The Maritimes Spring 2015

Issue 51 • Spring 2015

Maritimes

www.munz.org.nz

Magazine of the Maritime Union of New Zealand

ISSN 1176-3418

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 1

The National Secretary Reports

By Joe Fleetwood National Secretary

Automation Ports of Auckland has announced consultation on a proposal to partially automate the Port with “Autostrads.”

The proposal is that automated straddles do some of the less complex yard work and would be rolled out by 2019. Up to 50 jobs could be under threat.

This process is one that the Maritime Union is taking very seriously and the national union is working closely with the Local 13 officials on it. The Union recently held a constructive formal meeting with POAL management about their plans.

Two new simulators are going to be arriving at the Ports of Auckland in November for Autostrad and crane training. MUNZ members will have the opportunity for training and upskilling for this new technology.

Automation is going to be an ongoing issue for maritime unions and all unions, especially in areas such as manufacturing, transport and logistics.

Many larger ports overseas have seen the introduction of automated or partly automated technology.

The way we approach this issue is demanding “automation by negotiation.”

There is little point in trying to resist the advance of the technology itself, just as containerization came along, a higher degree of automation in the industry is inevitable.

2 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

The issue must be to ensure that automation is not used to deunionize workforces, or to undermine terms and conditions, and to throw people out of work without compensation.

We have seen the recent attacks on the MUA in Australia, most recently with Hutchison terminals in Sydney and Brisbane, where the employer has used the same despicable tactics of the Patricks dispute to attack their workforce under the guise of “automation”.

But the way they are going about it is clearly motivated by an anti-union agenda.

We offer our support to the MUA in their current struggle.

In Auckland we have some advance warning, so we have the ability to negotiate through the issues more.

Two other points need to be considered.

If Auckland is considering partial automation, it is likely that the process is under consideration by large ports such as Tauranga and Lyttelton.

This is an issue that the entire Union needs to focus on.

Secondly, the wider issue of automation needs to be seen as a political and social issue, not just as an industrial one.

There is growing concern that a greater level of automation will result in increased job insecurity and unemployment.

Instead of being used to reduce working hours and increase incomes for the working class majority, automation under capitalism will mean increased inequality and disruption.

We need to ensure policies that distribute the wealth evenly and make technology work for people, not the other way around.

Health and safety The sentencing of the Lyttelton Port Company for the 2014 workplace death of MUNZ Lyttelton Branch President, Brad Fletcher, was a harsh reminder of the dangers of our industry.

That makes it even more disturbing that the Government has been seeking to water down the new Health and Safety Reform Bill by undermining provisions for worker representation, and letting small and medium businesses off the hook.

The recent straddle accident in Port Chalmers also reminds us that we need to continually focus on health and safety on the job.

New Zealand has a chronically high rate of workplace deaths and injuries compared to similar countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.

The message needs to be sent to the Government that the lives of workers are more important than allowing businesses to cut corners on health and safety for the sake of profit.

www.munz.org.nz

TPPA The recent debate around the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement shows the Government on the wrong side of public opinion and the wrong side of history.

These so called “free trade” agreements are really about extending the control and power of transnational corporations over individual nations and the international working class.

The Prime Minister has admitted that some medicines will cost the Government more under the TPPA. It has been pointed out that future Governments could be taken to international tribunals and fined if their policies contravene the clauses of the TPPA, and disadvantage these same global corporations. So much for democracy.

Most remarkable of all, it appears the supposed benefits to the dairy industry have been overstated as other countries firm up to protect their own local industries.

The Maritime Union continues to support the TPPA – No Way! Campaign with many other groups and individuals throughout New Zealand.

Other business The MUNZ National Council meets in Wellington on 4–5 November 2015 at Waterside House.

Other upcoming events include the MUA National Council in Sydney and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions biennial national conference held in Wellington in October. MUNZ National officials will attend all of these events.

I have visited many branches in ports throughout New Zealand in recent months in order to assist with the negotiation of collective employment agreements.

The developments in our industry with technology, inland ports and ongoing changes in ownership structures and strategic alliances between terminals and other industry operators means that we have a lot to keep across.

While attending the July 2015 Maritime Union of Australia National Council in Sydney, MUNZ National Secretary Joe Fleetwood and MUNZ National President Carl Findlay were guests at the Miners’ Centenary Dinner held by the CFMEU on Wednesday 8 July 2015. Pictured from left Joe Fleetwood, CFMEU Mining and Energy Division General Secretary Andrew Vickers, ILWU International Secretary Treasurer William E. Adams, and Carl Findlay. www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 3

By Carl Findlay National President

President’s Comment

4 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

The recent announcement by Ports of Auckland that it is going to invest millions into a semi-automated terminal in Auckland was met with a lack of concern and indifference by some. According to the dictionary, these words are used to describe the word apathy.

I asked a few casual container lashers and straddle drivers at the ports what their thoughts were about the announcement.

The answers ranged from “it’s technology we can’t stop it, so I’m not worried about it” and “guess that’s my straddle job gone,” but alarmingly, most just shrug their shoulders.

This attitude is not really surprising if you take into account that my workplace is just a snapshot of what is happening around the rest of the country.

Take the last election results for the New Zealand Government as another example.

At the end of the election, we had a larger number of eligible voters not bothering to turn out than ever before.

That showed a real lack of concern and indifference too, and that is a major problem for us all.

Within the working class, it’s clear that unless you are a tradie or belong to a strong union you are probably doing it tough.

So what’s up with the apathetic attitudes out there and why are most people doing nothing to help change their lot?

How did we get to this point, and how do we rid ourselves from the apathy bug?

These are not simple questions to answer.

But we need to get something started now to change and here is where I believe we need to start.

Each of us at the work place needs to become their “brother’s keeper” and communicate to our workmates that now is not the time to sit back and let your future employment be endangered.

Tell them to stop letting others do all the work, because if they keep choosing not to engage or hide or just shout from the sidelines then we have lost before we even start.

We need to educate the new members and re-educate ourselves about the great victories the labour movement has had over many years of struggle.

Last, but not least, we need to remember that standing together we have a better fighting chance than standing as individuals.

Technology is moving quickly on the New Zealand waterfront and we cannot stop it. However, we can demand “automation by negotiation”.

Thanks to our international brothers and sisters we do have inside knowledge about what’s coming.

Another advantage is we have some time, so no excuses – get involved, don’t just be a card carrying member, engage with our union, and we will all benefit together.

Proud to be Union.

www.munz.org.nz

Contact the Maritime Union

In this issue

National Office Telephone: 04 3850 792 Fax: 04 3848 766 Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington 6141 Office administrator: Ramesh Pathmanathan Email: ramesh@munz.org.nz

National Secretary’s Report page 2

National Secretary: Joe Fleetwood Direct dial: 04 8017614 Email: joe.fleetwood@munz.org.nz

Mobile: 021 364649

Health and safety page 9

National President: Carl Findlay Direct dial: 09 3034652 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz

Mobile: 021 760887

National President’s Comment page 4 News page 6 Bulk and general stevedoring update page 8 Union History: Operation Hope page 12 Automation: special report page 14

Assistant General Secretary: Ray Fife Direct dial: 03 2128189 Mobile: 0274 475317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz

Port roundups page 18 Letters page 28 Branch contacts page 29 Recipes page 30

MARITIME UNION BADGE NICKEL PLATED WITH 3 ENAMEL INFILLS AND RES

National Vice President: Selwyn Russell Direct dial: (07) 5755 668 Mobile: 0274 782308 Email: selwyn.russell@munz.org.nz ITF Inspector: Grahame McLaren Direct dial: 04 8017613 Email: mclaren_grahame@itf.org.uk

Mobile: 021 2921782

Communications Officer: Victor Billot Mobile: 021 482219 Email: victor.billot@munz.org.nz

Has your address changed?

If you are not receiving the Maritimes magazine in the mail, you need to update your address details.

Email membership@munz.org.nz or write to PO Box 27004, Wellington – and remember to advise your branch officials as well.

JOB: 34984 v2.0

PLATE DEPTH: 2mm

The Maritimes Magazine Published quarterly by the Maritime Union of New Zealand.

26mm Authorized by Joe Fleetwood, 220 Willis Street, Wellington.

ISSN 1176-3418

Editor: Victor Billot Mobile: 021 482219 Email: victor.billot@munz.org.nz Mail: PO Box 27004, Wellington 6141, New Zealand Deadline for Summer 2015/2016 edition: 9 November 2015 Maritime Union online Website www.munz.org.nz Facebook www.facebook.com/maritime.union Twitter www.twitter.com/maritimeunion Flickr www.flickr.com/maritimeunion YouTube www.youtube.com/maritimeunionnz

FITTING: 1 PIN (9mm) AND CLUTCH

ELECTROPLATING: NICKEL

The Maritime Union of New Zealand is affiliated to the InternationalRESIN

PLEASE ENSURE ALL DETAILS ARE CORRECT BEFORE GIVING APPROVAL TO PROCEED TO PRODUCTION Transport Workers’ Federation

www.munz.org.nz

www.itfglobal.org

Front cover photo MUNZ Whangarei Branch Secretary Ben Hathaway and Branch President John Farrow at a community protest in August against AFFCO Talleys anti-worker attacks on meatworkers (photo by Steve Murray)

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 5

Automation plan for Ports of Auckland

6 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

The Ports of Auckland announced a proposal in August 2015 to partially automate its container terminal with automated straddle carriers or “AutoStrads” by 2019.

The move could potentially eliminate around 50 jobs, with the exact numbers not confirmed until late 2017 or early 2018. Port management says the Port is reaching the limit of what it could do with current technology and the size of the port.

The proposal suggests the use of 15-metre tall “one over three” automated straddle carriers to move and stack containers in the container yard at Fergusson container terminal. More complex operations under cranes would continue to be performed by manual drivers. Manned straddles would shuttle containers between the exchange area and the cranes.

