The Maritime Worker Te Whanganui-a-Tara
OUR FERRIES – OUR FUTURE!
The ongoing Cook Strait ferry saga took another turn in December with the appointment of Winston Peters as Minister of Rail to oversee the ferry procurement process.
The Coalition Government has been under increasing pressure since it cancelled the iRex project at the end of 2023.
The failure of the Minister of Finance Nicola Willis to provide an alternate plan has left the country in limbo, and KiwiRail facing hundreds of millions of dollars of sunk costs and break fees for the iRex ferries.
There has been a major public backlash against the push by Finance Minister Willis to purchase budget ferries that are not rail enabled and to promote privatization.
The new Minister of Rail has indicated his support for rail and his lack of enthusiasm for privatization. MUNZ has already met with the Minister to promote our case.
The Maritime Union together with ITF affiliates and the NZCTU has advocated strongly for public owned, rail enabled ferries.
The Labour and Green Parties have both publicly backed this plan.
Leading transport industry figures have expressed their concerns on how failure to have rail enabled ferries would lead to major congestion problems and added costs in the supply chain.
In November, a march and rally at Parliament was held by MUNZ and fellow ITF affiliate Unions during our Conference.
Speakers included overseas guests from the ITF Ferry Taskforce and ILWU, along with NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff and MUNZ Wellington Secretary Fiona Mansell. Our Ferries – Our Future!
MUNZ members supported by ITF and CTU affiliated Unions arrive at Parliament, 14 November 2024
MUNZ NATIONAL CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 2024 – WELLINGTON
Delegates and guests at the Maritime Union of New Zealand National Conference, November 2024
ITF Ferry Taskforce members meet MUNZ members on the Cook Strait ferries, November 2024
MUNZ NATIONAL CONFERENCE BUILDING WORKERS POWER
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) held its National Conference from 12–14 November 2024 at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington. This event is the main decision making forum of the Maritime Union and is held every four years.
The Conference brought together delegates from throughout New Zealand, national officials, and international guests, to discuss key issues, share updates, and plan for the future. Here’s some highlights from the threeday conference.
Day One: Opening
The conference opened with a karakia from Runanga Rep and Local 13 Secretary Grant Williams.
National President Josh Greer welcomed everyone, introducing national officials National Secretary Carl Findlay, National Vice President Gerard Loader, and Assistant National Secretary Ray Fife.
The roll call, conducted by Ray Fife, acknowledged the presence of international attendees and observed a moment of silence for members who had passed away.
Appointments and Resolutions
Several important appointments were made on the first day.
Alan Windsor and Bradley Clifford were appointed as National Scrutineers, while Mick Williams was named the National Returning Officer. The Finance Committee saw the reappointment of Josh Greer and Fiona Mansell, with additional appointments to various trustee positions.
Building Union Power
National Secretary Carl Findlay and National Organiser Graham McKean presented the MUNZ Strategy Report, focusing on building union power.
Key points included the need for updated training, regionalization into Northern, Central, and Southern regions, and the establishment of a MUNZ Pasifika Committee.
The strategy emphasized the importance of strong connections with members and fostering leadership.
Keynote Address: Christy Cain
Christy Cain, former National Secretary of the CFMEU (Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union), delivered a strong keynote address.
The MUA is a division of the CFMEU and Christy was also previously the WA Branch Secretary for the MUA.
He highlighted the challenges facing the trade union movement in Australia, including declining union density and legislative attacks on unions.
The CFMEU had been placed under administration by the Federal Labor Government and this was a direct attack on the union movement.
Christy stressed the importance of social consciousness and the need for unions to actively engage with their members.
“The way to win workers and grow a union is to get on the job and talk to the members. Bring the members and the unions along with you,” he urged.
Finance Report
The Conference moved into committee. Ray Fife provided an update on the Finance Committee’s activities, including the approval of the budget for the National Conference and a review of the National Office’s financial statements.
The report highlighted the need for strong financial governance and maintaining a sustainable budget.
National update
Following lunch National Secretary Carl Findlay provided a report on Union activity over the last four years.
Major points included the closure of Marsden Point and removal of tankers, the successful campaign against automation and contracting out at Ports of Auckland, a similar campaign at Lyttelton Port Company, the change of Government, and the need to press on with the ferry and coastal shipping campaigns.
