COVID update

Message from Maritime New Zealand: Thank you NZ port workers

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Council, Wellington, August 2021 (photo by Hector Thorpe)

Unions part of new ports health and safety project

The Maritime Union is part of a new port health and safety project co-ordinated by Government regulator Maritime New Zealand.

Representatives of unions, employers and Government authorities, together with specialists, will be working on a “how to” guide for the ports industry.

One project is the completion of comprehensive fatigue risk management guidelines for ports.

Fatigue expert Professor Leigh Signal of the Sleep/Wake Research Centre at Massey University will work with regulators, unions and employers to provide a range of information including the benefits of managing fatigue, legal obligations, what is a Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS), the need for workplace engagement, causes of fatigue, predicting fatigue hazards and evaluation of fatigue risks.

The guidelines will provide a standardized approach for all New Zealand ports, and provide up to date scientific information and best practice processes to manage fatigue risks and reduce harm. Another project will provide an online resource to help manage plant (machinery) hazards in the workplace.

TechSelect will provide information on the latest technologies being used locally and internationally in ports and similar industries to address major health and safety risks across eight significant risk environments.

A key feature of the resource is its focus on a range of technologies already proven to mitigate and eliminate health and safety risk associated with people and machinery operations in a port environment.

Maritime Union national secretary Craig Harrison says the involvement of unions in the process is providing a good opportunity to present the workers viewpoint.