Port automation is a major trend overseas, with a variety of technologies rolling out in major global ports, including rubber tyre gantries and automated stacking cranes, options which are not on the table for Auckland at this stage.

The process has been fraught in many ports and ITF affiliated maritime and port unions have responded with a campaign of “automation by negotiation” to prevent the introduction of new technology being used to deunionize the industry.

The Maritime Union is currently engaged in discussions with POAL management about the automation proposal. The Union recently held a constructive formal meeting with POAL management about their plans. Two new simulators are going to be arriving at the Ports of Auckland in November for Autostrad and crane training. MUNZ members will have the opportunity for training and upskilling for this new technology. www.munz.org.nz

Over 25,000 people braved the elements all over New Zealand during August, sending an unmistakeable message to the government to walk away from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). “In twenty-one towns and cities across the country, the people of Aotearoa have spoken loudly and clearly, demanding their government listen to them and ditch this toxic deal”, said It’s Our Future spokesperson, Edward Miller.

Unions meet politicians in Chevron campaign A global campaign targeting oil operator Chevron has come to New Zealand, with maritime unions saying the company has a bad record of dealing with local communities around the world.

Maritime Union of Australia Deputy National Secretary, Will Tracey, lead negotiator for the offshore oil and gas industry in Western Australia, met with a group of MPs in Wellington on 22 July 2015 to raise awareness of problems that local communities have experienced with Chevron.

Chevron is a new entrant into the New Zealand oil and gas industry, and was recently awarded three offshore exploration permits in the Pegasus Basin, in partnership with StatOil. Mr Tracey says unions understand Chevron has begun consultation with their local stakeholders.

He says he has a personal interest in bringing this campaign to New Zealand, as he has strong family connections to the Wellington area with immediate family from the Hongoeka Bay Pa, as well as living there as a young boy. He is affiliated to Ngati Toa and Ngai Tahu. www.munz.org.nz

“We are talking to workers, politicians, environmental groups, iwi, and local communities about problems with Chevron’s engagement with indigenous communities, their stewardship of the natural environment, and their workforce relations.”

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Joe Fleetwood, who also attended the meeting, says the presence of Chevron is not welcomed by New Zealand maritime workers.

Mr Fleetwood says Maritime Union members do not support companies with a bad environmental record and anti-worker agenda entering our industry.

“The natural resources of New Zealand must be used to the benefit of New Zealand workers and the people of New Zealand, not simply to boost profits for multinational operators.

“Chevron has failed to deliver elsewhere and we are warning the people of New Zealand to be wary of this corporation.”

Chevron is the operator of Australia’s largest LNG (liquified natural gas) project Gorgon, on the remote northern coast of Western Australia, which has disappointed local communities by failing to meet commitments for local jobs and to local businesses, poor safety and other conditions for workers, massive cost overruns and project mismanagement in its construction phase.

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 7

Bulk and General Stevedoring

By Assistant National Secretary Ray Fife Part of each National Official’s portfolio is to cover all four sector industries within our union.

My role is to work with the National Secretary and report on the Bulk and General sector around the ports.

A large amount of time has been taken in mapping all ports so that we have up to date information on all aspects of Bulk and General operations in the ports.

We have been able to compile information around hours worked by each company in each Port, collective agreement expiry dates, number of members employed by each company, Health and Safety issues, overseeing the special organising project in Tauranga, use of hatchmen on the job, and type of cargo worked in each port.

This information helps MUNZ build a profile on all stevedore companies in New Zealand and gives a broad picture on the increasingly changing face of stevedoring throughout our ports. It is about a hands on approach, talking to Branch delegates, listening and giving advice when necessary.

We have recently met with Southern Cross Stevedoring to negotiate the core clauses of each port collective agreement. We are now going through the process of getting this ratified at every port.

8 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

Bulk and General Stevedoring is facing many challenges at the moment. We have seen Patricks of Australia buy out C3. Qube (Australia) bought out ISO here in New Zealand. Qube is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services with national operation and operates in 28 Australian ports.

Along with Southern Cross Stevedoring which is owned by Stevedoring Services of America, we can see that Stevedoring Companies throughout New Zealand are now owned by multinational companies.

Therefore it is important that we maintain our union’s tradition of international solidarity. We need to maintain direct relationships with many unions throughout the Pacific region and continue to work closely with the ITF. Our employers in New Zealand are the same employers in Australia and America.

A more negative sentiment seems to have settled on the New Zealand economy since mid 2015 and evidence in the market suggests a challenging trading period lies ahead for importers and exporters.

In the case of the dairy sector, the depressed international prices and low farmer payout have been in the news, and this could translate into a decreased tonnage of fertiliser and palm kernel imports.

www.munz.org.nz

China is facing uncertain times and this also could have a direct impact on the Bulk and General sector as they were the main buyer of logs throughout the country.

Currently container freight rates are lower than Bulk Cargo freight rates therefore more and more cargo is being containerised, putting the squeeze on the Bulk and General Stevedoring industry.

With less cargo, Stevedoring Companies are undercutting existing stevedoring contracts to gain a share of the work. It is a downward spiral, and at the moment it has not bottomed out.

Today we face new circumstances and challenges, with new technology and automation making its way to the waterfront.

The Bulk and General sector has been able to adapt to these challenges to date and even grow the membership in a number of ports.

Our struggles prove that we can survive and sometimes even grow during tough times if we use winning strategies, work together with allies here at home and aboard, and stay true to our principles.

Sentencing for Lyttelton port death The Maritime Union has acknowledged the sentencing of Lyttelton Port Company for the 2014 death of Lyttelton port worker, Brad Fletcher.

At the Christchurch District Court on 6 August 2015, Judge John Strettell awarded reparations of $75,000 and a fine of $63,000 – total penalties of $138,000.

The Lyttelton Port Company pleaded guilty in June 2015 to charges of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employee at work.

Brad Fletcher died in August 2014 after the collapse of a scissor lift during his work in maintenance.

Brad was the President of the Lyttelton Branch of the Maritime Union and had worked for many years at the Port, and was a highly respected member of the local community.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the case showed the importance of strengthening New Zealand’s health and safety laws and regulations, and the Maritime Union stands by its call for a full inquiry into NZ port safety.

www.munz.org.nz

Health and Safety Bill condemned The Health and Safety Reform Bill was voted through Parliament in August 2015.

Changes to the legislation have resulted in new laws that have been described by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions as “damaged” and “flawed.”

There has been widespread condemnation of the Government’s actions not only from unions, but from business and from media.

The Otago Daily Times wrote in an editorial after the Bill was passed: “Flawed to the point of being nonsensical in parts, rushed through at the finish line but with consultation apparently still required, the Bill quite simply makes a mockery of process, people and the lessons of the past.”

The Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum has called the decision to exclude farming from the “high risk” category as disappointing, and would send the “wrong message” to the industry.

The new Health and Safety legislation was developed in the aftermath of the Pike River disaster which claimed 29 lives, and was on track until it was derailed by special interests.

The official Taskforce on Health and Safety found that New Zealand’s previous laws were “unfit for purpose” and significant work went into developing the new system.

Changes made to the Bill due to political pressure at the last minute have jeopardised its effectiveness, says Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary, Joe Fleetwood.

“The exclusion of many industries from the high risk category is very concerning.”

The number of deaths and injuries in the maritime industry is unacceptable and the Maritime Union will continue to concentrate on issues including fatigue, undermanning and casualization, which undermine safety, says Mr Fleetwood.

When the Bill was introduced, it had the support of all political parties, workers and business. It was a foundation to rebuild New Zealand’s broken health and safety system, says NZCTU counsel, Jeff Sissons.

“Sadly, the Government lost its nerve in Select Committee and the Bill came back bearing dozens of cuts and compromises to appease National’s backers.

The law will be less effective and more workers will die and be hurt as a result.”

“The disaster at Pike River mine is a scar on our history. Creating better, safer law was a promise the Prime Minister made. John Key has broken his promise to me and to all the families of the 29 men who were killed at Pike almost 5 years ago,” said Pike widow, Anna Osborne.

The CTU is considering a judicial review of the proposed decision to exclude dangerous industries such as dairy farming, beef farming, sheep farming and stone quarrying from being considered ‘high risk’ and eligible for health and safety reps.

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 9

Hutchison Ports Australia sacked 97 out of 224 workers – more than 40% of its workforce – at Port Botany and Brisbane terminals on 6 August 2015. Workers were informed by a midnight text or email, and weren’t even allowed to pack up their personal belongings, instead being told their lockers would be dumped in a box and couriered to their homes. Following legal action, the workers remain on the payroll for now, while the MUA is engaged in negotiations with the company at the Fair Work Commission. Community assemblies remain in place outside the terminals. MUA Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith said it was important to keep up the pressure because the company would never have come to the table if the assemblies were not initiated in Brisbane and Sydney.

For more information, go to www.mua.org.au

Unions back UN refugee plan The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has backed a UN call for Europe to accept, initially, up to 200,000 migrants and for European countries to work together to handle the massive inflow of people from the Middle East and Mediterranean.

Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said, “This is not only a crisis for Europe; it is a global crisis. With some two million refugees already in Turkey, the world is faced with the biggest migration movement in 70 years, as people flee armed conflict and abject poverty.

Until the basic reasons that people are forced to flee their homelands are resolved, the migratory pressure will continue to grow. Ordinary people, as individuals and through their unions, community and faith groups and sports clubs are showing the way to politicians – solidarity and compassion must be the guiding principles in this as in any other humanitarian crisis.”

10 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

“It is encouraging that several European countries are showing their preparedness to accept substantial numbers of people fleeing persecution and war.

Others need to follow their example, and ensure that the new arrivals are able to integrate fully in their new countries, including with the right to decent jobs,” Burrow said. “The failure of the Gulf States, which are the world’s richest and are deeply engaged in conflicts in the Middle East, to accept a fair share of refugees, is simply deplorable.”

