The Maritimes Autumn 2012

The Issue 37 • Autumn 2012

Maritimes Magazine of the Maritime Union of New Zealand

ISSN 1176-3418

Standing Strong Ports of Auckland Dispute www.munz.org.nz

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Donations to fighting fund can be made to: Bank of New Zealand account 020560-0450165-004 Account Name: MUNZ National Fighting Fund Account No: 02-0560-0450165-004 Branch : Manners Street, Wellington, New Zealand Bank: BNZ SWIST CODE:BKNZNZ22 Please make a note of your name and/or organization if you wish to when making your deposit.

Support PortS OF Auckland

Call 0900OURPORT (09006877678) to make a $5 automatic contribution Visit www.saveourport.com or www.facebook.com/saveourport or follow us on www.twitter.com/saveourport to keep up to date with the dispute.

Please encourage others to visit the site and sign our online petition. Or you can download a hard copy of our petition and get your friends, family and workmates to sign it, then send it back to us.

EDITORIAL

Ports of Auckland workers: Thank you

Edition 37, Autumn 2012

Contents Editorial General Secretary’s Report Ports of Auckland coverage International Family Voices Branch Reports

3 4 6 18 20 22

by Victor Billot

‘The Maritimes’ is published quarterly by the Maritime Union of New Zealand.

ISSN 1176-3418 National Office: PO Box 27004 Wellington New Zealand Telephone: 04 3850 792 Fax: 04 3848 766 Email: joe.fleetwood@munz.org.nz Web: www.munz.org.nz

Why wharfies are striking – in their own words. Page 12.

Contact the Maritime Union

Editor: Victor Billot Mobile: 021 482219 Fax: 09 9251125 Email: victor.billot@munz.org.nz Mail: PO Box 8135, Dunedin 9041 New Zealand

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

Editorial Board: Joe Fleetwood, Garry Parsloe, Ray Fife and Carl Findlay

General Secretary: Joe Fleetwood Direct dial: 04 8017614 Mobile: 021 364649 Email: joe.fleetwood@munz.org.nz

Deadline for all Port reports, submissions, photos and letters: 1st June 2012 Cover photo: Sue Windsor Thanks to our photographers Simon Oosterman, Andrew ‘Lensman’ Ball, Malcolm McNeill, Harry Holland, Sue Windsor, Alan Windsor, and others For more on-line photos, see www.flickr.com/maritimeunion Authorized by Joe Fleetwood, 220 Willis Street, Wellington

National President: Garry Parsloe Direct dial: 09 3034652 Mobile: 021 326261 Email: garry.parsloe@munz.org.nz National Vice President: Carl Findlay Direct dial: 09 3034652 Mobile: 021 760887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz Assistant General Secretary: Ray Fife Direct dial: 03 2128189 Mobile: 0274 475317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz

It’s nothing new we are up against.

Power does not like to be stood up to.

Maritime workers have always stood up to power. The power of the employer, the power of the state, and the power of capital.

We have seen the ruthlessness of this power before and we know this time around, Ports of Auckland management and their allies can and will throw everything at us.

They have made it clear they want to destroy the unity and independence of maritime unionism and maritime workers. But their power is built on shifting sand.

They have spent countless thousands of dollars (not theirs to spend) to attack their own workforce in an attempt to enforce casualization of employment and contracting out in their workplace.

They want to destroy the hard won gains of workers and they are prepared to gamble with the future of Auckland’s port to do it.

But there is one thing they cannot buy – the spirit of determination and dignity that is displayed on the Auckland picket and in other supporting actions throughout New Zealand and the world.

The 300 workers at Ports of Auckland have stood firm against the onslaught. They have stood firm in the face of incredible pressure.

The support and understanding of partners and families at this hard time is both moving and inspiring.

They are taking on this battle for themselves, but they take it on for maritime workers and other workers everywhere.

The Ports of Auckland workers and their families are real working class heroes, although they would be too modest to claim this title for themselves.

For this reason they should receive every piece of moral, financial and industrial support we can give them.

They are not alone.

The New Zealand poet Denis Glover summed up the power of solidarity in his words written many years ago.

Scab-Loaded

by Denis Glover

ITF Inspector: Grahame MacLaren Direct dial: 04 8017613 Mobile: 021 2921782 Email: mclaren_grahame@itf.org.uk

Chalked on bales, scrawled on cases of cargo the message from unknown comrades on strike, other-landed movers of merchandise, breaks warning across barriers of the sea.

Communications Officer: Victor Billot Mobile: 021 482219 Fax: 09 9251125 Address: PO Box 8135, Dunedin Email: victor.billot@munz.org.nz

Scarred words for those who keep, rough-handed, one another’s honour, strongly bear indivisible their bonds of amity.

No gulf exists for these, engulfed in depths of tallied daylong toil, but seeing only one another across the grey heedlessness of sea and drifting smoke, they deaden pulsing ships, damp down the boiler fires swing tonnage useless aside, at a word.

www.munz.org.nz

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GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

A challenging road ahead for workers jobs, for decent wages and safe conditions.

The reason we have been targeted by employers is that we are known as one of the most highly organized and effective unions.

The Maritime Union is fighting back. We won’t stop fighting until we get a result.

But to win this fight we need each and every member of the Maritime Union to back our brothers and sisters at Ports of Auckland 100%.

Rena

By Joe Fleetwood General Secretary

Ports of Auckland The jobs of over 300 hundred workers at the Ports of Auckland are under immediate threat as the port management attempts to make them redundant and contract out their jobs.

The battle of these workers is the battle of every one of us.

As I walked with thousands of Aucklanders and workers from around the country and the world at the March 10th rally in Auckland, it was obvious that many other workers understand this.

The port company want to casualize, deunionize and rip up the terms and conditions that were hard won by generations of workers before us.

They want complete control over their workers’ lives.

The reality is this is an attack against all maritime workers. It is an attack against all workers.

Workers understand this. We are not alone in this struggle.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions representing hundreds of thousands of New Zealand workers is backing us.

Internationally, the Maritime Union is working with the International Transport Workers’ Federation representing millions of transport workers globally.

The ITF is backing the workers at the Ports of Auckland.

Many other groups are concerned about the management of the Ports of Auckland and have added their voices to our cause.

This port management is out of control.

It is destroying the port and it can and will be stopped by people power.

Maritime workers have been fighting for our rights on the job for over one hundred and forty years.

We know what the fight is about. We know what is at stake; our right for secure 4 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

The grounding of the Liberian flagged Flag of Convenience container ship Rena on the Astrolabe Reef outside the Port of Tauranga last year was a major event.

Although no loss of life was suffered, major damage was sustained to the local environment.

The cost of the cleanup has now reached $130 million largely paid for by the NZ taxpayer.

The officers on the vessel have pleaded guilty to a number of charges, but many questions remain.

The vessel has now split in two but is still held fast on the reef.

MUNZ members have been employed in the clean up and salvage operations including removal of hundreds of containers.

The incident is a wake up call to New Zealand’s reliance on poorly regulated FOC shipping.

What has come out in an interim report by the authorities is that the crew were under heavy pressure to make it into port to beat the tide.

This pressure to put company profits before safety is the real reason behind the Rena, combined with what has been described as the incompetence of officers on this FOC vessel.

The Maritime Union has called for answers about Maersk vessels involved in the current dispute at Ports of Auckland apparently turning off navigational devices, their AIS system, to avoid detection.

Fishing industry There have been ongoing problems with the use of overseas crews on New Zealand joint venture fishing vessels.

Although MUNZ does not represent workers in the fishing industry, through our ITF affiliation we take an active interest in this industry.

There has been documented abuse, exploitation and underpayment of crews sourced from countries including Indonesia.

MUNZ officials and NZ ITF inspector Grahame MacLaren have worked with some of these crews and in many cases achieved a good result for them.

MUNZ has appeared before a Parliamentary select committee last year and contributed to a Ministerial inquiry into the industry An official report has been released that proposes to tighten up some current regulations and their enforcement, and introduce new measures.

The Maritime Union remain sceptical about the commitment of the Government to dealing with the problem.

However the pressure is coming on as the New Zealand fishing industry is becoming identified in major markets overseas as a rogue industry with low standards.

In 2011 a US state department official visiting NZ met with MUNZ to discuss human trafficking and more recently MUNZ was interviewed by a US journalist Ben Skinner.

Mr Skinner’s article appeared in February 2012 in the American business press and has led to US retailers investigating their use of NZ sourced fish.

The threat of lost profits seems to be motivating the industry and the Government more than any concerns about workers or the environment.

Offshore industry There are a number of prospects being surveyed in the New Zealand offshore including both hydrocarbons and minerals.

The development of these resources may occur over a long time frame.

Offshore mining has been controversial with environmentalists opposed to any developments here.

MUNZ have discussed the issues with some representatives from the environmental movement including Greenpeace. We respect their views and ask that they respect ours.

There are areas of common interest here and we share some of the concerns.

But obviously this industry has great potential, and as New Zealand continues to require these resources, why not produce them ourselves? Then at least we have some control.

MUNZ has also pressed for stronger health and safety regulations in the offshore, and we would like to see these resources used for the benefit of New Zealand, not just handing them over to global corporates in exchange for some crumbs. www.munz.org.nz

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT Following the Pike River mine disaster the standard of regulation and enforcement in the industry has come under scrutiny.

Free trade The Maritime Union has taken an active role in supporting opposition to free trade deals which threaten economic sovereignty and jobs.

Free trade deals have been promoted by successive National and Labour Governments.

The scale of opposition and criticism of free trade deals appears much more substantial in Australia.

Productivity inquiry The Government has been running a “productivity inquiry” into freight transport in New Zealand.

This has had a substantial focus on ports and there has been a strong bias towards privatization, casualization and an antiunion agenda.

Productivity as they see it seems to translate into everyday language as squeezing as much labour out of the

workforce as possible at the lowest cost to the employer.

The Maritime Union included its submission with the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions arguing for an industry based around skilled, permanent jobs, high standards and ports working together for the benefit of New Zealand as a whole.

Election 2011 and political developments The 2011 election was a severe defeat for the opposition Labour Party, yet in recent months a succession of bad news has started to chip away at the popularity of the National Party Government and Prime Minister John Key. We have welcomed the support of several parliamentary parties, as well as the smaller left wing and socialist parties, and community and campaigning groups, in the Ports of Auckland dispute.

Major political issues at the current time include asset sales including sale of farmland to overseas investors, job losses in both the public and private sector, growing economic inequality, the rebuilding of Christchurch following the earthquakes last year, stagnant wages and increases in the cost of living.

Canterbury Earthquake The after effects of the Canterbury earthquakes continue to have a major impact.

The rebuilding of the city is proving to be challenging and politically controversial, and ongoing aftershocks are not helping matters.

The Port of Lyttelton has continued to operate and has been boosted by the arrival of materials for the rebuilding effort.

The port township of Lyttelton has been badly damaged.

The generous contributions of overseas unions to the Maritime Union welfare fund for affected members are greatly appreciated.

2012 is shaping up to be a major year for the Maritime Union and the working class here and overseas. Our long history shows we have the commitment and staying power to make a difference.

Thank you to all the unions, organizations and individuals who have offered their support and solidarity in recent times; it will not be forgotten.

Touch one - touch all. Kia Kaha tatou tatou (be strong we are all one.)

Ports of Auckland rally, Saturday 10th March. www.munz.org.nz

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PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Whose Port?Our Thousands of Aucklanders marched to the gates of the Ports of Auckland on the afternoon of Saturday 10th March 2012, as the working class gave a defiant answer to port management’s contracting out and casualization plans.

“Whose port? Our port” was a chant that echoed loudly across the red fence surrounding the virtually silent port.

The rally at Britomart and march along the waterfront to Teal Park was estimated to number 5000 people by TVNZ journalist Steven Smith who described a “sea of supporters for the watersiders . . . thousands, firefighters, meat workers, rest home nurses and politicians.”

The 10th March rally was called by the 6 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

Save Our Port campaign, organized by the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, in support of secure jobs and public ownership of the Port.

The mood of the rally was fired up by management confirming earlier in the week they were proceeding with plans to make the stevedoring workforce at the port redundant, and replace it with contracted out labour.

Flags and banners showed support from New Zealand unions for Ports of Auckland workers, with a visible presence of firefighters, meat workers and rest home workers, who are all engaged in industrial disputes of their own at the current time.

Maritime Union branches from near and far were represented, including the northernmost branch Whangarei and the southernmost branch Bluff.

CTU President Helen Kelly said New Zealanders were increasingly concerned about the impact of casualisation on their families.

“We need jobs that are secure and safe, and that’s what the Ports of Auckland dispute is about - a group of workers who want the ability to be able to say when they’ll be free to spend time with their family, without the worry of being called in to work.”

Labour Party leader David Shearer spoke at the rally and told media the large www.munz.org.nz

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Port turnout showed members of the public were behind the port workers and that unions across New Zealand were standing together on the issue.

“It just shows that I think the depth of feeling among people is that these workers have effectively been laid off. I mean these guys were laid off in the middle of mediation.”

Green Party MP Denise Roche and Mana Party leader Hone Harawira joined the rally, as did representatives of several socialist political parties and groups, students, churches, and other community organizations.

A large number of international delegates also attended the rally, including www.munz.org.nz

some from Australia and the United States.

“These guys are not alone, this is a global issue,” Maritime Union Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman told TV3 news at the rally.

He said management “better come to the party and negotiate and find a settlement . . . otherwise the Ports of Auckland is going to continue to have grief and it’s going to get bigger and worse.”

“We’re obviously here to support the workers, the workers that have been sacked from the Port of Auckland - it’s a disgrace,” said Stuart Traill from the Australian Electrical Trade Union.

“It’s got nothing to do with productivity, it’s about busting unions. Unions are vital

in the workplace and this is about respect and dignity, and about maintaining the Port of Auckland in public hands,” Traill said.

“We’re here to support the working class and the port workers here with the Maritime Union of New Zealand,” International Vice President of North America’s International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ray Familathe told media.

“People are stepping up around the world. The international dock workers’ movement is well organized. There’s going to be support for the Maritime Union of New Zealand in ports all over the world, you can count on that.”

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PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Ports of Auckland workers stand strong will not stand idle when their brothers and sisters are under siege. They are protesting in their ports, they are contacting their New Zealand embassies, they are letting the world know that this fight is far from over and when you take on dockers at the Ports of Auckland you take on dockers all over the world.”

Support has also come from the Mining and Maritime Initiative that brings together some of the world’s largest and most effective trade unions.

Support comes in from around New Zealand

Ports of Auckland management announced on 7th March that they would make around 300 workers at the port redundant in order to contract out and casualize their jobs.

Port workers have mounted a vigorous campaign to overturn this attack on their jobs and their rights.

The port has been under full strike action since 24th February. Work at the port has slowed to a crawl as many vessels are not calling into the port.

The unprecedented action by the management of the publicly owned port has created an international storm of outrage.

Ports of Auckland workers and the Maritime Union have received strong backing from Aucklanders, workers around New Zealand and the global union movement.

Auckland now a “Port of Convenience”

The Ports of Auckland has been labelled a “port of convenience” by the global workers’ movement.

Following the announcement by Ports of Auckland management they were proceeding with their contracting out scheme, ITF President Paddy Crumlin said this meant Auckland was a ‘port of convenience’.

8 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

This, he explained, “can have real consequences in how dockers worldwide react to these cargoes. And it can have consequences among seafarers, among shipping companies looking for ports where they will find efficient and cooperative loading and unloading, and potentially even among customers of New Zealand goods”.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing over 4 million transport workers globally, has put the Auckland dispute to the top of its list of ITF Dockers’ Section. Secretary Frank Leys, speaking at the 10th March rally in Auckland, says the dispute is a major turning point for trade union relations in New Zealand just like Liverpool in the UK, Patrick’s in Australia and Ports Package 1 and 2 for Europe.

“We are standing on the edge of a change which would mean disaster for future generations of workers.

Employment with no security, no benefits and no rights to trade union protection.

We can’t let that change happen.”

Mr Leys pledged the support of the ITF and its 400,000 affiliated dock workers around the world.

“We want the workers of Auckland to know they are not alone in this fight. They

Ports of Auckland workers have taken heart from the breadth of support from around New Zealand.

Working people around the country have organized support. Many New Zealand unions, organizations and individuals have made substantial financial contributions and given other help.

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly says the Ports of Auckland management have left workers with few options but to issue strike notices in response to the Ports management’s attack on their job security.

Helen Kelly says “the industrial action is a response to the ‘take it or leave it’ offer and tactics from the Ports management accept all their changes to the collective and work as a casual or be replaced by contractors. This would mean less job security for port workers and their families, fierce competition on wages and conditions, less safety for port workers.”

“Port management is acting completely irresponsibly to the workers and businesses of Auckland who may be inconvenienced because of this strike.

They are putting the port at risk by insisting on unnecessary changes to the employment of these workers. The Ports offer leaves over 300 workers and their families facing an uncertain future. These are skilled workers who deserve some security of knowing they have some guarantee of work, and being able to plan their lives.”

“This is an issue for all of New Zealand - casualisation is not good for workers or their families. This is a growing story of working in New Zealand - even when workers already offer a lot of flexibility, they are expected to give more, and often to give up any hope of a structured and healthy life.”

“We are supporting the Maritime union members in this action against further casualisation of their jobs, and loss of job security for them and their families,’ says Helen Kelly. www.munz.org.nz

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

International Transport Federation affiliated unions held a protest at the Ports of Tauranga at 2am on Saturday 3rd March 2012 in torrential rain. A Maersk ship loaded by non-union workers in Auckland, where the Maritime Union is striking, was seeking to unload at the Port of Tauranga. Photo by Simon Oosterman.

Solidarity Actions The Ports of Auckland dispute went national on the evening of Friday 2nd March when a picket was placed on Centreport in Wellington as the Maersk Aberdeen arrived in port after being worked by scab labour at Ports of Auckland.

Lyttelton maritime workers picketing the arrival of a non-union loaded vessel from Ports of Auckland.

A demonstration was also held at the gates of Port of Tauranga from around 2am on Saturday 3rd March, to mark the arrival of Irenes Remedy, another vessel that had called into Ports of Auckland.

Maritime Union members and community supporters in Lyttelton also held pickets at the port.

Work on both vessels was delayed for several days until injunctions against the Union meant the actions were lifted.

Wellington unionists converged to support Wellington Maritime Union members at Centreport over the weekend of 3rd-4th March. Workers had refused to unload the Irene Remedy after it visited Ports of Auckland and mounted an all night picket. www.munz.org.nz

Solidarity actions then went international when a “community picket� was put on DP World Port Botany in Sydney after the scabloaded Maersk Brani arrived in port on 9th March.

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PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Setting the record stra We are the workers of the Ports of Auckland. We are not troublemakers trying to hold the city to ransom as we have been painted by Ports of Auckland management.

We are mums, dads, sons and daughters, just like you.

We want to set the record straight so you, the people who own this port, can make an informed decision on whether or not you choose to support us.

Our current employment agreement provides the flexibility the port needs without compromising safety or job security.

The Port of Auckland is a 24/7 operation that needs a wide range of skills as well 10 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

as employment flexibility. Our current employment agreement provides this without compromising safety or job security. It enables the Port to employ: • 53% permanent full time workers entitled to 40 hours of work, day or night, • 27% permanent workers only guaranteed 24 hrs work per week, • 20% casual workers guaranteed no work at all, giving the Port huge flexibility.

The agreement is designed to provide a mix of stable, reliable work — yet still meets the needs of a port where shipping can be unpredictable. It expired on September 30th, 2011.

Management demanded we sign contracts that took away any guaranteed weekly hours, and now they say they will make us redundant and outsource our jobs.

We won’t know whether we’ll be sent home after three hours or told to work a 12-hour shift; or have any work at all. No worker in their right mind would agree to this. That’s not negotiation. It’s bullying in the name of the people of Auckland.

Management has quoted ridiculous figures about what we earn.

The dispute isn’t about pay, it’s about protecting our job security and our remaining family time. The truth is that www.munz.org.nz

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE Last September Ports of Auckland congratulated us for achieving record hourly container moves and put on a BBQ. Now a few months later it wants to sack us all. The company walked away from negotiations despite our agreement to help improve productivity further and cut our hours or work longer to meet irregular ship arrivals. Something doesn’t add up.

Why is the port’s management continually refusing to bargain in good faith? Why does it seem to be forcing an industrial dispute? History tells us this is typically a sign of a planned privatisation.

A Government Commission has just published a report that calls for our ports to be privatised.

This is not a coincidence. Are we yet another planned asset sale? Management doesn’t seem to want us to reach an agreement. By ‘failing to agree’ and then sacking us, the Ports get to use contractors on the Port – privatising the service provision to ships.

Ports of Auckland belongs to the people of Auckland and should remain a public asset that benefits all of us.

ight: the facts casual workers are paid $14.25 an hour and permanent workers get $27.26 an hour.

There are no penal rates, service pay or overtime rate. We work changing shifts, night and day, every day of the week. Permanent workers only get one guaranteed weekend off in every three weeks (also the only time we are guaranteed two consecutive days off) and have to work every other weekend. The work is hard, skilled and dangerous. Its not family friendly, but at least we have some guaranteed hours of work.

Management offered us a 10% pay rise over 30 months to accept casualisation. We only asked for 2.5% over 12 months and job security. That’s not much when the cost www.munz.org.nz

of living increased by 4.6% in the year to when our agreement expired.

Media spin makes it look like the port is losing money.

It’s not. Ports of Auckland is a successful, productive and profitable modern port. It returns Auckland ratepayers 6% after tax and 9% before tax. Hard work has made your port profitable in a tough global economic environment.

Port management are misleading the public If the port isn’t productive, why did we break one of the company’s productivity records?

As a representative of our community, it should be an employer that treats its workers with fairness and respect.

The port wants to create a competitive environment so contractors are forced to undercut each other and drive down our wages.

Workers’ and contractors’ pay and conditions are the first things to be cut to save costs. Contracted workers have few of the health and safety protections of directly employed workers. We’ve got a really good safety record that we want to protect.

Ports of Auckland management are spending your money on their political agenda and PR campaign.

We just want to be treated fairly.

Ultimately the agenda here is to remove our collective voice at work – our union – which is the major legal obstacle to privatisation. Together in our union, we helped Aucklanders stop the port being privatised the last time and with your help and support we can do it again.

Help stop the privatisation of our port and guarantee our job security.

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PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Why wharfies are striking Ports of Auckland management have spent vast amounts of ratepayers’ money promoting their anti-worker and anti-family casualization agenda. Here we talk to the workers and their families who are threatened by Ports of Auckland management plans.

Words and photos by Simon Oosterman. life balance – do they want people sleeping on the job?” she says. “Can I complain to the company about not having annual leave or sick days?”

The Wallace family: “It’s not just husbands affected, it’s our families too”

FAIR ROSTERING: From the left – Max Thornton (5), Shaun (43), Nina (4), Amy (5), Leah (37) and Ben (9).

The Thornton family: “They want drones when we are actually parents” Shaun Thornton, 43, drives a straddle at the Ports of Auckland where he has worked for 18 years. He met his wife Leah at the port where she worked before becoming a fulltime mum looking after their four kids: Ben (9), twins Max and Amy (5) and Nina (4).

“We want predictability so we can have a family life,” he says. “We only get one weekend off every third weekend meaning I work 35 weekends in the year. I’m striking for the kids.”

Leah interrupts: “and for the marriage.”

“Shaun’s work is a nightmare for me and the kids,” she says. “Dad only went to two soccer games last year and couldn’t come to the preschool Christmas party.

We’ve learnt to live with it but it’s far from perfect.”

“It’s clear from the ports casualisation plan that they want drones, when we are actually parents. You can’t sustain a family as a casual and deal with the everyday stuff parents have to put up with. One of our kids has a chronic illness and another is getting progressively deaf in one ear. I should be able to count on my partner to help out with hospital visits and specialist’s visits.

12 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

“Everyone complains about irresponsible teenagers going out on the town and they wonder where their parents are. They are here and in other unsociable jobs. The only other option to this work is working on the minimum wage.

“It astounds me that they are trying to increase productivity by ruining our work

Mark Wallace is a stevedore at the Ports of Auckland. He worked his way up from a casual to a permanent crane driver over 18 years. Mark and wife Katrina have two children, Ashley (9) and Rebecca (7).

“I’m trying to protect my family life,” he says. “The company wants the right to tell me at midnight, eight hours before a shift, that I don’t have the shift anymore. How can I plan a family life around that?”

“The company goes on about caring for its employees, but they treat us like shit. We’ve given them the best container rates ever. If they really cared about us, we’d be inside working. We had to strike at Christmas just to get time off with our kids.”

Katrina, is a self-employed dress-maker who works from home.

“I brought the kids down to the picket to show solidarity with my husband,” she says. “But it’s not just husbands affected, it’s our families too. The company’s

FAMILY TIME: From centre left – Mark Wallace, Ashley (9), Rebecca (7) and Katrina. www.munz.org.nz

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

– in their own words

POWER TO THE FAMILY: Jermaine Witehira (31), Jayda (1), Karine (2), Gabrielle (5) and Destiny.

proposed changes would be hard for me and the kids. I couldn’t take on huge jobs because I wouldn’t know day-to-day what Mark would be doing. I wouldn’t even be able to count on him to pick up the kids from school.”

The Witehira family: “Keeping family time is more important than a pay rise” Jermaine Witehira, 31, got his first ever job at the Ports of Auckland where he has been working as a stevedore for 14 years.

Jermaine and wife Destiny have three children, Gabrielle (5), Karine (2) and Jayda (1) “I’m doing this for my family and my mates,” he says. “A 10% pay rise isn’t worth the new casual roster system – family time is more important than a pay rise.

“The company says we earn $91k a year – I‘ve never earned that in the 14 years I’ve been here. I get around $64k but I have to work 24 hours overtime and that costs my family.” www.munz.org.nz

Destiny says Jermaine doesn’t see his kids because he leaves for work at 5:30am and gets back at 11:30pm.

“Being a young family is hard enough, but with his hours it feels like I’m a solo mum,” she says. “If the company gets what it wants I’ll have to put my kids in day care and get a job. The thing is that the job would probably only just cover day care costs and I’d have to find a job that worked around casual hours.”

Brandon Cherrington Brandon Cherrington, 38, has worked at the Ports of Auckland for 1½ years. He is a permanent part-timer and is only guaranteed 24 hours a week. Brandon has a 1½ year old daughter.

“This strike is all about our families,” he says. “We are here supporting the boys to keep and improve our conditions. With the company’s [proposed] new flexibility, they want us to be on call and I won’t be able to plan activities with my daughter anymore.”

FAMILY PICKET: Brandon Cherrington and his 1 1/2 year old daughter.

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PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

JOB SECURITY: Casual worker Shaun Osbourne on the picket line.

Shaun Osbourne Shaun Osbourne works at the Ports of Auckland. Because he is a casual employee, he hasn’t had a single guaranteed hour in the eight years he has worked there.

“My shifts are allocated the day before I go to work,’ he says. “I could get anywhere between eight and 48 hours a week which could be in the morning, afternoon or graveyard or a combination of the shifts. I won’t be crossing over.

We’ve got to make sure permanent workers don’t end up like us casuals.”

Wayne Wolfe Wayne Wolfe, 58, works as a stevedore at the Ports of Auckland. He has worked on the ports for 35 years. Wayne has three adult children and two grandchildren, including a two-week old baby. Wayne is an executive member of Local 13 of the Maritime Union.

“Many of these young fellas are casuals and have had busted up marriages because of their casualised hours,” he says. “When I first joined, conditions were brilliant and I am doing my best to leave it that way.”

14 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

FACTS: Wayne Wolfe has done his research.

Left: Ken Ziegler standing tall. Photo: Simon Ooster www.munz.org.nz

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

PICKET: Local 13 member Ron Bell (53).

Ron Bell Ron Bell, 53, is a stevedore at the Ports of Auckland. He will have worked on the waterfront for 31 years this coming April and has been union since he was 17. He has four daughters Jac (20), Katherine (18) and twins Samantha and Amanda (15). He is an executive member of Local 13 of the Maritime Union.

“I just want our guys to keep their jobs on decent hours and not get shat on waiting by the phone 24 hours a day,” he says. “People before us made our conditions what they are today and they should stay that way.”

“I’m on $16 an hour as a casual and can get anywhere between 16 and 30 hours a week,” he says. “We have the same fight as the permanent boys. They want everyone to be cheap which will drive down everyone’s pay.”

Ken Ziegler Ken Ziegler, 49, has worked as a stevedore at the Ports of Auckland for 12 years. Ken is the main provider for his son Carlos (10).

He is an executive member of Local 13 of the Maritime Union.

“It’s really simple,” he says. “The company is trying to casualise the entire workforce to keep labour costs down.”

Napo Kuru Napo Kuru, 27, has worked as a casual lasher at the Ports of Auckland for four years.

rman www.munz.org.nz

SOLIDARITY: Casual Napo Kuru stands with permanent workers. Photo: Simon Oosterman The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 15

Global solidarity

Global solidarity for Por

Belgian dockers solidarity at Port of Antwerp 29th February 2012

A community picket at DP World Port Botany in Sydney where MUA members refused to cross the line and work the Maersk Brani after it loaded cargo in Auckland.

Estonian seafarer 16 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

www.munz.org.nz

Global solidarity

rts of Auckland workers

UK dockers from DP World, Southhampton, UK, 1st March 2012

Members of ITF-affiliated union PALEA (Phillippines Airlines Employees Association) and the Labour Party–Phillippines picketed the New Zealand embassy in Makati City and delivered a letter to the embassy in support of Ports of Auckland workers on 14th March 2012.

rs show solidarity, 7th March 2012 www.munz.org.nz

Norwegian dockers show solidarity with Ports of Auckland workers, 8th March 2012 The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 17

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

Mining and Maritime Unions back Ports of Auckland workers

By Garry Parsloe National President Mining and Maritime International Committee Meeting Sydney, Australia, 26th February 2012 On Saturday 26th February a delegation from Local 13, Wellington and Bluff branches of the Maritime Union of New Zealand attended the Mining and Maritime International Committee meeting in Sydney.

The first dispute on the agenda was the Ports of Auckland dispute.

MUNZ General Secretary Joe Fleetwood and I gave reports on the dispute, expanding on the media campaign, our strategy in mediation, and our support from the CTU and the International.

Our reports were well received and support was pledged from all the Unions in attendance.

After the Ports of Auckland dispute was discussed we heard about the ILWU Longview dispute and the USW dispute at the Rio Tinto plant in Alma, Canada.

The committee then discussed the Mining and Maritime organizing work plan, organizing campaign and dates for the next meeting.

As always this meeting was positive and productive.

Maritime Union of Australia National Conference 2012

By Garry Parsloe National President On Monday 27th February I attended the MUA National Conference in Sydney, Australia, along with delegations from Bluff Branch, Wellington Branch and Local 13 Auckland branch of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.

After registration we had a welcome to the country from the Descendance Aboriginal Dance Company and Uncle Max Eulo with a smoking ceremony.

There was a video presentation to open the conference followed by a Kindle instruction session.

MUA National Secretary and ITF 18 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

MUNZ President Garry Parsloe at the MUA National Conference 2012 President Paddy Crumlin gave a policy and strategy report on “The Union’s industrial and political agenda” and “Strengthening unionism and building our industries.”

General Secretary of the international union grouping ITUC Sharan Burrow spoke to the conference via video link under the heading of “Key priorities in the Global Union Agenda.”

After lunch there was a panel discussion about “Working with Labor in power”, a reflection since 2007 and priorities for the way forward following the 2011 ALP National Conference.

The panel comprised of Paddy Crumlin, Tony Sheldon (TWU), Dave Noonan (CFMEU), Dave Oliver (AMWU) and Scott McDine (AWU).

The speakers addressed issues of safety at work, the struggle for decent conditions of employment, unemployment, uneven distribution of wealth and working with Labor in Government.

Following afternoon smoko we had a presentation on the Japanese Seamen’s Union on international solidarity.

The next speaker was Niek Stam of the Netherlands dockers’ union FNV who spoke on safety on the waterfront, work coverage and international solidarity.

Tom Dufresne from ILWU Canada spoke on training, skills, contracting out, guest workers and collective bargaining.

The next speaker was Gano Yoshikazu, Vice President of the Japan Dockworkers’ Union who spoke on safety issues on the waterfront in Japan, training and international solidarity.

The last speaker for the day was ILWU leader Bob McEllrath who gave a full and comprehensive account of the Longview dispute.

Day two opened with an industrial

and financial report from MUA Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman.

After smoko we heard a report from MUA Assistant National Secretary Ian Bray on growth and campaigns, followed by a report from Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith on organizing strategy.

Following lunch we heard from a panel under the heading “Reclaiming trade union power and influence in shipping defending and extending cabotage.”

The day concluded with the Conference going into resolution committees.

Day three opened with a presentation from the Credit Union.

I had the privilege of being the next speaker and gave a full and comprehensive report of the Ports of Auckland dispute.

After my report the Conference carried the following resolution: “This MUA Quadriennial Conference of delegates and international guests from both ITF Dockworkers’ and Seafarers’ affiliates: Unequivocally supports the Maritime Union of New Zealand morally, financially, political and industrially in defeating the introduction of contract labour onto the Auckland waterfront and further supports MUNZ in their struggle to remove the existing contract Shuttle Drivers and replace with ITF affiliated Dockers.”

The next session was a panel discussion around Australian Shipping Reform.

Joe Fleetwood spoke in this session and delivered a stirring speech on shipping reforms and international solidarity.

At this stage Joe Fleetwood and I had to leave the conference and return to Auckland because of developments in the dispute.

Great conference.

www.munz.org.nz

NEWS

Interference with ship navigation during dispute Maritime workers tracking coastal shipping movements noticed that two vessels involved in the Ports of Auckland dispute, Irenes Remedy and Maersk Aberdeen, turned off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) as they approached New Zealand.

The two ships came into Auckland without their navigational equipment turned on, despite it being in good working order, leading to grave concerns about vessel safety.

The experienced maritime workers who noticed the anomaly believe the vessels were trying to be “silent” to prevent their movement being tracked during the current industrial dispute.

The Maritime Union is not satisfied with the response from shipping company Maersk, and is laying a complaint with Maritime NZ. The Union has released correspondence between a ship spotter at Ports of Auckland and Maritime New Zealand,

indicating Maersk had interfered with the navigation systems of two ships entering Auckland last week.

MUNZ General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says that the response the Port worker received from Maritime NZ when it was raised on March 2nd reads: “Subsequent to your query regarding the captioned matter, we have raised concern to the operator of both vessels.

The operator confirms that the AIS system on both vessels is in good working order.

The masters are now aware of this issue and have put the AIS system back into service.”

Mr Fleetwood says the Maritime NZ response to the Port worker makes it absolutely clear that the AIS systems were in good working order, but had to be put ‘back into service’.

“Maersk also confirmed yesterday that their AIS navigation systems were fully functional.”

“Given this, for their ships not to

turn up for several hours in the AIS navigational tracking, says to us that they were deliberately turned off.”

When he visited the vessel in the port of Wellington, Mr Fleetwood asked the master of the Maersk Aberdeen in Wellington if he had been turning AIS off on New Zealand’s coast, and wasn’t satisfied with the response.

Mr Fleetwood says if there was any suggestion that navigational or safety procedures were being deliberately circumvented it would be unforgivable.

“Obviously the Ports of Auckland and Port of Tauranga should be queried as to their awareness of this situation, and whether they have any concerns about it. But we also want an assurance from Maritime New Zealand that they will not tolerate this deliberate interference with a ship’s navigation systems.”

“Given the vessels are operating in the same area as the site of the Rena disaster, this is even more disturbing,” he said.

Auckland Rally, 10th March 2012 www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 19

INTERNATIONAL

Canadian steelworkers bring s Canadian United Steel Workers (USW) officials Guy Farrell and Mark Matais visited New Zealand in March 2012 to highlight the plight of 780 locked out aluminium smelter workers in Quebec.

The visits of the two USW delegates are part of a campaign to gather global support.

The USW delegation visited Invercargill on Thursday 8th March where they spoke at the Invercargill Working Men’s Club and carried out interviews with local media.

The nearby Tiwai Point Smelter has a majority shareholding by the same company Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA) that has locked out the Canadian workers.

On Friday 9th March the two USW delegates travelled to Wellington and led a peaceful lunchtime assembly at Rio Tinto’s New Zealand downtown head office.

The visit was jointly sponsored by the Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) who are affiliated to the USW through the Mining and Maritime Initiative.

EPMU National Industrial Officer Paul Tolich says the goal is to get RTA management to lift the lock out and return to negotiations around sub-contracting issues with the USW workers.

USW delegate Mark Matais is the President of the USW Local 9495, District 5 Branch based at RTA’s Aluminium Smelter in Alma, Quebec.

He and fellow workers have been locked out since 1st January 2012 after workers rejected a company contract, in a harsh struggle that has attracted global attention.

RTA management is trying to contract out jobs at the Alma smelter, meaning that existing employees could end up working alongside workers who would be contracted in at half the pay rate of unionised employees.

The USW is not totally opposed to subcontracting but wants stricter conditions placed around its use by RTA. The Canadian dispute has parallels with the current Ports of Auckland action involving Maritime Union of New Zealand members.

MUNZ National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the Canadian workers are facing the same tactics Ports of Auckland management are using against union members.

“Employers are attempting to pressure their workforces into accepting contracting out around the world, and that’s why we all have to stand together for secure jobs.

Canadian representatives of the United Steel Workers Guy Farrell and Mark Matais join a community rally outside the headquarters 20 | The Maritimes | Summer 2011/2012

www.munz.org.nz

INTERNATIONAL

smelter protest to New Zealand

of Rio Tinto Alcan in Wellington, New Zealand, Friday 9th March 2012, photography by Andy Ball. www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 21

Family Voices

22 | The Maritimes | Summer 2011/2012

www.munz.org.nz

Family Voices

Video puts workers’ point across Ports of Auckland workers have taken to social media to put their message across, appearing in a short video to explain how the dispute was about “family.”

The video shows Ports of Auckland workers and their families talking about the effects the workplace changes would have on their lives.

Produced by a local filmmaker, the clip was put on YouTube and by mid March had received over 7000 views, with excerpts featured on national television news.

Journalist Alisha Lewis spoke to fulltime stevedore and vice-president of the Maritime Union Carl Findlay who was one of the workers featured in the video along with his two teenage children.

He says the video’s overall message is that the casualisation of the workforce is “antifamily.”

“It’s morally unacceptable what they’re trying to do to all 330 workers down there,” he said.

Social media consultant Simon Young told Ms Lewis the number of views the video has received was definitely an achievement for a local campaign.

“Another measure of success is the amount of commentary and the fact that they’re actually engaging with the commenters. The production piece is only the beginning. The rest of it is actually answering the questions or countering the counter arguments that come up.”

Watch the video online at http://www.saveourport.com/watchourstory/

www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Summer 2011/2012 | 23

BRANCH REPORTS

Wellington

Learning Initiative

By Mike Clark and John Whiting

CentrePort:The Port Company have now conducted several rounds of random D & A testing using the saliva test method as agreed between MUNZ and CentrePort and in line with MUNZ National Policy. All MUNZ & RMTU cargo workers tested passed all clear.

Niwa:Lengthy negotiations to renew the Niwa Collective Agreement have been particularly difficult due to Central Government edicts for minimal if not nil wage settlements. Nevertheless we are close to a settlement and report back to the vessels.

Offshore Oil / Gas Operations:Negotiations to renew this Collective Agreement have taken place in Wellington and New Plymouth over three days. Terms of settlement have been reached and are currently being circulated to the off – shore vessels for ratification.

Offshore – Svitzer Salvage – Rena Operation:Recent strong submissions to Immigration NZ by General Secretary Joe Fleetwood and Wellington Secretary Mike Clark resulted in the Union being approached

by Switzer Salvage, operators of the barge ”Smit Borneo” and accompanying tug “Singapore”. These vessels are engaged in container recovery and salvage work at the “Rena” wreck. Subsequent negotiations between Switzer and our Union have resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding that provides for employment for MUNZ members replacing overseas labour on these two ships. The terms and conditions of employment will be as per our existing offshore agreement.

24 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

From left Joe Fleetwood, Mike Clark, Stephanie Thompson, and John Whiting at the NCEA ceremony, Wellington, 7th February 2012.

Over eighty Interislander crew graduated with NCEA qualifications following an initiative by the Company to help staff complete their credits in a ceremony at the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday 7th February. Last year Interislander joined forces with the industry training organisation Competenz to launch an initiative that encouraged staff to sign up to gain NCEA credits through prior learning and on the job skills.

Interislander General Manager Thomas Davies said “ The Company was extremely happy that 85 crew signed up and now have school certificate, sixth form certificate, bursary and some with all three. A number of staff had not completed these qualifications for a number of reasons and the results have been amazing. I am extremely proud of the staff who took part. They showed courage in coming forward to give it a go. Because this event was so successful we will continue to run it and would encourage more crew to come forward after seeing their colleagues do so well.”

Mike Clark Maritime Union Wellington Secretary who attended along with Joe Fleetwood MUNZ General Secretary and John Whiting Wellington Assistant Secretary, said “As far as our Union is concerned this was a very good initiative by Interislander, and we are pleased that our members in particular have taken up the challenge. We would like to thank Interislander for giving these staff the opportunity to upskill. The gaining of these qualifications is another tool in their toolkits to build a stronger life education for themselves.”

Interislander worked with industry training organisation, Competence NZ to undertake the initiative. Using the recently introduced NZQA literacy and numeracy units that are assessed through naturally occurring evidence, assessors were able to document proof that staff have achieved the compulsory math and English credits required for NCEA level 1. They were then able to automatically be awarded the higher NCEA qualification if they had sufficient credits from previous training. McGirr Training was contracted by Competenz to carry out the assessments.

“It was a very exciting opportunity to be one of the first groups ever to award the literacy and numeracy units using the new style of naturally occurring evidence,” said Gloria McGirr.

Following on with Kiwirail it is their wish to introduce random drug and alcohol testing throughout the whole Company including the three vessels in the Interislander fleet.

As a responsible organisation MUNZ believes that if random testing is to be introduced then it should be saliva testing and if that proves positive then a further test is required. Kiwirail obviously are opposed to this as they believe there is no approved testing in NZ for saliva based testing therefore it has to be a urine sample.

For all Kiwirail Interislander staff there will be a comprehensive training programme on drug and alcohol procedures from the third week in February through to the third week in March which all members should attend to ask any questions regarding the changes being proposed. www.munz.org.nz

BRANCH REPORTS

Wellington solidarity for Ports of Auckland workers

www.munz.org.nz

The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 25

BRANCH REPORTS

Bluff

By Ray Fife

It is shaping up to be a very interesting year.

There is a lot of debate about the sale of New Zealand land to foreign investors, particularly the 16 Crafar farms to absentee Chinese investors.

The High Court turning down the sale has hurt the National Government and we can only hope that the same will occur with the impending sale of our state owned assets.

With the uncertainty still affecting global economies we are not too sure if this will mean a down turn in produce going through the port.

We hear that there is a glut of logs in China now with volumes decreasing but could be made up with logs going to India.

Because of the high NZ dollar against the US dollar the price of aluminium has dropped which has affected those sales.

The MSC vessels are still calling on a weekly service with container volumes slightly down on last year.

Membership in the port has increased over the past year with good turnouts at meetings and the new members starting to show interest in issues that concern them not only on the job but outside it as well.

26 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

The membership has been kept up to date with the Ports of Auckland dispute and from our membership here in Bluff we say “stand strong, we are with you�.

We have had good feedback from those members who attended the Inter port sports tournament held in Mount Maunganui. We would like to thank the organisers for a well run tournament and for the hospitality shown to our members.

The 2013 Inter Port Tournament is to be held here in Bluff. So start saving now and we will show you some good old southern hospitality.

We will advise later what dates in February 2013 it will be held.

Gisborne

By Dein Ferris

days. Excellent growing weather, the grass has never been greener. Could do with some sun to ripen and cure the squash.The cockies are happy though, plenty of feed for the stock.

Back to the Port, logs are still flowing out, hard to tell if tonnages have reduced much.

We are still loading product from the mill, and may have had a slight increase. A lot of our products, squash and mill, are being shipped out in containers. Squash is being railed to Napier.

We have kept up to date with the Auckland dispute and again pass on our support to the guys up there.

We have done a couple of jobs on the Anatoki unloading metal chip for Downers.

The vessel initially came into Port unknown to us. A call to Garry Parsloe, who managed to find time to sort out what should happen and we were on the job. Thanks Garry.

Ka kite, Dein.

The Port has been reasonably busy since Christmas for our members with our seasonal squash shipments to Japan, and to date we have loaded around 13000 or so pallets.

