THE MARITIME WORKER Wellington Branch Wellington Branch Newsletter Vol: 5 May (2020)
Victory is ours!! New Kiwirail InterIslander Pregnancy Policy
Fiona Mansell Women’s Representative Wellington Branch For over 20 years, pregnant women seafarers have worked at sea right up until they are almost ready to have their baby without any restrictions from their maritime employer and the maritime regulatory bodies such as Maritime New Zealand. However, on the 12th May 2016 Interislander brought out a cherry-picked version of a Seafarers Maternity Policy, which quite frankly disadvantaged our pregnant seafarers. This was due to a pregnant Catering Attendant on the Aratere working with a stores cage on deck, slipped over, got hurt and required medical attention. As a result of this accident and in a knee jerk reaction Interislander then decided to implement a new pregnancy policy that is consistent with the (IMO) International Maritime Organization and (ILO) International Labour Organization regarding women at sea, a 12-page document. Interislander reduced that down to a 1-page document leaving out crucial parts of the policy for example; providing alternative full-time work within the company, if no work is available then the pregnant worker is therefore stood down on full pay until her due date. This policy ended up having an extremely negative impact on our working women at the time, such obstacles included their rightful entitlement to earn while pregnant, financial disadvantage, stress and going underground about their pregnancy. What made this whole debacle even more of a disadvantage is that they were declared fit for work by the Maritime NZ with clear guidelines stating that so long as a pregnant seafarer meets all the criteria set down in rule 34 of the MNZ medical guidelines then, there is no reason why the seafarer cannot remain at sea until she is almost due to have her baby. Pregnancy should be a time of joy and happiness and celebrated by all those close to her; instead women were made to feel that they had to
hide their pregnancy out of fear of not being able to provide financially for herself and baby. Furthermore, our union was not much help during this time, in fact they agreed with the policy and put up extraordinarily little to zero resistance which was very frustrating and disappointing. It got that bad that a couple of our pregnant members went on to seek their own legal advice to help them deal with their situation. Two years after IIL’s policy came out a pregnancy remit went in to get this changed. A working party was formed in April 2019 that included senior management of KR, Jim King, Maeve Phillips and myself. It didn’t take much convincing from us to KR to see that the document IIL had implemented was unfair and an absolute disadvantage to our pregnant women. In fact, they too couldn’t believe this was the company’s attitude and thought it was time to actually move with the times. Hence, they agreed pretty quickly to go back to the ILO/IMO and adopt the whole entire document! Which now means that at 24 weeks the pregnant seafarer will come off the vessel and the company will need to provide fulltime employment within the business but if there is none available then the pregnant seafarer will be at home on full pay. Furthermore, this will benefit all other sectors within KiwiRail business groups including those which are covered by other unions in KiwiRail. MUNZ are so proud to announce that after 3 years of that document first coming down to the vessels that we were able to achieve great conditions regarding the rights of pregnant seafarers. This is a major victory for this union, one sincerely hopes also that the new KR-IIL pregnancy policy is incorporated into all shipping company policies around NZ. This is a true testament that perseverance from the union pays off. That if we continue to fight the battles together in solidarity, we will get the gains.
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
Kaiarahi: MUNZ members on the Kaiarahi still maintain the two-week cycle also, this of course is whilst the country is still pretty much in lockdown mode. However, it’s anticipated that the Kaiarahi will revert back to a week on week off on 20th May.
Offshore:
Jim King Secretary/Treasurer Wellington Branch
Wellington Secretary/Treasurers Report: May 11th 2020 KiwiRail: The MUNZ remit team are in the process of reconvening again 15th May to restart wage round negotiations. Our meeting is to go through Kiwirails response to our emailed queries on 25th March. The purpose for this current delay is due to COVID19. We were trying to get some kind of agreement in principle, then suspend wage round talks but this didn’t really come to fruition. Moving forward, we can now hopefully continue on with talks, still not too sure how long the Collective Agreement term will be for. KR-IIL are in the process of looking at options with regards to restructuring the business due to the sudden onslaught of COVID19. Kiwirail have invited all maritime unions to be part of this process and will look for feed back from the unions as part of their commitment to including the maritime unions as part of the consultation process.
Aratere Walk on Walk off to Live on Board: KR-IIL have a possible start date with regards to the Aratere going back to a WOWO vessel, this may start back on or about 13th May. This will be a positive move for some of those that are really looking forward to returning back to an almost relatively normal working environment. The Aratere is now going to be used as the back-up vessel and will be now on standby until around October, she will be used as an on required basis. Kaitaki: The Kaitaki was scheduled to lay up a while, this was a perfect window opportunity for maintenance etc. However, this was cut short due to an unexpected increase with freight, mainly coming from the Covid19 alert levels reduced to 3. Also there has been a slight increase with freight due to the Feronia being out of action, so their freight has created a wee boost for KR-IIL. As your aware, the Kaitaki Catering crew who are temporarily living on board are still on a week on and week off. Not too sure when the Catering Crew will revert back to a WOWO position, but am waiting for a response from Walter Rushbrook to advise a start date, email sent (04/04/20).
COSL Prospector: The COSL Prospector has now departed New Zealand and is bound for China, taking with it 3 X Caterers and 2 X IR Motormen. The redelivery voyage is expected to take around 4 months. Skandi Emerald & Skandi Atlantic: The Atlantic and Emerald are both now laid up in Timaru and are awaiting instructions from the owners to advise what their next moves are. In all probability, they will both head back overseas, as at this stage they’re not required. Skandi Hercules: Still laid up in Golden bay until such time she gets notification from the owners as to what her next move will be. Pretty much the same scenario as the Emerald & Atlantic Normand Baltic: Normand Baltic has finished her contract in NZ (departed 4th April), and is now in Newcastle, Australia to off load all crew, MUA & MUNZ members. This vessel has been a nightmare with regards to the collection of union fees, IR Women being placed in the same cabins as a male, and an array of other issues. One can take from this experience, this vessel and all other vessels that have come into the New Zealand offshore over the past 5 or 6 months, that we need to get it right the next time the offshore picks up, and not let some of the Offshore Employers Group (OEG) run rings around this union as they had done. Next year’s 2021 wage round talks will be very robust and I would like to see a whole lot of agreed new amendments entered into the MPCA especially for women seafarers, and special provisions for the deductions of union fees for foreign nationals, especially if no variations have been done by the company or our union. This is a very big issue. Normand Tortuga: Is also laid up in the Nelson area with 2 IR’s and two officers. Atlas have redlined the Variation that Joe Fleetwood and I had done, so I guess were at a stalemate. In addition to the two IR’s we also wanted a cook placed on the vessel, or victualling if no cook. Our members are awaiting our instructions of what to do next. As stated in my last branch report, we are still in the process of negotiating crew numbers and conditions through a variation of contract. As your probably aware the Tortuga is down here to help set up the Archer drilling rig, but this has been put on hold until the green lights given from the respective owners to go ahead with the project. The reason for the delay is COVID19. The setup project for the Tortuga ranges from about 270 days to about 14 months or so?
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
Niwa:: I initiated bargaining on May 4th, as this was the recommendation of the union to do so. As you recall from the last branch report, our members were happy not to enter into any wage round talks due to the COVID19 outbreak, and our members simply thought it might be appropriate and a good faith gesture if the Wellington Branch were to advise NIWA to suspend talks for a year. In-light of what was requested by our members (thank you) on the NIWA vessels, at this stage we will forge ahead with talks, and these will no doubt get underway in the next month or so.
StraitNZ Blue Bridge:
board hospitality staff, but with way fewer staff losses. They too will have restructured work shifts and also a reduction in pay by 20%. Of course, this is only until things return back to normal operations etc…
General in Brief Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings: Looking to keep to the Scheduled Stop Work Meeting set down for June 8th at 10 AM to be held at Willis St, 13 Floor of the NZEI building, TBC. (Alert levels permitting) Wellington Branch Executive Meetings: Looking at keeping to the scheduled Executive meeting for 28th May at 10 AM. (Alert levels permitting)
Like most other shipping companies struggling through the Covid-19 period, StraitNZ are finding themselves in pretty much the same quandary, probably a little worse though, due to the breakdown of the Feronia.