The ITUC is calling for the G20 leaders to take responsibility for global solutions at their November Summit. “Equally, global leaders need to work together to end the conflicts, particularly in Iraq and Syria, which are driving the migration crisis,” added Burrow.

www.munz.org.nz

By Carl Findlay National President

Launch of the Maritime International Federation

MUNZ National Secretary Joe Fleetwood (left) and MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin (right) seal the newly established Federation with a handshake in Sydney, as MIF executive officer Mick Doleman (centre) looks on

www.munz.org.nz

It was a great experience to be present at the official sign off of the Maritime International Federation in Sydney, at the Maritime Union of Australia Special National Council in July 2015. It is worth noting the first International President of the MIF is our own MUNZ National Secretary, Joe Fleetwood. This shows the central role that MUNZ has with this new federation.

Why do we need a Federation like this? The days of hunkering down and hoping that trouble will pass us by are long over.

Maritime disputes have always been international disputes and in today’s globalised economy and neoliberal, anti-working class political system, we are only as strong as our weakest link.

The Pacific region is now the world’s main maritime region which we are literally in the middle of.

As has been observed, the new focus of global power has shifted to the Pacific Rim, which features the two main economies of the world, China and the USA. In the South Pacific, and around the coast of Australia and South East Asia, we have huge maritime resources that are just coming online, and the goal is to ensure these resources are used to benefit workers and communities in the area, not corporate profits.

But just as global corporations are organizing their operations across borders, so does organized labour have to organize internationally.

MUNZ along with the MUA, the Papua New Guinea Transport and Maritime Workers’ Union, and Timor Leste’s SMETL, have formed a union federation in order to build capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leaders from the newly formed Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS) and from the long established Indonesian seafarers’ union the KPI, were also in attendance and have expressed an interest in joining up.

Other officers are the MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin who was elected general secretary of the MIF and former MUA Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman who has started in his new role as the Federation’s executive officer.

Paddy Crumlin noted the formation of MIF was just an extension of the historical partnerships the unions have had with each other in the past 150 years.

“The Federation is a mutually beneficial programme which will help raise the standards for maritime workers in the developing affiliated unions, while providing opportunities for our members on projects in the region.”

Paulino Da Costa and Mario Guterres de Oliveira from SMETL, Hanafi Rustandi from the KPI, and Aung Kyaw Linn and Shwe Tun Aung from IFOMS all joined in the discussion.

Joe Fleetwood summed up the MUNZ position saying that “Cooperation and cross-borders is the way forward. This Federation will allow us to grow, better organise and evolve.”

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 11

MV Ngahere unloading relief supplies at Port Sudan, 1985

Union history: Operation Hope

By Hector Thorpe President Local 13 “Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronisingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”

(Nelson Mandela) Thirty years ago, a Maritime Trade Union initiative “Operation Hope” helped unite a nation to relieve the suffering in the Horn of Africa.

There was a political mood swing in 1985 as Prime Minister Robert Muldoon’s National Party, had gone and the David Lange-led Labour Party had started implementing anti-apartheid and nuclear free policies.

As history records, the USA reacted by cutting all military and intelligence ties with New Zealand, and the French Government went further by dispatching agents here to blow up the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour, killing Portuguese-Dutch photographer, Fernando Pereira.

On the other side of the world, the BBC broadcasted a documentary of the dehumanisation of human misery in the Horn of Africa describing “a biblical 12 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

famine in the 20th Century” and “the closest thing to hell on Earth”. The images shocked and raised attention to the crisis in Ethiopia.

Bob Geldof was so moved by the documentary he set about creating Do they know it’s Christmas, charity single and concert Live Aid, which raised the international profile, and helped secure international aid.

The magnitude of the disaster had the same effect on Gerard Hill of the Cooks and Stewards Union. Gerry utilised his maritime and community connections to propose the chartering of a ship and loading it with famine relief supplies for the starving, the suffering, the dying.

Operation Hope was launched, and within twenty seven days, over two million dollars were raised as the MV Ngahere sailed around the coast berthing at Dunedin, Lyttelton, Wellington, Auckland and Port Chalmers.

At each port the media was quick to identify and highlight the volunteer crew members that represented their region.

Local Mayors and councillors supported the community and business spirit generated by Operation Hope. School children would further their projects on the famine crisis by organising visits to the wharf to view the vessel, iwi kapa groups would perform from the wharf, and even a bag-pipe group fully kitted came on-board to perform stirring renditions of Highland favourites.

Operation Hope generated a huge nation response of compassion, generosity and community spirit, reminiscent of the first TV fund raising telethons.

www.munz.org.nz

MV Ngahere at Port of Lyttelton, 1985

An effort of community, unions, business, the media and politicians working together.

After one month of port promotional visits and loading over 4,000 tonnes of medical supplies, whole milk powder, bulk wheat, bulk peas, pallets of corn, mutton, smoked fish, honey, bales of blankets, sacks of clothing, a bulldozer, shovels tarpaulins, building tools and stationery, we sailed via the Tasman Sea, the Great Australian Bight, the Indian Ocean and onto the Red Sea to Port Sudan, Sudan.

We arrived at Port Sudan after one month at sea to unload our cargo, which was received by the Eritrean Relief Association and the Relief Community of Tigray, the Sudan Council of Churches, and the High Commission for Refugees, for distribution.

We departed and before calling at Aden, Yemen for fresh water, we discovered two stowaways fifteen year old Suddi Said from Tanzania and twenty one year old Andrew Mhando from Kenya, who we took under good care and later put to work alongside us.

The return trip did give us plenty of time to reflect on the project and our country’s contribution and response.

Often it’s not only natural disasters that are responsible for many of the humanitarian crises around the world, it can be a combination of many factors, and in the case of the Horn of Africa it seemed to be in large part a combination of conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, almost total failure of crops in the north, continued drought, and the huge locust plagues which all accumulated to create the misery and hell on earth for so many.

www.munz.org.nz

Many individuals, unions, businesses, government organisations and non-government organisations worked tirelessly for the success of Operation Hope.

Acknowledging so many leaves the possibility of omitting those truly deserving individuals or organisations. Therefore, with the help of others I have simply focused on naming the crew members of the Ngahere.

MV Ngahere crew members Captain - Tony Dunkley, Ch/Mate - Bob Bird, Mate John Davis, Mate - Craig Colven Ch/Engineer - Bob Lyver, Engineer - Norman MacFarlane, Engineer - Peter Chivers, Engineer Richard Bould, Engineer - Edwin Cock, Elect - Joseph Walker Bosun - Joseph Macaskill, AB - William Gray, AB - John King, AB - Richard Tidmarch, AB - Edward Hicks, AB - Terence Woods, AB - Edward Noland, AB - Hector Thorpe, OS - Finlay McIntosh, DB - Andrew Margerrison, MessMen - Barnard Car, Motormen Leslie McMahon, Motormen - John Clarke, Motormen - Dermot Blake, Motormen - Tana Osborne Ch/Steward - Gerard Hill, Ch/Cook – Brian Marshall (on Kiwi coast), Ch/Cook - Mervyn Campbell, Cook Ian Reddie, Steward - Irene Goode, Steward - Garry Southern

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 13

Photo by Alessandro Tortora https://flic.kr/p/eSN6wQ Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

The working class in an age of automation

By Victor Billot

Container terminals see rapid changes

Self checkouts at the supermarket, self check ins at the airport. Ringing IRD about a tax issue and talking to an automated voice. These are a couple of the visible effects of automation on daily existence in a modern economy.

Behind the scenes in the “engine room” of the economy, in transport, logistics and manufacturing, a massive shift is also taking place.

Because these changes aren’t always obvious, and are taking place in a busy world, they are often underestimated.

When you connect these trends towards automation together, it is clear that our economy and society is going to be profoundly changed by these technological developments, for good or ill.

The changes have been described as a “third wave” of industrialization that will displace workers, destabilize societies and create vast (and unequally distributed) material wealth.

But before looking at the overall effect, what can be expected to happen in the maritime industry?

The recent announcement that the Ports of Auckland is proposing a move to partial automation is part of a global pattern. Container terminals, and inland ports, throughout the world have been moving towards automation for some years.

Some of the world’s largest ports are now fully automated – ports in the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and Australia are using automated (driverless) vehicles and yard stacking gantry cranes.

A much larger number of ports are semi-automated, operating with auto yard gantries, auto straddles, shuttles and tractors.

This is a shift that will have an impact as big as containerization for the maritime industry in terms of employment and work practices.

The technology for automation in ports will affect larger terminals first.

The considerable capital investment required and the complexity of the technology will mean that smaller terminals in New Zealand will lag behind.

One of the reasons given for Auckland’s investment in automation is that it allows greater use of the limited space available for the port.

14 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

www.munz.org.nz

That isn’t such a issue for ports such as Tauranga, but it seems unlikely others will be far behind in introducing similar technology.

The use of “part automation” will also see a transition period.

While fully automated ports exist, most ports using automation have moved to an intermediate position.

Some tasks are still carried out more effectively by human operators.

Automation is unlikely to affect bulk cargos such as logs for some time, but noting that the containerization of logs has occurred in recent years, the situation may be more fluid than expected.

Maritime technology developments While cranes and straddles are the high profile areas of port automation, other technologies are also under development.

A fully automated twistlock handling system, invented by Bromma Corporation, carries out manual coning and deconing of twistlocks on the quay, or directly on cranes during the load and discharge process.

Non-lines based mooring has been used on Interislander ferries for some years, but is becoming more common throughout the world. Cavotec MoorMaster is an automated vessel mooring system that enables ships to be held securely to wharf by a vacuum process.

Not all the technology is big scale and obvious.

The new automated container handling systems will be dependent on “data driven” electronic communications like Position Detection Systems (PDS), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

Most surprising is the concept of “drone ships.”

A European Union backed organization MUNIN (Maritime Unmanned Navigation through Intelligence in Networks) is working on automated ships, defined as a ship “primarily guided by automated on-board decision systems but controlled by a remote operator in a shore side control station.”

This isn’t just a theoretical concept.

The marine division of Rolls Royce has been developing a new, highly computer based bridge technology, and have partnered with Finland to lead a multi-million dollar project, the Advanced Autonomous Waterborne Applications Initiative, to advance the technology further.

Slower-sailing bulk carriers could be the first ships to be automated, according to MUNIN, which sees a step-by-step approach to reducing manning on ships.

The main barrier to these ships is seen as not the technology, but the complexities of maritime law and the international status of these vessels in different jurisdictions.

www.munz.org.nz

Logistics industry could be turned upside down One port-related area where automation may have a huge impact is trucking.

This will have major implications for the entire transport and logistics chain, including ports and shipping.

Tests of self-driving trucks in the Netherlands have happened with Port of Rotterdam this year, with the Government looking at law changes to accommodate these vehicles on public roads.

Mercedes Benz has trialled semi-automated trucks in Germany and the USA. They can drive on highways without human direction, and when complex traffic situations emerge, the trucks prompt the driver to return to control the vehicle.

The situation with autonomous cars is similar, with numerous manufacturers working on having these vehicles in use on the road within the next five years.

Tech giant Google has been testing fully functional self-driving cars, and says they aim to have solved remaining issues by 2020.

The CEO of Nissan has stated cars will drive on highways without anyone at the wheel by the end of 2016, and autonomously navigate through crowded city roads by 2020.

Swedish manufacturer Volvo is rolling out 100 cars as a customer trial in 2017 that will drive on urban routes.

Some of these vehicles are hybrids that allow fully autonomous operation but move back to manual control by a driver when desired, or when complicated driving situations arise.

Others, including a Google model, don’t even have steering wheels. The implications for public transport and taxi services are staggering.

This doesn’t cover the role of other emerging technology, such as airborne drones, and warehousing, where automated stackers are already in common use by major distribution corporates like Amazon. The role of human workers is being slowly but surely eroded.

Automation and deunionization The rollout of automated terminals in Australia has seen major conflict with the dockworkers represented by the Maritime Union of Australia.

Recent struggles with terminal operators in terminals including Brisbane and Port Botany have seen automation used as a Trojan horse for the deunionization of the workforce.

Just before midnight on 6 August 2015, a total of 97 workers out of a workforce of 224 from Brisbane and Port Botany (Sydney) were sacked by text and email.

The case went to the Fair Work Commission, and the Federal Court issued a two-week injunction preventing the sacking of the workers amid concerns the company did not consult as required by the enterprise agreement.

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 15

The dispute follows hard on the heels of redundancies at Patricks and DP World terminals.

MUA Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith says employers were seeking to introduce automation as a method to slash their workforce and bust unions.

The voice of those who have worked the waterfront for decades has been ignored when it comes to automation, Smith said.

“The MUA is progressive, and workers know automation is coming but there is a right way to introduce and implement new technologies and there’s a wrong way and what I have seen so far is companies like DP World, like Patrick doing it the wrong way,” he said.

“In places where automation has already taken place, productivity and efficiency gains haven’t been made, the only result I have seen is an addition of numbers to the large and ever-expanding unemployment figures.”

A conference on port automation was held in Sydney in 2013, organized by the International Transport Workers’ Federation, and called for “automation by negotiation.”

ITF President and dockers’ section chair, Paddy Crumlin, commented: “We are united in the view that automation will not be imposed, it will come through negotiation.”

“Dockers are skilled, professional workers with valuable insight and experience to share, who see automation as an opportunity for new skills and training.”

16 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

“Their place is at the table where the suitability of new technologies is examined. There must be no automation without negotiation.”

Crumlin says that unions will take action against employers who try to use automation as a means to try and destroy unions, impose excessive job cuts and remove conditions of work.

The promise and peril of technology These changes in the maritime industry will have a major impact on our jobs and work patterns.

But that is just one small part of the picture.

While researching the impact of automation on ports around the world, I quickly realized that this process was part of a wider acceleration of “autonomous” machines and automation, driven in turn by the development of artificial intelligence through advanced computing power, and robotics.

At the same time, this vast investment in new technologies is entirely focussed on the productivity and profit of individual, competitive enterprises. The effect on employment and inequality is at best a topic for speculation.

There seems to be little interest in what may happen to the workers whose skills and livelihoods will be displaced.

Many of these changes are seen as individual, incremental steps, thus we fail to comprehend the magnitude of the transformation.

www.munz.org.nz

Many people think change will occur at a manageable pace. There is a strong argument that the advances in technology that are occurring today are an “exponential” process.

This term refers to runaway growth, like a cartoon snowball that gathers speed and size as it rolls down a hillside. As technology builds upon itself, change accelerates further.

One example of this rapid or “exponential” change in technology is represented by Moore’s Law, which has accurately predicted the declining cost and increasing power of computer chips.

Some of these rapidly developing technologies are artificial intelligence and robotics (including automation), nanotechnology (extreme small scale engineering), and biotechnology (including genetic engineering).

Automation has been described as a “new industrial revolution.”

The social question behind these changes is what does it mean for the working class majority.

The globalized economy is creating vast wealth while simultaneously becoming more volatile and unstable, while exploiting and degrading many workers and the environment.

The classic capitalist economic argument is that new types of jobs will replace outmoded work, just as factory and office work replaced manual farm labour a century ago.

However, a substantial number of economists and futurists have suggested the widespread use of automation will mean an eventual overall reduction in available jobs and labour required.

In a capitalist society, where the worker survives by selling his labour in the market, this could be a negative outcome, as income is disrupted, insecurity increases and inequality becomes more extreme between an “owner” class and a struggling working class.

The effect on the overall system of declining incomes for a large number of workers would also affect consumer spending.

One flaw of the capitalist system is that while each individual enterprise seeks to relentlessly maximize its own profit for shareholders, this usually has negative effects on a social level. Attacks on job security, wages or conditions can undermine the society that the same profit making enterprises operate within.

This process is now more complex than ever.

The social effects of inequality have already become a major issue, and once this problem is magnified by automation, it could result in major social disruption – which may not be a bad thing, if it leads to political change.

www.munz.org.nz

Oxford University academics, Frey and Osborne, stated in 2013 that “most workers in transportation and logistics occupations, together with the bulk of office and administrative support workers, and labour in production occupations, are likely to be substituted by computer capital,” in other words, automation.

They also suggested that 47 per cent of current US employment is at “high risk of automation.”

The question then is what happens when you have a society of vast wealth and productivity where the automated “means of production, distribution and exchange” are controlled by the few.

For the last generation, the political system has been dominated by neoliberal capitalist ideology, that relies on “the market” to deliver solutions.

The response of the union movement to these technological changes has been muted.

Opposition to technology in itself appears a dead end road.

The danger is that the labour movement gets itself diverted into opposing new forms of technology, rather than fighting to change the social relations and the economic structures that are no longer relevant in the age of the “Robot World.”

As the industrial goal on the waterfront is “automation with negotiation”, the political and social challenge should be managed change with social responsibility, and a planned economy that ensures the benefits of technology are shared, not monopolized by a wealthy elite.

(As the science fiction novelist William Gibson said, “the future is already here, it’s just unevenly distributed.”)

In a rational and people-centered economic system, automation could offer reduced working hours but improved conditions and incomes for the majority.

The proposal for a Universal Basic Income is another suggestion that has been made to equalize the effects of displacement of jobs.

Whatever response we have to the changes happening, it has to be fast.

After considering the views of various experts in this field, my conclusion is that within a ten-year window we will see a massive shift to automation in the transport and logistics field. Although it may take longer to roll out in a small economy like New Zealand, the cost of this technology will continue to drop while its accuracy improves.

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 17

Representing the Maritime Union of New Zealand at Merchant Navy Day wreathlaying ceremony at the Hall of Memories, Wellington, Thursday 3 September 2015, from left Wellington Secretary Mike Clark, National Secretary Joe Fleetwood, former National Secretary of the New Zealand Seafarers’ Union Jimmy Woods and former Wellington Secretary Mike Williams.

MUNZ Wellington Branch Secretary Mike Clark and Assistant Secretary John Whiting with Rhonda Samoa, sister of the late Mark Samoa, attending a seminar at Parliament Buildings on 18 August 2015. The seminar was convened by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions to enable family members of workers killed in New Zealand’s workplaces to participate in a last effort to improve the Government’s watered down health and safety reforms.

Family members gave harrowing testimony regarding the ongoing effects of their losses, and their disgust at the Government’s intention to enact legislation that will not provide proper protections for all New Zealand’s workers. MPs from opposition parties spoke and promised to seek amendments and committed to stand against the National Government’s actions.

18 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

www.munz.org.nz

Wellington

By Mike Clark

Merchant Navy Day On Thursday 3 September, representatives of the Wellington Branch attended Merchant Navy day at the National War Memorial to honour the Merchant Navy men and women who lost their lives at sea during the First and Second World Wars.

Merchant Navy Day marks the service and sacrifices made by Merchant seafarers, but it is the date of 3 September that is most significant as that on this day in 1939, the first British merchant ship was sunk.

It is only since 2010 that the Government has recognised Merchant Navy Day. Seafarers made a huge contribution to the Allied cause in both World Wars and in other conflicts around the world since then to deliver troops and vital supplies.

Unlike enlisted Naval seafarers the men and woman who sailed merchant vessels were civilians employed by private companies and came from various walks of life.

During the First World War around 70 New Zealand merchant seamen lost their lives from a total toll of around 15,000 seafarers from all Allied nations.

During the Second World War the number of merchant seafarers who lost their lives doubled to around 140 New Zealanders and approximately 60,000 for all Allied nations.

This is a huge number of seafarers who did not come home to their loved ones. Let us pray for common sense worldwide and peace, otherwise our seafarers may be called upon in future years should a conflict of world proportions takes place.

Cook Strait Ferries The latest news from the Wellington Branch is that Strait Shipping’s “Santa Regina” has now been sold and is on its way to new owners in Indonesia after 13 years’ loyal service on the Wellington–Picton run.

We are waiting the news on whether the “Arahura” will follow suit. Built in 1982 and brought into service on the Strait in 1983, she has carried freight on trains and trucks and passengers for over 30 years with over 50,000 crossings to her credit with minimal disruption, which is a remarkable achievement.

She was also heavily involved in the rescuing of passengers of the ill-fated Russian cruise ship “Mikhail Lermontov” in 1986, and the seafarers who have sailed on the “Arahura” will remember her with a fondness not often accorded to other vessels.

We are currently in negotiations with Strait Shipping for a new CEA on their vessels and hope to finalise that in the coming days to the satisfaction of the members.

Offshore industry The Offshore continues to be a difficult issue for the Branch with the lack of work for our members.

With the price of oil currently so low, it is difficult to see the industry improving in the short term.

I have been in regular contact with the operators in Taranaki and expect some improvement in the coming weeks. We will then most probably be faced with the opposite situation of a labour shortage.

Christmas functions Enter into your diaries the dates for this year’s Christmas functions. The old-timers will be held on 5 December and that is for ex-members, and for current members, 12 and 19 December.

Attending Merchant Navy Day commemorations in Wellington on 3 September 2015 are veteran seafarers, left to right, Jimmy Rosser, Joe Briggs and Bruce Burns, who travelled from Mount Maunganui (photo supplied by Kathy Whelan) www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 19

2016 INTERPORT SPORTS Wellington will be the host port for 2016. We welcome all participants from Sunday 7 February 2016 to Thursday 11 February 2016.

Golf Venue – Wainuiomata Golf Club.

Fishing – Sailing from Seaview Marina, Wellington Harbour.

Accommodation is available at Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park, 95 Hutt Park Road, Lower Hutt.

Reservations phone 0800 948 686 Email info@wellingtontop10.co.nz Website www.wellingtontop10.co.nz We recommend early bookings as the Wellington Sevens are being held on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 February before Interport.

Entries must be in by 31 October 2015 and accompanied by the Tournament Fee. Golf fee $175.00 per head, Fishing fee $275.00 per head.

Postal Address for entries: Wellington Interport, c/o PO Box 27004, Wellington.

Contacts: Bradley Clifford Mobile 0211765928 Email bradleyclifford@msn.com John Whiting Mobile 021606379 20 | Thejohn.whiting@munz.org.nz Maritimes | Spring 2015 Email

www.munz.org.nz

Stand Up CTU Youth Conference

By Byron Cumming (Local 13)

In May 2015 I attended a CTU youth conference organised by “Stand Up”, representing Auckland MUNZ as the youth delegate.

The role of Stand Up is to give a voice to young union members of CTU-affiliated unions.

To get involved you have to be a union member and be under 35 years of ages.

This conference had older people there as well, and it seems the people that run Stand Up are welcoming to anyone who shows an interest in unions and youth in the unions, which is a good thing.

Stand Up was first founded in 2001 (at that stage it was called the Youth Union Movement.)

At this conference it had 12 unions represented in the private and public workforce, including teachers, railways, services and food, and of course the maritime industry.

I was glad that I went because being a union member at this time can sometimes feel depressing.

Only 20 percent of the New Zealand workforce is unionised, and we have to deal with all the bad labour laws that have been brought in, such as the 90 day bill and zero hour contracts.

www.munz.org.nz

Sometimes when I show up to a MUNZ stop work meeting in Auckland and there are only 20 people there, and I am the youngest member in the room, I can get a bit down about it all.

But going to this conference I saw that there are a lot of like minded people who wanted the best for their union.

When I talked to some of these different people, it sounded like we had similar problem of trying to get young people interested and active in their union, and not just paying union dues.

At this Conference everyone had a chance to have a say and I left with a positive outlook on what I can do to try to get young people interested in being more involved in MUNZ. In the near future I would like to set out some goals with the help of MUNZ. The Stand Up conference elected two co-convenors.

They are Christina Couling (New Zealand Nurses Organization, from Christchurch), and Asher Goldman (Public Service Association, from Wellington.)

This was a very good conference. I hope Stand Up continues to make progress with young unionists willing to stand up and get involved.

I hope at the next Stand Up conference, MUNZ will be there again with more young members from different MUNZ branches.

If anyone has any questions, they can email me at bigbyron84@hotmail.com

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 21

Auckland Local 13

By Russell Mayn

Lyttelton

By Les Wells On Friday 28 August we had the unveiling of Brad Fletcher’s headstone. This was a very moving occasion for everybody concerned. There was a great turnout from friends and family with Brad’s wife, Anita, thanking everyone for being there. When Brad’s sons unveiled the headstone it was moving to see the detail that has gone into it. In the afternoon there was the unveiling of a plaque at the Lyttelton container terminal.

This has been erected on a large rock outside the smoko room at the terminal. There was a Tapu blessing carried out wishing peace and prosperity to all Brad’s family and friends. Anita then gave a message of thanks to everyone for being there, and also challenged all of Brad’s workmates and LPC management to make it our responsibility that this never happens again. It was obvious by the numbers at both memorial ceremonies that Brad may be gone but he is not forgotten.

C3 We have started contract with them. We have found we have quite a gap between them and us but it can be narrowed through negotiation. There seems to be a drop off in work at the moment.

LSS We are nearing the initiation of bargaining for them.

I believe they have had a down turn in shipping.

Tunnel control as I reported last time, is all quiet.

SGS Apparently they are having problems with recruitment of staff as is everyone in Christchurch.

LPC LPC has just employed 5 more PRPs, they are seeking major changes in some areas which are not very palatable to the membership so we will defend our conditions to the best of our ability.

22 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

There are a number of issues in the Local presently, not in the least the announcement by the Port Company that it is moving to introduce semiautomated cargo handling into its terminal operation at the Port of Auckland.

The time frame for introduction has been set at three years and, while this gives us considerable notice, it also means that for a number of stevedores in the port in three years’ time they will be looking at job losses.

The Ports of Auckland is the first container terminal in New Zealand to choose the route of automation.

However from experiences overseas we know that other ports will consider the same option as part of the competition for cargo.

The pros and cons of automation are arguable, but there is a worldwide trend for ports to embrace automation and reduce labour costs. The critical issue is at what operational point does automation become a viable option and how will decisions be made leading up to automation.

There are differing views on what is the best model for automation and no doubt future articles will delve into this more closely.

As we know more about what is being proposed for the Auckland Container Terminal, we will comment in more depth.

Agreements We have been busy negotiating the various Collective Agreements that are up for renewal. The Pacifica Collective Agreement has been signed off after a lengthy negotiation.

At Fuller Ferries we have two Collective Agreements, the first being the Marine Collective which covers the Ferry crews and land based operational staff. This agreement has been ratified and will be signed off in the near future.

The other agreement covers the Engineers who service the Ferries and at this stage we are waiting on a ratification meeting.

The Collective Agreement covering Winstone Aggregates will go to ratification as soon as terms of settlement are agreed.

Wallace Stevedoring which is our biggest stevedore in the Conventional Port, has ratified a two year settlement and the Collective has been signed.

We are currently in negotiations with Golden Bay to renew the Collective Agreement. This is a very important round of talks for the Local and for the Seafarers as Golden Bay has contracted their operation to China Navigation. China Navigation will build and own a new vessel to replace the current vessel owned by Golden Bay and they will manage the new vessel when it arrives in New Zealand.

As you can imagine there is considerable work to be done in securing the terms and conditions for our members currently employed by Golden Bay. www.munz.org.nz

Political issues Politically, there are a number of issues that confront workers in New Zealand and in Auckland.

There is the TPPA free trade agreement that threatens the future rights of all New Zealanders and unlike the change the flag proposal where at least we get to see what the Tories have in store for us, we have no idea what is in the TPPA. Negotiations and contents are under the “Cone of Silence”, this is not Get Smart but get what you’re given and how dare you question us, we know what’s best for the future. All the National Government asks of you and your children is to bear the consequences in the future.

As the time line for re-certification of Seafarers’ qualifications approaches, it is timely to remind everyone who is having difficulties with the process that the union office is available to assist.

Also a gentle reminder to make sure that your address is updated at the Union office as the 2015 Local 13 elections are not that far away, and ballot papers will be posted out to the address held on the Union database.

“An Injury to One is an Injury to All”

Union Training Course MUNZ training courses are booked for late 2015 in Auckland and Whangarei.

Auckland Branch Local 13 Assistant Secretary, Craig Harrison, is continuing on with his role as MUNZ trainer, leading these courses which have previously been attended by members from Wellington, Port Chalmers and Bluff.

The training course is intended for all members with an interest in learning more about their union and employment rights. It is an informal, social and enjoyable two day experience which is focussed on discussing the real life issues that we come up against in the workplace.

Topics include some background and history on the Maritime Union, what the role of unions in the workplace is, the role of the delegate and disciplinary processes at work, communication and problem solving, engaging with members and recruiting members, employment law, and global unionism.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact MUNZ Trainer Craig Harrison at Local 13 or email craig.harrison@munz.org.nz

www.munz.org.nz

What’s happening?

By Craig Harrison Assistant Secretary, Local 13 A question that often rings out through the smokorooms, canteens and mess rooms, “What’s happening mate, what’s the Union doing?”

Have you heard it, or maybe you might have asked it. I can recall countless times during my time as a stevedore at the Ports of Auckland these questions were asked, and, to be honest, are still being asked in the very same mess room.

I asked them myself as a new worker in the industry and, as a new member, I still ask the very same questions of myself now I am in an official Union position.

Sometimes we don’t like the answers we get as workers, but surprisingly we don’t always seek the truth or the accurate answer, sometimes relying on hearsay, rumours and second hand information.

In some cases, giving misplaced trust in some answers from the employer, without testing their responses for truth.

As I write this article there are plenty of substantial issues arising in the next couple of years for the industry.

We have heard Qube is moving into some bulk and general contracts, and we are dealing with the announcement of Golden Bay, and how it will use China Navigation to move its cargo. We recently received the news that the Ports of Auckland is entering a study into automation of the majority of the straddle fleet.

When I started in the Union 22 years ago, it was easy to find out what was going on in the Union.

We would go to the monthly stop-work meeting on the second Monday of the month and receive full reports from the officials, and regular reports on incidents at the workplace from the then walking delegate, Tommy Shields.

We had elected delegates on the shift groups in the Terminal, who were the go to people if you had issues in the workplace.

I was always impressed by the knowledge the delegates had of the legislation of the day, and the accurate record keeping and defined levels of communication between workers and management.

In time, it became evident that one of the ways to create fractures in the unity of the workforce would be to make it harder for the Union to meet and do business.

After all, the Union is the members.

Once you make it hard for all members to be present at the same time then, you start to limit the ability of the Union to effectively do business and respond to issues in a timely manner, and give the member the ability to have open and frank debates.

[Continued on page 24]

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 23

There was a time that Stevedoring Companies would let the rostered workers go to a monthly stop work meeting off pay for a couple of hours, the turn outs were big and the debates often full of fire and vigour.

This over the following years was to change until the present situation where you are only able to be released if by employment agreement, or legislative requirement.

There was also a time when Union delegates on the executive were released on unpaid time for both local and, at times, national business.

What has stuck with me over the years are some very basic principles that still stand the test of time.

Some simple but effective rules, like: don’t go into a meeting by yourself, take a delegate and take notes.

Sounds basic I know but the amount of times our members come to grief not following this basic rule is astounding.

Of course, everyone feels they are important, and they think I can go it alone, what can be the harm?

The funny thing is a lot of people can only envisage being employed, not sacked.

It’s at this time a sound understanding of the employment agreement, the process covered in any dispute or disciplinary process in the Collective Agreement or IEA is needed.

The practicality is that not all workers can afford to retain a lawyer or the use of a lawyer for advice.

When you think about it, you wouldn’t buy a car or a house without having a good look at them and understanding their condition.

Once you have checked the condition out and agreed to the terms, you enter into a form of offer and acceptance thereby forming a Contract of sale and purchase.

The same could be said of an Employment Agreement, and it’s here where a bit of education and knowledge comes into play.

Until I started learning about the process, becoming involved in the process is when you really realise how complex and, at times, beneficial clauses in a Collective Agreement can be or not be.

It’s not really that hard but it helps to have some good mentors around prepared to educate and spend time with you.

I thank Bob Stephenson, the former health and safety delegate for the Waterfront Union, for sparking my interest and other workplace delegates at the time.

I think most new workers to the maritime industry would have limited experience of what Unions do and how they operate, for instance the basic fact that employment agreements are voted on, good or bad.

When the relationship between employer and employee is productive and amicable, you would expect the workplace to be a productive and rewarding experience for all parties involved. If when the relationship turns to conflict and breaks down, you rely on what’s in your Employment Agreement, and in wider sense the legislative environment we operate in.

24 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

For example, who would think to look for an answer for a dispute over sick pay or entitlements in the Holidays Act, yes that’s where you would start looking.

The Acts of Parliament State the minimum requirements, in workers’ terms you can’t contract out of an Act. It’s also just as possible in a situation of conflict your employment may be questionable. It is the reality just as the Company thought it was important that they decided to employ you, they might feel it’s just as important for their business model or relevant issues to terminate your employment.

It’s not the most savoury process any worker would want to be involved with or experience. But, unfortunately, all too often this can eventuate, and again you look for answers in the relevant Act for both processes and remedies.

I can’t remember any young or new worker in my time in the industry, entering our workplaces with even a limited understanding of the importance of these Acts.

It’s not their fault; it’s that old adage “you don’t know what you don’t know”.

So, it’s important more experienced members with a little bit of knowledge endeavour to pass on what we have learned and experienced to these new workers.

Surely, they all deserve the chance at least to experience that we did?

I always remember what I got out of the delegate training programme. At the programmes I have had the privilege to deliver I always enjoy the debate and interest we spark in Union members.

So, what’s happening? With my new job as the Assistant Secretary Treasurer at Local 13 I will have more ability to commit to education of the members and help develop training.

The MUA, through the work of Shannon O’Keeffe from the ITF, has indicated some initial support in opening up access to our members to courses run by the MUA. The National Secretary, Joe Fleetwood, has been supportive and active in promoting this objective, endorsed all those years ago at National Conference.

Also the Branch Officials over the recent years have given it a bit of a heave, but unfortunately nothing to break records.

To be fair sometimes the workloads in the relevant branches made it difficult to get it on the agenda for the branch. I also accept responsibility for not pushing more and advertising it more.

So what’s going to happen in the future? We will as a Union advertise the training available more not only through our Union, but also the CTU, and other like minded organisations, both locally and internationally.

So, if think you have something to add or feel like imparting some experiences from both past and present members on such educational issues, please feel free to comment or submit material we could use.

www.munz.org.nz

Ben Hathaway and John Farrow of Whangarei Branch MUNZ attend a community organized protest against Talley’s anti-worker and anti-union activities in Whangarei, August 2015

Local 13 2015 Elections

Whangarei

For: Secretary/Treasurer 2 x Vice Presidents 12 executive members

By Ben Hathaway

• Nominations open on Monday the 31st August 2015 at 7:00am.

• Nominations close on Friday the 9th October 2:30pm.

• “Beauty Parade”: candidates address the Monday 12th October 2015 stopwork meeting.

• Election opens on Monday the 19th October 2015, ballot papers are mailed out to members.

• Election closes midday Monday the 7th December 2015.

• Nomination forms will available from the Union Office.

• Candidate profile/statement to accompany nomination form.

• Members please update your postal address at the Union Office if you want to have your say.

www.munz.org.nz

Northport has been reasonably busy with no noticeable downturn in logs as was predicted, and a better than expected kiwifruit export than last year.

The new crane has arrived and will be in operation about mid November and is creating a lot of interest around the operation of it.

Since Winston Peters became our local MP, the port has had more publicity in six months then the last ten years with his latest plug for the port that the car imports should be shipped here. We eagerly await developments.

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 25

ENZCO-107 floating rig at the Port of New Plymouth

New Plymouth

By Terry Whitehead Hi all, and I hope you are keeping well.

I was going to start with how slow and quiet we have been, but after a quiet couple of weeks, six ships decide to all come at once. Cheers!

Logs A steady trickle of vessels but volumes are still low.

Wood continues to be trucked and railed (8-10 carriages) but even with new areas being opened up for storage, the totals are small.

Bulk Cargo PKE Palm Kernel continues to come in and now with the Power Station storage area near ready to take product, we hope volumes will only increase as the drop in farmers taking orders hasn’t dropped as low as first expected. Long may it continue.

Scrap Boats With the old Power Station demolition nearing completion at the start of September, there is no sign of any ships on the horizon. The amount of trucks leaving with loads is a indication that it must make more sense to truck it away than bring a boat in.

Commodity prices are low so unless that changes, they’ll keep on trucking.

26 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

Oil and Gas Not a lot happening on the Oil and Gas industry front. Our MUNZ members at Programmed Total Marine Services have very low amounts of work as things grind to a halt. No new exploration is planned or being considered in the near future as far as we can tell.

We even have the ENZCO-107 floating rig parked up in the harbour as it awaits more drilling work.

Meanwhile, it’s undergoing repairs and maintenance, and it could be a few months before any decision is made.

Out of port work Thanks as always to the Ports who cross hire and a special mention to Bluff who took a large group of us when we were having an especially quiet time, so gave the opportunity to travel and keep busy.

Also, thanks to the Nelson Branch which sent labour to help us at the end of August when we were busy.

Much appreciated.

Stopwork Meeting The 6 August stopwork and health and safety meeting was well attended and productive. Topics discussed included branch business, our in house medical scheme, and health and safety issues, which we raised and talked through with management.

We will be holding another one soon so we can go through a few issues arising with our contract, and also discuss our strategy with the incoming ISO threat. Until next time, keep safe and look out for one another. www.munz.org.nz

Napier

By Bill Connelly

Around and about We are expecting the first tourist vessel to arrive in the port next month and a further listing for at least another forty expected to arrive before mid March next year.

Contrary to popular belief, I am still the Secretary/ Treasurer of the Branch. I did resign from my seat on the National Council and from the Finance Committee at the May National Council Meeting for health reasons. Happy to report I am on the improve and back driving after a year without my licence, something that not only pleases me, but also my wife Dale, who has had to put up with my moans and groans over the past year.

On the local scene, the hot topic at the moment is the referendum on amalgamation for the whole of Hawke’s Bay, which includes voting by constituents in the following areas of Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings, Napier, Rangitikei, Taupo and Wairoa.

C3: Formerly Toll Logistics New Zealand Limited Ratification of their new Agreement was completed on 31 August 2015 for a further year. Sadly, because of the monetary constraints placed on the Company, our members, who were previously employed on a five over seven days and guaranteed forty hours per week, have now reluctantly accepted a reduced guaranteed hours payment of 128 hours over a four week period.

Because of my ill health, all of the negotiations took place with the General Secretary in attendance and the local Branch negotiating team. A long winded exercise for which all parties deserve a vote of thanks for maintaining a C3 presence in the Port of Napier.

On 18 May we said a fond farewell to Jim Strickland and Maurice Hampton who both accepted a voluntary severance package from the Company.

Both were long standing members of the Branch, who served on the local Executive Committee and saw us through some difficult times since Port Reform in 1989.

A personal vote of thanks to them both for all their assistance in Branch affairs, local negotiations and in general keeping C3 ticking over in the port for many years. Jim joined the Branch on 8 December 1975 and Maurice on 13 May 1974. The Branch wishes them both well in their future endeavours and hopefully we will get to see them both at future Branch functions.

Hawke’s Bay Stevedoring Services Limited Negotiations have recently concluded for a consolidated agreement in the port, which used to include the Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) and the Local Port Schedule F, which pertained to the Port of Napier. These documents have now been consolidated into one agreement, which makes life a lot easier for all concerned, especially when it comes to getting around the negotiation table.

