THE MARITIME WORKER Wellington Branch Wellington Branch Newsletter Vol: 10 April (2021)
Mick Williams Awar de d Li f e Me mbe r s hip of MUNZ Article by Tony Mowbray Vice President, Wellington Branch Mick has spent his entire working life fighting for the rights of all workers. He has always supported not only the struggles closest to him, but those of other unions as well. Not just New Zealand unions, but struggles across the world. He’s done this ever since he joined the NZSeamen’s Union in 1974. He has continuously been active in the NZshipping industry, negotiating on behalf of workers for their rights and pursuing improved conditions to better all our lives. Seven of his 47 years were spent with Wellington MUNZ’s sister branch in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he naturally took up the role of a delegate until his return to New Zealand. Once back here he rejoined MUNZ, leading to his current position as Branch President. He has spent his life humbly dedicated to the trade union movement, particularly its maritime sector. I have known Mick for 26 years. He was previously a Wellington Branch Secretary in the 1990s, and I would personally like to mention how instrumental he was in unionising Strait Shipping. Given the industrial climate of this country in the mid 1990s, that was a difficult task to say the least. With his commitment and mentoring, the initial Collective Agreement was secured in 1995 and is retained to this day. Mick has been in the forefront of many pickets and protests on a range of social issues This makes this lifetime membership an honour to present on behalf of MUNZand the whole of the Wellington Branch. I’msure we speak for the whole trade union movement when we recognise Mick’s dedication and commitment. The whole time, he expected nothing in return. What follows is a selection of Mick’s many achievements:
• P&OLondon negotiations • Geneva minimumrights forums • Numerous Ship Delegate roles • Organiser of NZSeaman’s Overseas Trade campaign • Organiser of the NZSeaman’s Union SCONZY campaign • Wellington & National Councillor• ITF delegate • NZSeafarers Union National Councillor • National Campaign Organiser • NZagainst Apartheid campaigner • Representative during the UK miner’s and Liverpool docker lockouts • Active in our own “Golden Bay” lockout • Support role for the MUAduring the Patrick’s dispute• Leading support for the Cuban struggle &against the unjust and illegal Iraq war• Akey figure in our push to amalgamate and obtain “one union on the waterfront” • KiwiRail strike chairman (war of ‘94) • National &Wellington Secretary of NZSeafarer’s Union until the formation of MUNZ• Joint Secretary of the TUF • Currently, Wellington Branch President of MUNZ. Article by Jim King - Secretary, Wellington Branch At the National Council meeting held on 29, 30, &31 April, Mick Williams was awarded life membership for his many contributions and dedication, both to this union and the wider trade union movement. Tony Mowbray and myself, along with other members of the National Council, spoke without reservation about Mick’s achievements and the unwavering support he has for this union. I’msure every MUNZ member agrees there’s no one more deserving of this immense honour. On behalf of the Wellington Branch and the Wellington Branch Executive, I would like to thank Mick for all the effort, dedication and hard work he has given this union and all its members right up and down the country.
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly