates delivered through long term freight defended was premised on the continuing use The ALC has completely ignored the advocated a US Jones Act solution for Australia. Government. The 7 principles were apparently In this context the ill-informed and misleading contracts which deliver business certainty and of foreign labour using developing nation labour detrimental impact on the national interest The legislative package has delivered a drawn from a ‘checklist’ in the Productivity statements of the Australian Logistics Council which have been a feature of the sea freight standards in the Australian domestic sea freight through maintaining the SVP and CVP system in flexible model that provides for more cargo Commission’s annual report of 2001/02. The (ALC) about Australian coastal shipping market since sea freight commenced. industry. It was this feature which distorted terms of maintaining a domestic seafarer skills to be carried on Australian General Licensed current requirements are set out in The Best cannot go unchallenged. For an organisation Long term freight contracts deliver a competition in the domestic freight market. The base that a shipping nation requires to support ships while maintaining a Temporary License Practice Regulation Handbook of June 2010, that presents itself as a leader in the transport competitive outcome, not just on price (freight question must be asked: Does the ALC also its port operations, its pilotage services, its system for foreign ships in circumstances administered by the Office of Best Practice policy debate, and as an advocate of the rates) but also timeliness, fit for purpose advocate the use of foreign labour with foreign regulatory systems and its training providers. where the cargo value or trade does not Regulation (OPBR). They make no mention Australian transport and logistics industry, it has ships, safe and environmentally efficient ships, nation labour standards for domestic trucking, It has completely ignored the national interest sustain one or more GL ships. of whether the regulation is prescriptive or demonstrated a policy ignorance of monumental highly qualified crews, ships that suit the rail and aviation? in terms of the interlinking of the merchant The ALC’s Dream World: performance based, but of course require a cost proportions, and an embarrassing lack of requirements of Australian ports e.g. the need The ALC’s Dream World: industry with Navy in terms of national defence, The ALC submission claimed the tax changes benefit analysis. The ALC made no mention of understanding of the shipping industry in its for self dischargers where port stevedoring The ALC said the move away from the way in nor of national security benefits to arise from were to be imposed on shippers. the costs to individuals, to the industry and to statements about Australian coastal shipping. cannot be sustained. These are areas where the which the current single voyage permit (SVP) maintenance of a domestic shipping industry The Real World: stevedoring operations of the high number of The MUA has reviewed the ALC interventions efficiencies kick in and which makes GL vessels system is administered may make the use of and skilled workforce. It has completely There was never an intention to “impose” fatalities and serious injuries in the Australian in the Australian coastal shipping debate over competitive. commercial shipping a less attractive option overlooked the national interest in terms of ship any tax changes, but rather, to provide stevedoring industry.

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