Lyttelton

Our men also have travelled out of port to Wellington and New Plymouth.

There may be some light at the end of the tunnel as at last our zone has been made green. We are now waiting on the Insurance company to confirm when the repairs to our building may start and hopefully get back into our building. I was talking to Ray Fife the other day and was explaining how we have not had an office for over 12 months. He said you need to have an office and as I explained to him it was bloody hard when it all fell over.

We are investigating Statutory holidays, for example when they fall on a weekend, which is once every four years. Transferable days are the issue.

Gisborne must have had the least sunshine I can remember for many a year. I cannot recollect when we have had so many grey

By Les Wells

www.munz.org.nz

BRANCH REPORTS

C3 Limited Other than that everything rolls on with C3 Limited under pressure in their talks with the Company wanting everything and prepared to give nothing.

Pacifica Just rolls along with everyone seemingly in good fettle.

LSS Have been put under more pressure with the loss of a couple of vessels lost to the opposition. Three new members put on as permanents.

LPC

Hawke’s Bay Stevedoring Services Limited: The Local Port Schedule has been rolled over until the 31st July 2012.

Agreements

A new Collective Agreement is in place until August 2013.

Wilsons parking - we have initiated bargaining.

A final word to our Auckland brothers, stay strong, we in Napier are thinking of you every day and send our best wishes for an amicable settlement.

C3 - new talks start in June.

Ballance - currently waiting for mediation.

NZL - a great increase in numbers here, the union is getting good density.

Tauranga

By Selwyn Russell

Napier

As this is covered elsewhere I will just write about some of the other events that have been occurring.

By Bill Connelly

Interport

It seems a bit inconsequential what has been happening locally, with what is happening in Auckland at the moment.

Those Auckland members who were on the Napier picket line in December 2007 are now fighting the same threat that was put on the Napier Branch members.

With local, national and international support Napier finally won through and to this day we have still retained the work that we fought so hard for and hopefully Auckland will triumph and do the same.

A couple of our members are off up to Auckland for a couple of days, they have been given Napier T-shirts, so should be easily identified on the picket line.

C3: Formerly Toll Logistics New Zealand Limited: Negotiations for a new Collective Agreement are in place until June 2013.

www.munz.org.nz

Thank you all for your participation and we enjoyed catching up and meeting with you.

Kelcold Limited:

In the last few weeks LPC have put on twenty three new PRPs to cover the increase in cargo. I am trying to think of something to say that doesn’t concern the Earthquake but it is impossible as today marks one year since all our lives changed forever. As I sit here writing this I am watching the bulldozer go through my next door neighbour’s house.

But the future must look brighter soon.

Around and about:

We need more members to come to events like this. Here in Tauranga branch we will be trying our best to do just that, all it takes is to bring a mate as it is well worth it!

Hi comrades, well I hope you all had a very good Christmas break and the New Year’s resolutions are not to hard to handle.

As you will read elsewhere in the Maritimes we have been involved in the recent Ports of Auckland dispute.

We hosted around 120 past and present members with partners/guests at the annual Interport sports tournament 2012 here at Mount Maunganui.

Although at this reunion we did not have all of the sports of old like the tug of war, or the rugby games and athletics of the past, I would like to say that the humour that accompanies these events is alive, energetic, and as quick with the wit as ever, often hilarious, and the banter that gets thrown to and fro can leave one with sore sides.

The branch would like to thank Merv Hill and Tony Brown for an outstanding contribution for the work that has to be put in to make these events a memorable and enjoyable event.

To the major sponsor Credit Union North, a huge thank you for your continued support for this event whenever it is held at this port, it is deeply appreciated.

Other sponsors we would like to thank and acknowledge are Omanu Golf Club, Omanu Golf Pro Shop, Deepstar Charters, and A1 Homes.

NZM - we will be setting up a meeting with the members here to ascertain a collective as they are on individual agreements.

Te Manu Toroa - having to get into more dialogue as the board has rejected the proposal that the manager was hoping to put to the members.

Comvita – new talks start next month.

UCL – it has been very quiet here and we have to get around the table again soon.

Gourmet Food – we are currently assessing their reason for no recognition in relation to a wage increase. We find this astonishing, some of these members have been sitting on only 50 cents an hour above the minimum wage even with 6 or 7 years’ service. The fact that driving deliveries, inward/outward warehouse duties, forklift driving, food handling and hygenic cleaning servicing still only rates $13 an hour is appalling.

Lakeland Queen – the member was happy here, stating he is proud to be a MUNZ member.

With his agreement finalised without any fuss or disagreement it is nice to see a company that recognises their employees’ worth.

Apart from that we have been involved in 7 disciplinaries since Christmas.

ITF Richard Rankin and I recently went down to the Smit Singapore that was in port and is working out by the shipwrecked Rena.

MUNZ have gained some members to work the ship while in New Zealand and ITF do the inspection before boarding.

And Finally Finally to our Auckland comrades who are desperately trying to retain their conditions, Kia Kaha, we are supporting you in any way we can. Touch one touch all.

The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 27

Ports of Auckland dispute

Contracting out unlawful, says Union The Maritime Union says that the Ports of Auckland decision to dismiss its workforce is unlawful, and workers will challenge it, says Maritime Union National President Garry Parsloe.

The Maritime Union has asked the Employment Court for a ruling on whether Port management dismissing its workforce, while in negotiations over an employment agreement for those jobs, is against the law.

The union has also released its full response to the company proposal.

“Ports of Auckland gave little consideration to our response to them on their contracting out proposal,” said Garry Parsloe.

“We set out in detail all the problems with their proposal, but they have clearly just been going through the motions, and pushing ahead with their plan to take away job security for workers.”

The union response to the proposed redundancies was sent to all Auckland Councillors, and they needed to put a stop to the Port management’s actions, Mr

28 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

Parsloe says.

“The Council needs to intervene to ensure that this flawed contracting model is not implemented in their name as the means to deliver an unrealistic 12% return.”

In their response to the proposed dismissal, workers argued that: • The dismissal proposal is unlawful; • The dismissal proposal is undermining of the bargaining for a Collective Agreement, and amounts to an unlawful lockout; • The decision to split the decision to contract out, from issues surrounding the implementation of contracting out is artificial, and has precluded a proper consultation; • The proposal is impractical; • The proposal relies on statistical data to establish a crisis in comparison to the Port of Tauranga. No such crisis in fact exists; • The focus on the return on capital is not good reason for the dismissal proposal.

Churches speak out The chair of the Anglican Church’s Social Justice Commission says the action by the Ports of Auckland to leave the negotiating table and dismiss all unionised port workers is unacceptable.

Bishop Muru Walters says the action by the Ports of Auckland highlights to us the low value that it places upon its own labour force.

Despite living in Wellington, Bishop Walters joined workers on the picket line.

“I am a bishop from the north. When people in the north hurt, I hurt. When their security is put under threat, so is mine. I will stand in solidarity with the workers on the picket line. We need to remember that people are the most important thing: the security of families and especially children.”

The Maritime Union also welcomed an offer by Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops in Auckland to assist in mediation, following the contracting out announcement by Ports of Auckland.

Anglican Bishops, Ross Bay and Kito Pikaahu, along with Roman Catholic Bishop Patrick Dunn, said it is vital for the parties to continue to maintain a dialogue in an effort to resolve the current dispute.

www.munz.org.nz

International

MUA Special Council Meeting 24th-26th November 2011

By Garry Parsloe National President Joe Fleetwood and I attended a special National Council meeting of the Maritime Union of Australia in Sydney on the 24th, 25th and 26th of November 2011.

Paddy Crumlin opened the meeting by addressing the need to move forward on securing an Australian Shipping reform.

The key elements of the Governments’ reform package are: • Tax reform.

• An Australian International Shipping Register (AISR).

• A new Coastal Shipping licensing regime.

• Workforce skills development.

• A Labour Relations compact.

On the second day, Joe and I attended a special National Council and joint Seafarers Conference.

Paddy Crumlin opened the conference by addressing the need to move forward www.munz.org.nz

on securing a positive future for the Australian Shipping Industry. Paddy expanded on the Coastal Licensing System (Cabotage).

There will be a three tier licensing regime; general, temporary and emergency license. The Off Shore will not benefit from tax incentives but will be included in workforce development, skills and planning.

The legislation will require a commitment to skills and training benefits from Maritime Employers. Because ASIR vessels work domestic coastal routes, all crew irrespective of nationality will be covered by the Fair Work Act. The shipping reform package is conditional on a compact between Industry and Unions.

After lunch on the second day the conference was opened up for a question and answer session. This session attracted some very heavy debate. At the end of question and answer time the resolution

from the MUA was put to the conference and endorsed.

The conference at this point carried a resolution of full support for MUNZ in their dispute with the Ports of Auckland.

On the last day, Saturday the 26th of November, Joe and I attended the second day of a Special National Council and Seafarers conference.

Paddy opened the conference with an overview of the proposed legislation that would privatize Australian Shipping before introducing Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

After Anthony Albanese’s presentation he took questions from the delegates.

The conference had another question and answer session before the previous resolution was again put and carried.

This concluded a conference that had set in motion a well planned and constructed platform on the way forward to build and secure a Maritime future for all Australians.

The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 29

ON THE PICKET LINE

Ports of Auckland community picket 2012

30 | The Maritimes | Autumn 2012

www.munz.org.nz

CONTACTS

Old Timers Auckland Seafarers’ Xmas Party

Branch and local contacts

By Garry Parsloe President Local 13

Whangarei Mobile: 021 855121 Fax: 09 459 4972 Address: PO Box 397, Whangarei Email: ben.hathaway@munz.org.nz

Auckland Local 13 Phone: 09 3034 652 Fax: 09 3096 851 Mobile: 021 326 261 (President Garry Parsloe)

021 760 886 (Secretary Russell Mayn)

021 670002 (Walking Delegate D. Phillipps) Address: PO Box 1840, Shortland Street,

Auckland 1140 Email: garry.parsloe@munz.org.nz

russell.mayn@munz.org.nz

dave.phillips@munz.org.nz

Mount Maunganui Phone: 07 5755 668 Fax: 07 5759 043 Mobile: 0274 782308 Address: PO Box 5121, Mt. Maunganui Email: selwyn.russell@munz.org.nz

On the 16th December 2011 we held the Old Timers’ Xmas Party at the Maritime Club in Anzac Ave, Auckland.

I addressed the Old Timers on behalf of the Auckland Branch Executive. After giving a brief report on Local 13 dispute with the Ports of Auckland, I pointed out that the Old Timers hold a special place in the Union as we would not be enjoying the conditions we enjoy today but for their struggles in the past. This was further confirmed when I read all the faxes from the ships wishing all the Old Timers all the best on their day.

Local Branch Executive members representing the Auckland Branch Executive were Garry Parsloe President, Carl Findlay vice President, John O’Neill vice President, Russell Mayn Secretary, Dave Phillips Walking Delegate, Craig Harrison, Slim Ford, Ken Ziegler, Ron Bell and Daniel Staley from the Executive.

I read an apology from Councillor Mike Lee before welcoming all the staff from the Auckland Office of the Council of Trade Unions.

After reading an apology from Pat Lumber ex National Executive member of both the Cooks’ and Stewards’ Union and the New Zealand Seafarers’ Union I welcomed the following past Executive members. Tommy Shields ex Waterfront Executive, Alex McDonald ex President Auckland Seamens’ Union and long standing member of the Seafarers’ National Executive, Gerard Hill ex Auckland Branch Assistant Secretary of the New Zealand Seafarers’ Union and Joe Briggs ex Secretary of the Mount Maunganui Branch of the New Zealand Seamen’s Union.

There was an apology from Joe Fleetwood General Secretary and it was great to have Mike Clark Wellington Secretary in attendance.

It was great to have officials from other Unions in attendance especially Len Richards

SFWU, Strachan Crang EPMU, Tanja Bristow PSA and Ray Bianchi AWUNZ. Old Timers from other Ports were welcomed to the party with a special reference to Tommy Cavanagh who had travelled all the way from Liverpool.

There were members from other Ports in attendance and good to see John Broughton from Tauranga who attends most years.

We had three members of Parliament at the party, Darien Fenton, Jacinda Ardern and Phil Twyford.

The first speaker was Mike Clark Wellington Secretary who spoke on Branches supporting each other and the importance of unity.

The second speaker was Carol Beaumont who thanked MUNZ for all the support in the Election Campaign.

The next three speakers were the members of Parliament Darien Fenton, Jacinda Ardern, and Phil Twyford. They all gave good presentations stating that the Old Timers’ parties were great occasions and that they were happy to attend and share in the festivities.

The last speaker was Ray Bianchi Secretary of the Amalgamated Workers’ Union of New Zealand. Ray spoke about how Seafaring creates unity and solidarity and never leaves the blood. The rest of his speech was very colourful with references to his earlier days at sea. Ray concluded by commencing on a range of events within the Trade Union Movement.

The food as usual was excellent, thanks to Donny Hooper, Paul Gradiska and Mike Burke.

As always it was an excellent day out for all the Old Timers’ and on behalf of the Auckland Branch Executive I want to thank all those individuals and ships’ crews for their donations which made the Old Timers’ Party the success that it was.

See you all next time which will be on the 14th December 2012.

Garry Parsloe President Local 13.

Awunz Secretary Ray Bianchi with MUNZ National President Garry Parsloe at the 2011 Auckand Seafarers Old Timers function. www.munz.org.nz

Gisborne Local 38 Mobile: 025 6499697 Address: 5 Murphy Road, Gisborne Email: dein.ferris@munz.org.nz New Plymouth Mobile: 021 233 8193 Address: PO Box 6084, New Plymouth Email: mark.larkin@munz.org.nz Napier Phone/Fax: 06 8358 622 Mobile: 027 6175441 Address: PO Box 70, Napier Email: bill.connelly@munz.org.nz Wellington Phone: 04 3859 288 (Secretary Mike Clark)

04 8017 619 (Asst. Secretary John Whiting) Fax: 04 3848 766 Mobile: 0274 538222 (Secretary Mike Clark)

021 606379 (Asst. Secretary John Whiting) Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington Email: mike.clark@munz.org.nz

john.whiting@munz.org.nz

Wellington Stores and Warehouse Local 21 Phone: 04 3859 520 Fax: 04 3848 766 Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington Nelson Fax: Mobile: Address: Email:

03 5472104 027 6222691 PO Box 5016, Nelson ken.knox@munz.org.nz

Lyttelton Local 43 Phone: 03 3288 306 Fax: 03 3288 798 Mobile: 0274 329620 Address: PO Box 29, Lyttelton Email: les.wells@munz.org.nz

Timaru Phone/Fax: 03 6843 364 Mobile: 021 2991091 Address: PO Box 813, Timaru Email: tony.townshend@munz.org.nz

Port Chalmers Dunedin Local 10 Phone: 03 4728 052 Fax: 03 4727 492 Mobile: 0274 377601 Address: PO Box 44, Port Chalmers Email: phil.adams@munz.org.nz Bluff Phone/Fax: 03 2128 189 Mobile: 027 4475317 Address: PO Box 5, Bluff Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz The Maritimes | Autumn 2012 | 31