The Maritime Worker Newsletter
This union had attended many teleconferences to listen to what the company’s proposal is going to be for their next move on redundancies, restructuring and 20% pay cuts. The company did ask for feedback from our members and the maritime unions about their proposal. They also said they would take every concern raised into account and if the need arises, they may tweak or adjust their proposal accordingly.
Database:
After the consultation and feedback sessions, StraitNZ were now advising us there wasn’t an overwhelming response to their proposal to the overall feedback from staff, therefore it made no difference to the company’s standing with regards to their proposal for restructuring etc… Obviously they didn’t listen to the unions concerns either. Feronia: Is still out of service due to a problem with her propeller. She is now in Australia having the problem fixed, she’s due for the drydock/repair around June. The vessel may not go straight back into service until a month or two after her return, could be longer, I’ve heard even around October.
StraitNZ Blue Bridge Terminal Picton:
The Wellington Maritime Worker Newsletter will hopefully be printed and distributed out before the end of this month “May”. Please still send in your stories and pictures. (Alert levels permitting)
The numbers will grow considerably over the next 2-3 weeks because of the lay offs in the offshore industry. IR’s & AB’s – 9 will increase to about 30+ in the next few weeks. Cooks – 15 But probably will increase by another 5-7 approximately Stewards – 11 will increase to about 35+ in the next few weeks
Wage rounds currently in progress KiwiRail Interislander (Negotiation Mode, seeking to continue on with talks. NIWA Initiated, waiting for dates to be agreed on by all parties.
Picton Terminal: Due to COVID-19, John Whiting has been dealing with our members in Picton with regards to the position of keeping staff on. The terminals have pretty much been going through the same process as the on-
URGENT NOTICE! MUNZ National Elections 2020 Please ensure your contact details are up to date by emailing me jim.king@munz.org.nz or kat.achterberg@munz.org.nz Alternatively you can provide your local MUNZ Representatives/Delegates your details and they will ensure they are passed on to this office. It’s extremely important you update your details so that you receive your ballot forms to elect your National Office Officials.
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
InterIslander wage round, only to be hit with the Pandemic that we find ourselves in presently. With the disruption and the uncertainty of these unique times we have decided not to hold the picnic this year. We are hopeful some form of normality will resume shortly and would like to think that February next year could be penciled in. Volunteers will be needed and called for but members will be kept up to speed as time progresses.
Tony Mowbray Executive Member Wellington Branch
In Unity
MUNZ FAMILY PICNIC DAY Members, earlier this Year the Executives of the Wellington Branch decided to reinstate the old tradition of the MUNZ Family Picnic. Sadly, this proposed event will not be going ahead this year due to a number of reasons, with COVID 19 being the main one. Paul Baggott and Myself are in the process of organizing this event which had been proved to be successful in years past. The Previous ones were organized with the help of another executive member Bradly Clifford, but for various reasons they just fell off the radar. The Intention has always been to have an event for MUNZ members and their families other than the normal Xmas functions. The idea was born rather late in the summer and we were going into the KiwiRail/
John Totoro, Duncan McKeown
up member of Wellington branch and relies on Wellington Branch Secretary to put their name forward for employment with a company that has an agreement with MUNZ that they can source of labour for ratings from the MUNZ database. The Wellington branch are there to work for financial members under this ruling. This then doesn’t stop unfinancial from endeavouring to try and source work outside of this agreement which shouldn’t be encouraged.
Pat Harcus Delegate ??? Wellington I have been in the NZ Seaman’s union, Norwegian Seaman’s union, and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). I’m very proud to have been a member of all those unions just like I’m very proud to be a member of this union MUNZ. I received an email message from Wellington Secretary Jimmy King stating that as I am not a permanent employee of any company that I will have to renew my membership of MUNZ when I get another job as I am now deemed a causal member of Wellington branch of MUNZ. I queried this email with Wellington Secretary and he informed me that it had come down from National office. I go back to a Stop Work meeting dated when the previous Wellington Secretary and presiding Wellington President were on the rostrum there was a motion passed after a lot of discussion, that any member of Wellington Branch who was unemployed that they could pay $1 per week so they could remain being a member of the Wellington branch of MUNZ and they could still participate in Stop Work Meetings and able to vote in branch elections and National Office elections. This motion was passed with 2 against. As we know in the MUNZ rules that if a member isn’t a paid-up financial member of the Maritime Union of New Zealand, they are deemed not entitled to vote in any MUNZ elections. At present if a member hasn’t worked for 3 months then they deemed a non-paid
MUNZ’s close affiliation with the MUA and especially our sister branch in Fremantle have a policy that unemployed members pay a lower rate of membership until they get employment in the industry, and if they are pressed financially, they can approach their branch and organise a deferment of fees for a later date. Under this casual membership scenario, I can’t see the sense of casualisation of our unemployed union members when worldwide the unions and ITF are endeavouring to minimise casualisation of the workforce by employers in the maritime industry and especially the dockers. My grandfather, two uncles, and my father who was also secretary of the Auckland branch, plus two brothers and two step brothers and their father, and uncles plus their grandfather have all been proud members of NZ seaman’s union.All I want to be is a full-time member of this great union not a casual member am I am willing to pay the $1 or any amount to be a full member of MUNZ. If we go back to before the amalgamation with the Waterside Union if a member wasn’t paid up he had to throw their hand in on that vessel and couldn’t ship out until he was financial again, at the end of the day what Wellington Branch pass at the Stop Work Meeting about eighteen months ago should stand until and be honoured by the by the Wellington Branch and National office of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
MUNZ and MUA Members Celebrate May Day 2020 on the Normand Baltic. ANZAC Salute Honour the Fallen. MUNZ members from the Pacific Runner From left to right, Rob Pettifer, James Wearne, Kerry Hesp, Lee Hughes,
Mick Williams President Wellington Branch
Mick Williams
To honour all those who served! No grave but the sea! Let us never forget its contribution, the courage of its brave Seafarers, and their sacrifice International Workers’ Memorial Day
Tomorrow is International Workers’ Memorial Day. Mourn the dead. Fight for the living! Most of our members have worked through the lockdown as essential service Seafarers and Wharfies. This year we are all working in unique circumstances, as the coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Some risk their lives to the virus while working on the frontline, acting to protect the public and to keep society running, while many are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place. We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives. The theme for the day is: ‘Stop the Pandemic in the Workplace.’ Workers are in the coronavirus front line, never has the WMD slogan “Remember the dead, Fight for the living”. We will never forget those members who went to work and never returned home to their families. We keep saying why is no-one accountable for the loss of life we need urgent law change and manslaughter charges. Today fight against Covid-19. The pandemic is having a major impact on all of us, not just on lives and physical well-being but on our mental health as well, causing people anxiety, worry and putting them under additional stress. This crisis underscores the need for our mental health services to be supported and for workers to know that there is help for them when they need it. While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place, we should build a day of ‘virtual’ action on Tuesday 28 April. Hold a minute’s silence at midday!
Normand Baltic MUNZ & MUA – MAY DAY 2020
From left to right. (back row) S Barnes. C Pollard. R Doucette. S Conrick. A Williams. J Ingerson. (front row). J Beauchamp. J Formosa. E Tilbury. K Hawkins. A McConell
For the Dignity and Protection that Labour Unions have given all workers. Let us unite on May Day 2020.
