Message from Maritime New Zealand: Thank you NZ port workers
MUNZ statement on vaccinations By Craig Harrison National Secretary The Maritime Union recommends and supports MUNZ members being vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. The National Council of MUNZ recognises and respects the freedom of choice for its members and encourages them to make an informed decision.
Thank you to all of you who got vaccinated before the 30 September deadline. We know that finding the time for 2 doses as well as getting regularly tested and wearing PPE, can wear anyone down and we’re thrilled to get so close to 100% vaccinated. Since the announcement in July that privately employed workers must be vaccinated by September 30, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the maritime sector could fulfil its obligations. It took a lot of coordination, travel, and time on the ground with MUNZ, the Ministry of Health and Maritime NZ to make this happen and thanks to everyone who contributed as well as all of the other supporting organisations that got behind it. However, the real thanks goes to you – the workers, who safeguard 98% of New Zealand’s trade, keep the supply chain moving and ensure the safety of your local communities.
Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendments Order 2021, vaccination for port workers on or around ships will now become mandatory. Privately employed border workers must have had their first dose by 30 September 2021. Our Union will work with employers and members to try and resolve any situations where jobs are in jeopardy. The public health order has been made, and as good health and safety practice, both employers and workers must abide by it. Misinformation is threatening health and safety in ports and MUNZ urges members not to trust second hand information from the internet or rumours. If you have concerns talk to your doctor or a health professional. There are high rates of vaccination in many ports and numbers are climbing daily.
So where to from here? With all existing and new workers vaccinated, we can now move forward with certainty and make the ports a safe and inviting place to work. We can all begin preparing for Christmas in the hope that the shelves are well stocked for the fast approaching holiday period. And, we can begin to focus on a New Zealand with less Covid-19 precautions as the population at large works towards 90% fully vaccinated. We can take pride in the fact that we all played our part and remained steadfast in believing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and not giving in to scaremongering and misinformation. It speaks volumes for your love for your families, care for your community and the belief that as a country, we are moving forward in what has been our generation’s biggest challenge. Again, well done and thank you. THE MARITIMES
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