Kelcold Limited This agreement has now been settled after a long period of negotiations, including mediation and threatened court action. The new agreement is in place until 2018, with minimal increases on the anniversary of each year.

NZL Containers Limited Their employment agreement expires on 1 February 2016. Unfortunately, due to the slowing down in container volumes moving throughout the Bay, two of our members were laid off recently. A sign of the times in our industry, but we are always looking on the bright side and hopefully things will pick up in the not too distant future.

Annual General Meeting and a Delayed Xmas Function The Branch is still trying to get an Annual General Meeting for last year and a belated Christmas function for the membership. This is proving to be an extremely difficult exercise, even with only two stevedores in the port. We will just continue to try and hopefully both will come to fruition in the not too distant future.

Go the All Blacks!

Maritime Union online Website www.munz.org.nz Facebook www.facebook.com/maritime.union Twitter www.twitter.com/maritimeunion Flickr www.flickr.com/maritimeunion YouTube www.youtube.com/maritimeunionnz www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 27

Mount Maunganui Tauranga

By Selwyn Russell

Lancelot We have been very busy lately, with the Lancelot still being stuck to the wharf here for various reasons.

The seafarers on board have had a pretty depressing time. They have been on our coast for well over two months now, with problems with food, wages, and not even being allowed ashore as their temporary visas ran out.

We got notification from Auckland Branch of the condition of the cranes and the fact the Lancelot was held up there so as to be fixed. Then it arrived here in Mount Maunganui with more problems, and horrendous weather delayed the cargo being discharged and the ship leaving.

The charterer then arrested the ship, leaving the owners and crew in no-mans land. This was at the time the Greek banking crisis was peaking and no information was forthcoming from the company.

New Zealand ITF inspector, Grahame McLaren, was then involved even though this ship and crew did not have an ITF agreement.

On humanitarian grounds, he was instrumental in getting funding for lawyer Pauline Barratt to address the High Court on behalf of the crew.

She immediately obtained a temporary visa for the crew so as least they could go ashore, with some backpay for them. Pauline also achieved a result through legal means that allowed some to go home.

Ten of the crew are staying with the backpay and the improved conditions, plus an increase to their rates of pay whilst alongside in New Zealand.

We consider this a good intervention for the right reasons as we represent seafarers internationally, and as an ex-seafarer, the thought of being stranded, not paid, and not allowed ashore through no fault of your own is extremely unjust and similar to imprisonment.

The crew at this stage are extremely thankful for our timely action.

So well done to all who have assisted with this.

28 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

Health and safety On another note I was pleased to have a meeting with Worksafe New Zealand assessment inspector David Wilkinson, in regard to the Port of Tauranga, and the various contractors who work on the wharf.

I was able to present some of the worries that we have. One dangerous trend is the lack of reporting of incidents and near misses.

I stated to him that sometimes it’s like shooting the messenger, as if you’re a casual who reports incidents, the perception is that “you may get less work so keep your head down.”

This goes directly against the grain of what health and safety tries to achieve, as highlighted incidents are dealt with by a “big stick” approach.

I said to David that I thought he would get more correct information if it was anonymous.

He said this can be achieved by ringing him or the other 2 inspectors at Worksafe on 0800030040 and leaving them a message.

Please, if you see these things happening take this offer up.

I was promised all information will be collated and checked and hopefully investigated.

Our aim should be no more deaths on our wharves.

The culture of “she’ll be right” and “production at any cost” must be dumped out of our profession and workplace.

We also discussed the effects of fatigue and the associated risks.

Excessive hours and alternating shift patterns, and too little or too much work can get in the way of a work/life balance.

Labour hire company staff that work sporadically on the wharf are not subject to the same training, so do not have the understanding of the very many movements with machinery that are needed to service the hatches at any one time, with alternating cargo types using different apparatus and different SOPs. Some managers may state “we use the same ones”, I personally don’t believe that cuts it.

As with general cargo all employees should be completely at ease with the varying rules and SOPs with all cargos and its handling and stowing on and off vessels.

This is why casuals have a valued input, and their training, and safety awareness, should be enhanced not undermined by not having regular employment.

Not all companies adhere to the proper training that’s required, and I would hate it to be because of financial reasons.

[Continued on page 30]

www.munz.org.nz

MUNZ Mount Maunganui Tauranga Branch Secretary Selwyn Russell and Branch President Peter Harvey worked with ITF New Zealand inspector Grahame McLaren to assist crew aboard the Lancelot V (see branch report for more details.)

MUNZ National Secretary Joe Fleetwood (right) meets with MUNZ members at C3 in Mount Maunganui

www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 29

We do not have set numbers for required tasks, it only states to proceed in a safe manner, all ports around New Zealand should be using best practices so as to make sure our members’ and employees’ welfare remains the top priority.

So remember: Worksafe 0800030040.

While I am at it, please don’t forget our own MUNZ hazard register on our website, where you can log an incident. Information is kept confidential.

Otherwise if you hear of or see of an incident, let me know, with time, date, where, and possible ramifications. This information will be kept confidential.

We need to know what’s going on around our workplaces. Be safe!

Company roundup C3 We have exchanged the claims with the company and are about to go into talks by the time this magazine is out. And yes, we are hopeful of not too much doom and gloom.

NZCSL It’s pretty quiet here at the moment after quite a few regular disciplinaries. However we have a new delegate who is committed to the task and looking forward to negotiations next year.

Ballance The agreement is finally signed off and I believe all relevant backpay updated and received.

Wilson’s Parking They have finally automated the Route K toll booths, so to our members who are about to enjoy their retirement, we thank you for being loyal MUNZ members and also we wish you and your whanau all our best for the future.

All I would ask is that you keep promoting unions as you have done in the past as we must never be so complacent with our collective rights and conditions.

So again, be safe and be well.

30 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

Bluff

By Ray Fife The port has gone through a relatively quiet period over the past couple of months which is normal for this time of year.

We will be facing an uncertain few months ahead as China experiences a slow down and the low payout to dairy farmers could see a slowdown of fertiliser and palm kernel through the port.

Busy seasonal freight activity has produced a record cargo volume for South Port in the 2014-15 year and the highest tax paid profit result in the port operator’s history. The reported after tax profit of $7.74 million is a 15.5% increase on the 2014 year.

Over the next 12 months, South Port plans to develop around 0.8ha of land in Invercargill, adjacent to the Kiwi Rail area where containerised cargo is transferred to and from rail. This will target primarily containerised import cargo growth in the region, the venture will service freight forwarders, plus transport operators.

The Branch see that this development has the potential to grow the union.

Considerable media commentary was generated about the future viability of the Rio Tinto NZAS Tiwai Aluminium Smelter.

Electricity supply negotiations were concluded on 3 August 2015 with a varied contract resulting between NZAS and Meridian Energy. This announcement has provided greater certainty of employment for our membership.

The Branch has been involved in a number of disciplinary matters in the past few months.

Members must realise that some rules are there for a reason and if you push the boundaries you must be prepared to suffer the consequences. Members need to keep their heads down, work within the collective, do their job and go home safely.

Branch elections The Branch elections were held recently with all positions filled.

The Branch has a new President in Andrew Alexander.

Andrew is a relative novice, but with guidance and support from the current Officials, Executive and Rank and File members, will fill the position just fine.

It is good to see that we have members who are prepared to stand for these positions and it bodes well for the future of the Branch in the future.

Vice President: Barbara Shaw Secretary: Ray Fife Executive: Terry Osborne, C Ryan, G Brown, A Allan, C Fife and J Davidson

www.munz.org.nz

MUNZ members The Settlers representing Local 43 Lyttelton

The Branch is still growing and now has a number of new executive members along with new rank and file members. Delegate and Health and Safety training is an area that the Branch sees as a priority and will be making use of our in house trainer sometime in the near future.

We welcome all new members into the Branch.

Harry Holland Retirement We must acknowledge retiring President Harry Holland, who has had to take early retirement due to ongoing health problems.

Harry started out as a seafarer, then joined the wharf in the 1970s, and was an active union member who always said what was on his mind. He was the first on hand in supporting the union through our many struggles and led from the front during his time as the Branch President.

We wish Harry a long and happy retirement.

Interport We will have a large contingent of members who will be attending the Inter Port Sports tournament and thank the Wellington Branch for putting their hand up to run this tournament, which has not been held in their area for a number of years.

www.munz.org.nz

The Settlers – Battle of the Bands Finalist

By Hector Thorpe President Local 13 This hard core, in your face Hip Hop group of MUNZ musicians with outstanding original material went head to head with 140 other regional contenders to eventually secure a place in the Finals of the National Battle of the Bands competition which was held in Auckland.

I’ve always known MUNZ members could rock their booty as there are some great singers and musicians out there past and present, as proved at the Old Timers, where on occasion our veteran members have been known to burst into song or break out the spoons. However, the Settlers took it to another level, something MUNZ members can be very proud of. Local 13 contributed a small koha towards the Settlers to assist with their travel cost to the finals.

Pictured above: Sahala Larnyoh – Vocals, Mike Thorpe – DJ, Elias Tyro – Vocals, Guy Higginson – Drums, Anthony Horan – Vocals, Sebastion Taylor – Bass Guitar, not in photo Shengda Sun – Production Manager, Support Fundraiser – Gary Horan (photo by Hector Thorpe)

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 31

Port Chalmers Dunedin

By Steve Smith Greetings from the Port Chalmers branch.

We are really into the quiet season now with fewer ship moves and yard work drying up considerably.

As you will be aware on 1 July there was a serious accident involving a four high diesel electric straddle toppling over at the terminal.

We would like to acknowledge all the support and well wishes received from around the country and also our MUA brothers and sisters.

I am pleased to inform that our member involved in the accident is making an amazing recovery and, although still has a way to go before running any marathons, we expect him to be back on board in some capacity before the end of year.

We look forward now to the cruise ship season and a ramping up of shipping activity towards Christmas.

That is all for now, until next time, stay safe and look after each other.

Inland port competition intensifies Ports of Auckland is to establish an intermodal freight hub within three kilometres of the Port of Tauranga.

Operated by Toll Group, with land-owner Triton Pacific building the infrastructure required to equip the 1.4-hectare site with a rail connection, container handling facilities and other value-added logistics services, the facility complements the port’s existing inland ports at Wiri (South Auckland) and Longburn (Manawatu).

Ports of Auckland recently stated it was also considering further hubs in Hamilton and the South Island.

The recently opened MetroPort Rolleston (owned by Port of Tauranga) and an adjacent inland port under development by Lyttelton Port Company are already creating a new dynamic in New Zealand freight operations.

New Union formed The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), with more than 30,000 members, and the Service and Food Workers’ Union (SFWU), with more than 20,000 members, officially merged to become the second largest union in the country, after the Public Service Association.

According to both unions, the new labour organization will be formally launched, with a new name and brand, on October 7 in Wellington.

“This is a huge step forward for all working New Zealanders,” said EPMU National Secretary, Bill Newson.

“A strong union movement is the foundation for good wages, skills’ recognition, and decent working conditions. Too many Kiwis aren’t in a union and don’t see how they can get a better deal at work. We want to reach those workers and help them make a difference through collective bargaining.”

Unions Otago organized a protest on 10 August 2015 outside the Dunedin office of Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Michael Woodhouse MP to focus attention on the negative changes to new health and safety laws.

Those in attendance included, from left, Dairy Workers’ Union organizer John Howell, Maritime Union Communications’ Officer Victor Billot, and Unions Otago Secretary and PSA delegate, Malcolm Deans.

32 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

www.munz.org.nz

Letter: Toll Trainees

Meatworkers fight for jobs that count More than a hundred members of the New Zealand Meatworkers’ Union employed by AFFCO Talleys staged a protest on 9 September against employment conditions at the company’s Wairoa meat works.

Union Organizing Director Darien Fenton told media the workers voicing their concerns were incredibly brave. “The company wants them to sign non-union draconian documents to go back to work,” she says.

“Conditions are pretty grim. People can be put on any shift. The workers have no continuity of employment hours.” The protest was held on the first day of the new processing season at Wairoa’s AFFCO plant.

About 250 workers at the meat plant have refused to sign contracts as a precondition to returning to work, after they voted to reject what they describe as “punitive individual employment agreements.”

The MWU has been attempting to renegotiate a collective agreement that expired in December 2013 for eight North Island meat works.

More information at www.jobsthatcount.org.nz

www.munz.org.nz

Dear Members, I have sent this letter in now the young trainee IRs and Deck cadets have returned to Toll (Australia) after a six week spell on this side of the ditch, working alongside us onboard the Kaitaki.

In this time, they also did one round trip on the Aratere, our last remaining rail ferry.

This was organised at a company level, with no knowledge of it taking place by us prior to their arrival. However, once here it was established the Trainee IR was a self funded trainee, but more importantly was a MUA member.

MUNZ was informed of their arrival by the members and both the trainee IR and cadet just picked up where they were meant to, working out their six weeks. We secured days off each week, usually weekends, so they could get out and about in Wellington, for which they were thankful and enjoyed.

All in all, the opportunity was an experience of some benefit to them. They paid off on 2 September to enjoy a week in Queenstown before heading home to Melbourne. We wish them well in future.

With this said, it would be good to see this sort of system implemented for our trainees, organized through MUNZ and the MUA, in conjunction with the employers, as the options to gain experience on different vessels is now limited due to the diminished fleets on either side of the Tasman.

The experience would be invaluable along with helping to ensure the ties between our two unions are continued through future generations.

Tony Mowbray MUNZ 1154

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 33

Recipes from Donny Hooper I’m Donny Hooper, Chief Cook on the MV Milburn Carrier II, and one of my favourite pastimes is creating delicious, nourishing food for our crew and plenty of it! My interest in food was inspired by my Nana and my Mum and the sublime miracles that they performed with the coal range in the kitchen. I remember Mum called out to me one day when I was chasing chooks round the back yard to ‘giz a hand, I’m makin rissoles’. I was hooked! Here are a couple of my favourite recipes which always go down a treat.

Winter Winner Peach Cobbler 1 Cup Caster Sugar 1 x 820gm can sliced Peaches 4 Eggs 300gms Butter 4 tsps vanilla essence 1 cup of milk 4 tsps Baking Powder Pinch of salt 4 tbsps Golden Syrup or soft brown sugar 2 cups of flour

Hooper’s Holcim Slowbraised Lambshanks 6 Lamb shanks ½ cup of bisto or maggi gravy 4 carrots chopped Rosemary, sage, thyme, black and white pepper 4 onions chopped 250gms butter 3 x 400gm cans chopped tomatoes

1 head of garlic 1 cup of flour Approx 1 cup cooking oil Preheat oven to 250°C. Heat oil and butter in a large pan on a high heat. Roll the shanks in seasoned flour and brown all over. Transfer the shanks to a large roasting tray and sauté the onions in the same pan to golden and take off the heat. Toss the tomatoes, bisto, herbs and spices into a large bowl and whisk together. Add this to the onions and return to heat and stir until thickened. When this thickens pour over shanks, cover with foil (and cut a couple of holes in the foil), and place in a hot oven for 20-30 minutes.

Keep the oven door closed and turn down to 140-150°C and cook for a further 3 hours. By this time the meat should be falling off the bone ready to serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

Optional: Add a jar of roasted red capsicums to the mix. Add well roasted garlic to the mash potatoes. Add more lambshanks! This dish is simple to cook and the leftovers make a fabulous shepherd’s pie. It’s an absolute winner and a firm favourite with our crew.

34 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

Pre-Heat your oven to 180°C. Cream the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt to a light creamy consistency and add the eggs one at a time. Ensure to scrape the inside of the bowl half way through mixing. Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl and add the creamed mixture lightly folding together with the milk to a light dropping texture.

Butter a pie or pudding dish and scatter the peaches evenly around the base with the golden syrup. Add about half of the peach juice. Pour all of the lovely batter over the peaches and slide the dish into the middle of your oven. Cook for about 35–45 minutes.

The time varies depending on your oven, but a thin knife skewered into the middle of your pud and comes out clean is the tried and true method.

With this fabulous rustic pudding you can use nearly any type of fruit or several if you wish. I often use a small amount of dates or fruit mix. This dish is a great favourite on our ship. I serve it with hot custard, lightly whipped cream or your favourite icecream. Or sometimes all three!

Enjoy.

www.munz.org.nz

Branch and local contacts Whangarei Secretary: Ben Hathaway Home: (09) 4343152 President: John Farrow Mobile: 021 855121 Address: PO Box 397, Whangarei 0140 Email: ben.hathaway@munz.org.nz

Auckland Local 13 Phone: (09) 3034 652 Fax: (09) 3096 851 Secretary: Russell Mayn Mobile: 021 760 886 Email: russell.mayn@munz.org.nz Assistant Secretary: Craig Harrison Mobile: 027 422 5238 Email: craig.harrison@munz.org.nz President: Hector Thorpe Mobile: 027 777 7162 Email: hector.thorpe@munz.org.nz Vice President: Carl Findlay Mobile: 021 760 887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz Vice President: Patrick Honan Mobile: 021 293 9156 Address: PO Box 1840, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140

Mount Maunganui Phone: (07) 5755 668 Fax: (07) 5759 043 President: Peter Harvey Mobile: 027 5501 566 Secretary: Selwyn Russell Mobile: 0274 782308 Email: selwyn.russell@munz.org.nz Address: PO Box 5121, Mt. Maunganui 3150

Our publication of decorative knotwork by seafarers in the last edition of the Maritimes has received some interest with veteran member Barry Jackson sending in these photos of his handiwork.

www.munz.org.nz

New Plymouth Secretary: Phone/Fax: Address: Email:

Terry Whitehead Mobile: 027 468 0050 (06) 751 5514 PO Box 6084, New Plymouth npmunz@yahoo.com

Napier Secretary: Phone/Fax: Email:

Bill Connelly Mobile: 027 6175441 (06) 8358 622 Address: PO Box 70, Napier bill.connelly@munz.org.nz

Wellington Secretary: Email: Phone: Asst. Secretary: Email: Phone: Address: President: Vice President:

Mike Clark Mobile: 0274 538222 mike.clark@munz.org.nz (04) 3859 288 Fax: (04) 3848 766 John Whiting Mobile: 021 606379 john.whiting@munz.org.nz (04) 8017 619 PO Box 27004, Wellington 6141 Alan Windsor Mobile: 021 148 3771 Jimmy King Mobile: 027 363 0194

Nelson Secretary: Phone/Fax: Address: Email:

Ken Knox Mobile: 027 6222691 (03) 547 2102 PO Box 5016, Nelson ken.knox@munz.org.nz

Lyttelton Local 43 Secretary: Les Wells Mobile: 027 432 9620 Phone/Fax: (03) 3288 306 Address: PO Box 29, Lyttelton Email: les.wells@munz.org.nz

Timaru Secretary: Tony Townshend Mobile: 027 4324134 Address: PO Box 813, Timaru Email: tony.townshend@munz.org.nz

Port Chalmers Dunedin Local 10 Phone: (03)4728 052 Fax: (03) 4727 492 Secretary: Phil Adams Mobile: 0274 377601 Email: phil.adams@munz.org.nz Address: PO Box 44, Port Chalmers Bluff Phone/Fax: Secretary: Email:

(03) 2128 189 Address: PO Box 5, Bluff Ray Fife Mobile: 027 447 5317 ray.fife@munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Spring 2015 | 35

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility.

36 | The Maritimes | Spring 2015

If any health and safety incidents occur in your workplace, alert your branch officials and fill in the online incident form at www.munz.org.nz

www.munz.org.nz