The death of several waterfront workers was noted as well as the upcoming launch of the national Approved Code of Practice for port operations.
Runanga and Indigenous Report
MUNZ Runanga Rep and Local 13 Secretary Grant Williams was joined by MUA National Assistant Secretary Thomas Mayo.
Thomas acknowledged the traditional owners and elders of the land. He provided context and history of the Australian Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, including analysis of why the 2023 Voice referendum failed.
Grant spoke on the history of Te Tiriti, the position of the Runanga within the wider Union movement, and the Treaty Principles Bill.
ITF
Scott McDine of the ITF Sydney Office and Paul McAleer of the ITF Asia Pacific Dockers Section gave an update on regional ITF activity.
Rules Review
Carl Findlay provided a report on the rules review and the issues which held up the review and update of the rules.
Amendments to the Rules have been made over the past year and were adopted at the National Council meeting in May 2024 and subsequently uploaded on to the Incorporated Societies register.
MUNZ has to re-register its Rules under the new Incorporated Societies Act (2022) before April 2026 and a working group has been set up to oversee this process.
National election
A number of changes have been made for the 2024 elections. Nominations open on Thursday 14 November 2024 and close on 10 January 2025.
If there is an election, this will be run over the following six weeks with postal and electronic voting. The ballot box will be opened on 21 February 2025. The members register will be reviewed to make sure email addresses are correct.
Day Two: Updates and Solidarity
The second day began with updates from various international guests.
Tom Doran from ILWU Canada shared the ongoing struggles of dock workers on the west coast of Canada, who have been without a contract since 2023. The conference expressed full support for their fight for workers’ rights.
A resolution was passed “That this conference sends a message to our sisters and brothers in the Canadian ILWU of its full support in their struggle for worker’s rights. This notes that the 2024 Conference will never accept or bow to aggressive actions to attack bona fide longshoreman and their families.”
Our Ferries, Our Future
Sadie Saunders from the ITF Ferry Task Force and Carl Findlay spoke on the campaign to ensure new ferries are publicly owned and rail-enabled.
Members of the ITF Ferry Taskforce had responded to the invitation to visit New Zealand and help boost the campaign.
Ronny Øksnes and Generick Morales from the ITF Ferry Taskforce were also in attendance and spoke, along with Rob Egan, political director for the campaign.
This campaign is crucial for maintaining jobs and ensuring fair working conditions for ferry workers, as well as for the long term success of the New Zealand transport system.
Guest Speakers
The conference welcomed several guest international speakers, including representatives from ZenKowan All Japan Dock Workers Union, ETU (Electrical Trades Union – Queensland), and the International Dockworkers Council.
Speakers raised issues such as automation and climate justice, emphasizing protecting jobs and fair treatment with technological advances.
Hideki Matsunaga and Masanobu Hashizaki from ZenKowan highlighted the challenges posed by automation and the need to secure employment for dock workers.
“The Japanese government wants to have less ports and is trying to concentrate the ports in large cities, which will have the effect of depopulating rural areas,” said Masanobu.
Peter Ong from ETU shared successes of building union power within the construction industry and the fight against the privatisation of the energy sector in Queensland.
Jordi Aragunde from the International Dockworkers Council spoke about the global fight against automation and the importance of maintaining jobs for dock workers.
“The battle against automation is about legacy and making sure the next generation have the best conditions possible.”
IDC Asia Pacific Co-ordinator Paul Keating from the MUA Sydney Branch provided a history of the IDC which had its origins in the Liverpool dockers dispute and outlined the actions being undertaken recently by IDC affiliates.
Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau – Living Wage
Marlon Drake of Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau, an alliance of groups including faith, social agencies and unions working toward housing and living wage in Auckland was another keynote speaker.
Marlon gave three challenges to MUNZ – lead in your home town and get out in the communities, build real leadership in the youth of the union, and put a dock worker or a seafarer in Parliament.
MUA – MUNZ Federation
MUA National Deputy Secretary Warren Smith and MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay gave an update on the Federation. Warren noted historic ties between our Unions.
He outlined a number of joint campaign possibilities including cabotage and trans-Tasman shipping and joint campaigning bargaining on the waterfront.
Joint First Nations work with closer ties to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori struggles for justice. Renewable offshore energy work, offshore oil and gas and climate crisis were other issues. The International Union model shows that we are stronger together.
