PORT ROUNDUPS
Pacific titans: MUNZ and MUA crew involved in the recent hard laying dispute on the “Pacific Titan”. Standing from port to starboard, Ruka Rarere (MUNZ), Don Crawford (MUA), Nathan Bartlett (MUA), Jason Fletcher (MUA), John Masters (MUNZ), Alf Boyle (MUNZ), seated Ken Stephens (MUA), Tony Archer (MUNZ), Colin Wilson (MUNZ)
The next time you hear the word “free trade” or “free market” ask yourself “free” for who? Not for workers. Free trade must be resisted and questioned.
KiwiRail The branch attended a meeting of a new induction of caterers due to join the Cook Strait Ferries. We are currently in agreement talks renegotiating the expired collective agreements. Once we get to the final period of negotiations the negotiating team will be conducting ship board meetings. The “Arahura” is back from its three month refit in Singapore. I believe there are still a few minor teething problems to be sorted, but by all accounts she seems to be running trouble free.
Strait Shipping The “Kent” is currently on the Lyttelton run now carrying ex “Spirit of Competition” cargo. The removal of the Pacifica run to Lyttelton has opened the way for Strait Shipping to put their ship on the run which is a good thing for coastal shipping. But it has created fifteen redundancies on the wharf in Wellington.
www.munz.org.nz
After watching the TV1 Close Up interview of the redundant Pacifica workers in Wellington, I believe Pacifica Shipping has shown no social responsibility to these workers and their families and have conducted themselves in a shambolic way to say the least. John Whiting and I were in Picton last month and met with our members in the Terminal. Things seem to be functioning well because of the good delegate system in place. Picton is a small town and they all work closely together.
NIWA Contract talks will commence on 18–19 December in Wellington for the renewal of the expired collective agreement with MUNZ, AMEU and MSG.
Offshore We currently have the “Pacific Titan” seismic vessel working off New Plymouth and Nelson with a mix of MUNZ and MUA members which is only a short term arrangement. The “Geobay” has left New Zealand waters and is currently working in the Bass Strait. The New Zealand offshore is in go slow mode that sees quite a few seafarers unemployed and looking for work, but in saying that we are in constant contact with employers on both sides of the Tasman discussing upcoming work and short term relief work.
CentrePort We have a signed two year collective agreement with MUNZ, EPMU and RMTU, and a signed alcohol and drug policy that provides security for all of our members.
Branch Clothing Members, we still have a few t-shirts and caps left for sale with union and branch logos.
Delegate System The delegate system is the life line of our union. All delegates have to be thanked and praised for their unwavering dedication to the job for upholding Union principles, policies, health and safety, and all terms and conditions of our collective agreements. The strong delegate system we have on board and on the wharves makes your union officials jobs easier to say the least. We are the working class and a struggle based union and proud of it. Kia Kaha Tatau (be strong we are all one). On behalf of the branch I would like to wish all members and families of the Maritime Union of New Zealand and working class a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please be careful and safe if you have to travel. The Maritimes | December 2008 | 21