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
Fiona Mansell Women’s Representative Wellington Branch Firstly, many thanks and acknowledgment to MUNZ Wellington Branch for the opportunity to attend such an amazing conference and to the hospitable members of the MUA (a division of the Construction Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union). Their hospitality was extremely humbling, welcoming and well organized. Also, to all the speakers who were very inspiring, articulate and passionate about their work in the Union movement. The Quadrennial National Conference was held on Monday 2 March to Friday 6 March 2020 at The Star Casino Gold Coast. This conference had over 500 people including MUA Delegates, international guests, national unions and politicians. The theme of this National Conference is Tjungu (pron. Tjoo-ngoo) an indigenous word meaning “one voice, one people together.” It has never been a more vital time for us to embrace this approach in our Unions both in Australia and New Zealand. Connecting, engaging with each other and exchanging ideas is what this National Conference was all about. After a welcome to the country from the Yugambeh Traditional Landowners of the Gold Coast, National Secretary Paddy Crumlin took the podium to speak of the appalling treatment of indigenous people in Australia. “After 200 years of genocide, murder, imprisonment, taking away your rights, it is up to our generation to set things right,” he said reaffirming the union’s support for constitutional change. “We don’t want deaths in custody. Stolen children stripped from their families and cultures,” he said. “What we are meaning to do this week is to come together with one voice. The spirit of Tjungu will resonate.” Special guest Sammy Wilson, Chair Central Land Council from the heart of the nation explained. “Tjungu means we do things collectively. In unity. Together,” “The same way we are all here today united.” Thomas Mayor, MUA National Indigenous Officer said it was the first time the union had a conference theme in Aboriginal language. “Tjungu is unity,” he said. “That’s also how we have fought off conservative governments and fought for workers’ rights.” To witness the indigenous people of this country welcome everyone was a highlight for all who attended the week-long conference, this was acknowledged by every speaker who stood up and spoke. As mentioned, the speakers were truly inspiring and passionate. One speaker who stuck out for me was National MUA President Christy Cain, he spoke of the recent union amalgamation also as Tjungu.
“We amalgamated for a number of reasons, but the main reason was strength,” he said.” He challenged and called on every delegate in the room, to “educate, agitate and organize, organize, organize.” Many of the speakers spoke about the Australian Trade Union movement facing unprecedented attacks aimed at removing basic rights, wage theft, industrial manslaughter and opportunities for working class men, women and their families. This Conference provided a platform to share, consolidate and align political and industrial focus not only to deal with the divisive Morrison government, but to promote the progressive alternatives. This was both disheartening and encouraging to hear, disheartening because of the tragic stories that were told about workers not returning home safely or not at all, workers having their basic human rights taken away or not implemented into their workplaces like toilets. But encouraging because as Christy Cain strongly put it “We are one powerful union and we are proud to lead the struggle for the working class in this country.” A heart felt Christy Cain led the charge on Industrial Manslaughter “Kill A Worker, Go to Jail.” Holding the big companies and the Australian Government accountable. “Hit them where it hurts”, “Pocket and Jail Time, SERIOUS Jail Time” All the attendees listening felt inspired by the passion, strength, solidarity and unity from all the speakers who stepped up to the podium to speak of the challenges and struggles they face. I know I did and so did my comrades who had the opportunity and privilege to attend. Their reports sent through to the union are consistent and testament to this. Lynette Payne wrote I would like to thank the Wellington Branch of the Maritime Union for allowing me travel to the MUA conference held in Australia. This conference was very inspiring. I got to learn what a stevedore did and the struggles that they and the wharfies are facing in Australia and all over the world. There were some wonderful speakers and I got to meet an indigenous female IR BOSUN called Vicki Morta. She spoke about getting the promotion and how all the AB’s backed her 100%. She also said that anyone can do anything if they work hard and strive to get where they want to be. I also met a woman called Naomi Cain who is a Stevedore in Sydney who did the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. She was the only women on board. There were around 500 Delegates there and I was very surprised to see a great number of women there. I would love to see more women get involved with the union here in New Zealand. That will be one of my goals. Zyana Maki wrote, I had the privilege to attend the Maritime Union of Australia Quadrennial National Conference on the Gold Coast. I along
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
with 6 other Wellington Branch members flew to the gold coast on Sunday, for many of us it was our very first international conference. The conference went for 5 days Monday to Friday with National and international speakers, telling us of their struggles and wins within their work industries. A few highlights for me was the opening ceremony, it was awesome to see the cultural aspect of Australia being highlighted throughout the conference. We had the people of the area come and perform a welcoming dance and song for us. The theme for the conference was Tjungu pronounce Tjoo-ngoo an indigenous word meaning one voice one people together. Listening to Christy Cain speak was also a highlight as you could hear the passion in his voice, Educate, Agitate & Organize!! Tuesday morning, we had a women’s breakfast. It was awesome to meet our fellow sisters. We listened to and had the privilege of meeting Vicky Morta, who is the first indigenous female bosun, Naomi Cain, first indigenous female on the Tribal Warrior, first nations boat to sail Sydney to Hobart. Such inspirational woman and great examples of leaders. Annette McCauley wrote, one thing that resided with me was an International Speaker “Surya Usmansyah” from Indonesia. Their new Government have had a new law passed that gives no protection of workers especially those that look at strike action. He spoke of spending 47 days in prison for standing up for his fellow workers rights, he closes his speech with “What side of History will you be? Leaving a legacy to the younger generation?”: food for thought in tough times to come.