As the law does not allow amalgamation of the unions it was agreed that Federation was the best process. Next steps are to develop and endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the basis of the Maritime Federation.
A presentation was made from the MUA of a banner and helm to signify the close ties between our two unions.
The following resolution was passed: “That following on from the 2024 MUA National Conference held in Adelaide Australia, the MUA endorsed the formal federation between MUA and MUNZ.
This 2024 MUNZ Quadrennial conference records its formal endorsement of the MUA/ MUNZ federation, noting this historic event affirms what has been operating informally since the formation of the MUA and MUNZ.”
Women’s Report
MUNZ National Women’s Representative Annie McCauley outlined her background with the Union and encouraged members to support fundraising efforts.
Special Guest Patricia Fernandez, Secretary/Treasurer, NSW Branch, Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union, spoke on how she became a founding member of WIMDOI (Women In Male Dominated Occupations and Industries) 25 years ago.
This organisation caters to blue collar workers who identify as women.
WIMDOI will be holding their next conference 11–15 May 2026 in Rotorua.
Patricia spoke on some of the issues that faced women workers in our industries and challenged unions to stand up for women members and their specific concerns.
The branches and the National Committee were encouraged to look at the budget for women to attend WIMDOI.
International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1526
The Conference was fortunate to have a first time delegation attending from ILA Local 1526 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Local 1526 President Johnnie Dixon provided a video message of solidarity to our conference, and the delegation was introduced to the Conference by ILA Local 1526 Financial Secretary Anthony Gross Jr.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
The Conference welcomed an old friend of the Union, William E. Adams, President Emeritus of the International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU).
Willie spoke about the need to support youth and women leadership and build alliances. There is a need for a succession plan for our Unions.
Mental health is an issue for members, and we need to support our brothers and sisters – we need to be listening.
Youth
MUNZ National Youth Representatives Maree Griffiths and Nathan Natano spoke to the Conference with a message of engaging youth and ensuring there were industry training opportunities for the new generation of maritime workers.
They proposed a Youth Council be set up within MUNZ, with an annual youth event and dedicated youth training.
Veterans
MUNZ National Veterans Representative Mick Williams and MUA Veterans President Bobby Lee addressed the conference on behalf of the veterans. Christy Cain was invited up and awarded honorary membership of the MUNZ Veterans.
Resolutions
Several resolutions were passed on the second day, that underscored the conference’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining strong international solidarity.
Day Three: Planning for the Future
The final day of the conference focused on planning and future initiatives.
Maritime NZ
Julie-Ann Mail and Matt Dean from Maritime New Zealand provided updates on health and safety leadership, hazard designation, and port state control.
Julie-Ann provided an update on the work of Port Health and Safety Leadership Group.
This included the launch of the Approved Code of Practice, the extension of Maritime NZ coverage to the port gate, and improvements to notifications.
Maritime Retirement Scheme
Brodie Young and David Stephens presented updates on the Maritime Retirement Scheme, highlighting the scheme’s growth and the challenges of providing financial advice to members.
Both stressed the importance of maintaining the scheme’s unique benefits and ensuring its sustainability.
Ferry Rally at Parliament
Following lunch, conference delegates attended the Our Ferries, Our Future campaign rally. Delegates gathered with other supporters at nearby Midland Park and marched down Lambton Quay in a loud and colourful procession.
The rally at Parliament Grounds featured a number of speakers including international guests.
Additional Resolutions
The conference passed several additional resolutions, including support for the CFMEU and ILA, and opposition to automation.
These resolutions reflected the conference’s ongoing commitment to solidarity and protecting workers’ rights.
General Business
Discussions during the general business session covered a range of topics, including union fees, political affiliations, and international solidarity.
The conference reaffirmed its affiliation with the New Zealand Labour Party and endorsed the ongoing support for the War on the Wharves Charity Boxing Sporting event.
Key Themes and Actions
Throughout the conference, several key themes emerged:
Union Strength and Solidarity: The importance of building union power, fostering leadership, and maintaining strong connections with members was emphasized repeatedly.
Health and Safety: Ensuring high health and safety standards across ports was a major focus, with updates on new initiatives and regulations.
Governance: Improvements to Union governance including rules and financial oversight.
Political and Social Activism: The conference took strong stances on political issues, including support for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and opposition to automation and artificial intelligence in dock work.
FIONA MANSELL SECRETARY/TREASURER WELLINGTON BRANCH
KiwiRail –InterIslander Line
WELLINGTON REPORT Strait Shipping
Redundancy Update
We are down to 4 forced redundancies for MUNZ Members, 3xAbs, 1x Bosuns Assist.
This has been an extremely unpleasant process for everyone. However, we fought hard to stop the redundancies from happening at all.
When we started the consultation back in September the company were looking at reducing the head count by 28, since then at least 20 of our members have either taken medical retirement, resigned, moved onto other employment or taken voluntary redundancy.
Although we did our best to stop forced redundancies the win for us through this process is that the company was adamant that 2 Bosuns had to go, right up until early December.
On the final hour they withdrew their position and informed us that both Bosuns will stay. That is a win for us, one I will remember.
Aratere
Discussions regarding 2nd cooks cabins on Aratere – still waiting for an update, have a couple of 2nd Cooks express an interest in going WOWO.
Our Ferries, Our Future Petition
Almost 11,000 signatures on this online petition. If you haven’t signed check out https://www.together.org.nz/ our_ferries_our_future
Rally at Parliament
MUNZ and supporters marched on Thursday 14 November along Lambton Quay from Midlands Park to Parliament.
It was a pretty good turnout, with plenty of support from other unions, NZ and internationally.
Discussions with Helen McAra and Ben Thompson regarding S/L, update: MSG negotiations have sorted through this issue, waiting for the wording to come through.
These are Employment issues we will need to address.
NIWA
Issues with A/L deductions, have discussed at length with Ben Thompson and both delegates Bruce and Peter. Both unions are looking into this too.
Ports
We have had 2 bargaining sessions with QUBE.
Initiated bargaining with SGS. First session is scheduled for 10 December.
MUNZ National Conference 2024
Many thanks to all the unions that travelled here to NZ, including ITF, Norwegian Seafarers, Associated Philippines Seafarers Union, ILWU Coast Longshore Division, MUA, ETU Queensland & NT, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, IDC-International Dockworkers Union, Zen Kowan-All Japan Dockworkers Union, AMIEU-Aus Meat Industry Employees Union, PSA, RMTU, Unions Wellington, ETU, for their support to us throughout the week of conference and all their contributions.
The feedback from most is that it was a great conference with amazing international speakers.
Remits: big discussions around the fees and voting rights for seafarers living outside of Wellington.
Branch Elections 2024-2025
Results are in – members who make up the Executive Committee for 2024–2027 are as follows:
• Branch Secretary: Fee Mansell
• Branch President: Marian Lesslie
• Vice President: Paul Baggott
• Port Executive: Bradley Clifford Jason Penny
• Executive: Quintin Kerr (SSNZ) Les Taylor Andy Joyce
• Youth Rep: Maree Griffith,
• Women’s Rep: Megan Rush Reed
National Elections 2024-2025
Nominations are now open for eight weeks, starting 14/15 November, closing Thursday 9 January 2025.
Voting will then take place by a hybrid system of electronic and postal ballots to all financial members of the union.
Make sure your updated details are sent in to albert.williams@munz.org.nz or holly.payne@munz.org.nz
Voting will close on Friday 21 February 2025.
Maritime Worker Newsletter
Next edition late February, please send in reports.
Stopwork Meeting
Monday 10 February 10am-12pm, no meeting in January, Fee on leave
End of year notes
It has been an eventful year for the Wellington Branch with a multitude of challenges.
This includes the closure of C3 Masterton earlier in the year, the withdrawal of Takutai Chief, a close call with redundancies at QUBE, another win for our branch to have kept all our members from losing their jobs, negotiations with this company is proving to be difficult and of course all the issues with our ferries and vessels in NZ.
However the support from you the members has been amazing, we would not be able to do what we do without each and everyone of you.
With that being said I would like to thank you all for your hard work in this ever-changing industry, your support does not go unnoticed, lastly, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year, have fun, eat plenty, be merry, enjoy your time whether you are working or having time off, but please be safe!
Gibson guilty
Onetime Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson has been found guilty on a health and safety charge.
Mr Gibson was found guilty by Judge Bonnar in the Auckland District Court in November in a judge only trial.
Charges were laid against Mr Gibson by industry regulator Maritime New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) following the death of POAL employee Mr Pala’amo (Amo) Kalati on 30 August 2020.
Mr Gibson failed to ensure adequate systems were in place to manage critical risks, particularly around crane operations and exclusion zones.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the conviction brings to an end an era of failure at the highest levels of Port of Auckland which had tragic outcomes for workers.
He says the Maritime Union made repeated attempts to draw attention to health and safety concerns at POAL during Mr Gibson’s tenure, which were minimized and downplayed.
“Today’s outcome sends a message that workers lives mean something, and that highly paid decision makers are accountable for their decisions.”
“We hope other senior managers and Board members reflect and gain insight into the effect on innocent working people when health and safety is not prioritized.”
He says new management at the Ports of Auckland have taken a positive approach to engaging with workers and the Union, with health and safety and the wellbeing of workers at the Port becoming a priority.
“Following the ignominious resignation and departure of Mr Gibson in 2021, the Maritime Union has worked together successfully with new management at POAL and stevedoring companies in Auckland to develop a code of practice to ensure best safety practices in stevedoring.”
The Maritime Union would continue to campaign for corporate manslaughter laws that reflected its view – “Kill a worker, go to jail.”
This is the first time a chief executive from a company of POAL’s size had been charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Delegates at the MUNZ Conference were joined by other unions and supporters at a march and rally for Our Ferries, Our Future and Coastal Shipping on 14 November to Parliament
MUNZ, RMTU and international women delegates at the Our Ferries, Our Future Campaign at Parliament on 14 November 2024.
Mick Williams leads the chant at Wellington Railway Station rally with KR, Bluebridge, Centreport and C3 members rallying for Our Ferries Our Future, December 2024
ENSURING A WORKERS
VOICE IN HEALTH AND SAFETY REFORM
BY
On Monday 23 September retired member Alan Windsor and I attended a New Zealand Council of Trade Unions symposium held at the Beehive on Health and Safety Reform.
This was attended by 300 members and officials of Unions, Labour and Greens members, and ACT MP Brooke van Velden who is the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister.
After a welcome to all in Te Reo the floor was opened to speakers
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff spoke on the continuing problem of workers getting injured in the work place and not returning home to their families after a shift at their work place and how Health and Safety in some work places is not getting adhered to.
Massey University Researcher Dr Zoe Port spoke on different topics where Health and Safety wasn’t getting across to some areas of workplaces
Brook van Velden then spoke about the Coalition Government document on Health and Safety Reform Policy they are working on.
There was nothing she said that increased the protection of workers but will be interesting to see the document when it is released.
We all know there’s nothing that the coalition won’t put a red pen so they can advantage big business.
She then took questions from the floor and one that stood out to me was the question from an ETU delegate relating to Engineered Stone used in kitchen benches and other products.
The Minister was reminded of our friends across the ditch in Australia had banned the use of engineered stone 18 months ago and unions have asked for the same here in NZ .
We know hundreds of workers have suffered serious life threatening diseases and also death.
Her answer to that was that they are looking into it something will probably come out in the Reform document and they will be looking into a wide spectrum of H&S issues (smoke and mirrors?)
RMTU health and safety organizer Karen Fletcher spoke on the North Auckland rail line inspection.
After risk assessment JSHs and toolbox’s the delegate on the job called a Work Stop as the task was on a raised rail line with slopes on both sides of the track and no one had looked at Work at Heights (WaH) for the project.
After discussing the job site with his supervisor who said it wasn’t WaH as it was slopes.
End of the day it was sorted with safety harnesses supplied with a fitting called a rail dog which fits onto the rail line preventing from one falling down the bank The job proceeded.
As we all know there’s no height minimum for WaH as one can fall over and injure themselves.
Every worker should be able to say no to a task given to them by a supervisor, to discuss the situation instead of being called lazy or a shit stirrer. How many times have we heard that?
One company had a saying that any worker can stop production if they think there is a problem with possible danger to personnel or property, but to restart the process they had to be 110 percent that it is safe to restart.
All management should think along those same lines.
Also mentioned from the floor:
• HS reps should be legislated in all work places
• Workers must value Risk Assessments
• Value knowledge and training
• Value Health and Safety Reps
• Value the support of Unions in Health and Safety
We then went into workshops with 8 members at our table.
Discussion points:
• foreign workers don’t speak up as scared of losing their jobs as most would be on minimum wage.
• Language barriers with foreign workers being exploited by some employers.
• Discussed some good learning points that happen in the work place is to lookout for oneself and your fellow workmates first before any other incident that may happen.
• Discussed the person or delegate that always speaks up not to be ostracised by the employer or supervisor.
End of day if you see something that you are not sure of don’t be afraid to Just Say Stop and review the situation with your supervisor and you all know your union will back you to the hilt if no solution can be found straight away.
There’s never a Problem as there’s always a Solution.
Kill a Worker, go to Jail.
PAT HARCUS #6592
VETERAN MEMBERS SUPPORTING THE BRANCH
Above:
Support for the ferry campaign at the Old Timers function , Saturday 7 December at Trax Bar, Wellington Railway Station
Right:
Veteran members and ITF representative Graham McLaren at Merchant Navy Day Commemorations, 3 September 2024
ITF CONGRESS 2024 MARRAKECH
FIONA MANSELL SECRETARY/TREASURER WELLINGTON BRANCH
For the first time in ITF’s history, the 46th Congress was held in the Arab region at the Palais des Congress in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Congress brought together thousands of transport workers and leaders from Unions representing 18.5 million transport workers worldwide from more than 150 countries.
We all gathered to celebrate achievements and to continue the mission to move us, and the world – forward.
The invitation went out to all affiliates to set forth the collective strategy for the next five years to continue pushing the envelope for worker-driven change and building a stronger movement to shift power from capital to workers, and win a more just, equal and sustainable future for us all.
Every day transport workers keep the world moving – connecting millions of people across our cities and countries –playing a vital role in driving economies and shaping societies.
For me personally it was a once in a life time event that opened my mind to the global issues transport workers face on a daily basis.
Listening to delegates from all over the world was really a mind-blowing experience.
Networking is always a great component of attending these International Conferences, I had the privilege of meeting outstanding trade union leaders, therefore I am ever so grateful to the Wellington Branch for allowing me the opportunity to attend and represent MUNZ at a global level.
Many thanks to the MUA brothers and sisters I met there for including us and making us feel a huge part of their struggles.
There is always a sense of empowerment when you get the opportunity to listen to Christy Cain, Thomas Mayo and Mich-Elle Myers.
This is a conference that I will always remember and hope to see other members attend in the near future.
TRANSTASMAN QUBE ACTION
New Zealand maritime workers joined international rallies in support of Australian workers at Qube Ports on Monday 16 December 2024.
Australian wharfies at Qube stopped work at ten ports in an International Day of Action to expose Qube Ports’ refusal to take safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns seriously during bargaining for a new employment agreement covering more than 1000 workers.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says New Zealand wharfies were supporting the Maritime Union of Australia in their struggle.
Delegates headed across the Tasman in both directions, and an international video link was held joining up dockers representatives throughout the world from ITF and IDC affiliates.
MUNZ members in Tauranga and Gisborne held informational pickets at the port gates on Monday afternoon, joined by MUA rank and file delegates.
Mr Findlay says Qube management need to be aware their actions in Australia will have consequences for their brand and credibility internationally unless they change their attitude towards their workforce.
He says the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) will be “acting as one.”
Qube Ports in Australia is an ASX listed behemoth which has extracted mega-profits in recent years from the productivity delivered by their hard
working employees, and has doggedly refused to sit down and negotiate a new agreement with their workforce.
The MUA says Qube has repeatedly dismissed safety and fatigue concerns and declared it unprofitable to operate a business which takes safety seriously.
While wharfies’ pay has gone backwards against inflation, executive bonuses and shareholder dividends have soared. Over the last four years, Qube profits have jumped by 148%.
The MUA has repeatedly called on the company to return to the bargaining table and engage meaningfully with the safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns that Qube employees are raising.
MUNZ members at Gisborne joined the international support for MUA workers at Qube in December
MUNZ BACKS OUR NURSES!
MUNZ members from Wellington Branch have been supporting health care union the NZNO around Wellington and the Hutt recently.
About 36,000 Te Whatu Ora nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora have been engaged in a nationwide strike over patient safety concerns following proposals raised in recent collective bargaining with Health NZ
Ramesh
Albert Williams
973561 Senior Admin Support albert.williams@munz.org.nz
Grahame MacLaren 021 2921782 ITF Inspector mclaren_grahame@itf.org.uk
Graham McKean
graham.mckean@munz.org.nz
victor.billot@munz.org.nz