Mich-elle Myers lead the charge with an impressive panel. There were six key points to note. 1. Take on Injustice; Support campaign for 10 days Domestic Violence Leave, (this was rejected by the Aussie Government) they got 5 days unpaid leave 2. We Give voice, we listen, We Speak Up – A compelling movie “Wild Butterfly needing Global attention to bring perpetrator to Justice. Part of this was wanting to increase the number of delegates run for the office, contacts in each branch, include all women on delegations to events and conferences, make opportunities for them to participate. 3.We believe in work life balance; increase Parental paid leave in all EBA, Superannuation – should be paid whilst on Leave, 70-year old’s highest level of homelessness across the country, since 1990’s casualization has increased by approx. 70% 4.Build Power by Standing together – ITF, ACTU, CFMEU 5.We believe in Fairness – Advance and promote the offshore and other vessels/government. Mentor/Train 6.We empower women through Education – “TO EDUCATE IS POWER” “When women work together not only do, they achieve great things for women but do it for MEN too” In summary and I am positive I speak on behalf of my comrades we have all returned feeling empowered, encouraged and inspired to keep on fighting for our employment rights in New Zealand as ONE UNION, ONE VOICE, ONE PEOPLE, TOGETHER-TJUNGU!
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
Wellington Branch Contacts Jimmy King Branch Secretary/Treasurer DDI: 04 38 59288 Mobile: 020 483 6262 Email: jim.king@munz.org.nz John Whiting Branch Assistant Secretary Mobile: 021 606 379 Email: john.whiting@munz.org.nz Mick Williams Branch President Mobile: 022 309 8959 Email: mick.williams@munz.org.nz Peter Stills Vice President Mobile: 027 558 9282 Email: cmanp@hotmail.com Fiona Mansell Women’s Rep Executive Mobile: 022 302 3010 Email: feemansell@gmail.com Tony Mowbray Executive Member Mobile: 027 6376 561
Jacob Blaikie Youth Rep Executive Mobile: 022 658 3825 Email: blaikiejacob@gmail.com George McIntosh Executive Member Mobile: 027 392 7507 Email: georgeandjill@xtra.co.nz Lynette Payne Executive Member Mobile: 027 355 9080 Email: awaywiththeferries@hotmail.com Paul Baggott Executive Member Mobile: 027 688 8002 Email: paulsown@hotmail.com
Ports (Wellington) Bradley Clifford Executive Member Mobile: 021 176 5928 Email: bradleyclifford@msn.com Jason Penny Executive Member Mobile: 021 537 287 Email: jaypndawhare@gmail.com
National Office Officials Contacts Joe Fleetwood National Secretary Mobile: 021 364 649 Direct dial: 04 801 7614 Email: joe.fleetwood@munz.org.nz Carl Findlay National President Mobile: 021 760 887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz
Selwyn Russell National Vice President Mobile: 027 478 2308 Email selwyn.russell@munz.orgn.z Ray Fife Assistant National Secretary Mobile: 027 447 5317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz
The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly