THE MARITIME WORKER Wellington Branch Wellington Branch Newsletter Vol: 10 April (2021)
Mick Williams Awar de d Li f e Me mbe r s hip of MUNZ Article by Tony Mowbray Vice President, Wellington Branch Mick has spent his entire working life fighting for the rights of all workers. He has always supported not only the struggles closest to him, but those of other unions as well. Not just New Zealand unions, but struggles across the world. He’s done this ever since he joined the NZSeamen’s Union in 1974. He has continuously been active in the NZshipping industry, negotiating on behalf of workers for their rights and pursuing improved conditions to better all our lives. Seven of his 47 years were spent with Wellington MUNZ’s sister branch in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he naturally took up the role of a delegate until his return to New Zealand. Once back here he rejoined MUNZ, leading to his current position as Branch President. He has spent his life humbly dedicated to the trade union movement, particularly its maritime sector. I have known Mick for 26 years. He was previously a Wellington Branch Secretary in the 1990s, and I would personally like to mention how instrumental he was in unionising Strait Shipping. Given the industrial climate of this country in the mid 1990s, that was a difficult task to say the least. With his commitment and mentoring, the initial Collective Agreement was secured in 1995 and is retained to this day. Mick has been in the forefront of many pickets and protests on a range of social issues This makes this lifetime membership an honour to present on behalf of MUNZand the whole of the Wellington Branch. I’msure we speak for the whole trade union movement when we recognise Mick’s dedication and commitment. The whole time, he expected nothing in return. What follows is a selection of Mick’s many achievements:
• P&OLondon negotiations • Geneva minimumrights forums • Numerous Ship Delegate roles • Organiser of NZSeaman’s Overseas Trade campaign • Organiser of the NZSeaman’s Union SCONZY campaign • Wellington & National Councillor• ITF delegate • NZSeafarers Union National Councillor • National Campaign Organiser • NZagainst Apartheid campaigner • Representative during the UK miner’s and Liverpool docker lockouts • Active in our own “Golden Bay” lockout • Support role for the MUAduring the Patrick’s dispute• Leading support for the Cuban struggle &against the unjust and illegal Iraq war• Akey figure in our push to amalgamate and obtain “one union on the waterfront” • KiwiRail strike chairman (war of ‘94) • National &Wellington Secretary of NZSeafarer’s Union until the formation of MUNZ• Joint Secretary of the TUF • Currently, Wellington Branch President of MUNZ. Article by Jim King - Secretary, Wellington Branch At the National Council meeting held on 29, 30, &31 April, Mick Williams was awarded life membership for his many contributions and dedication, both to this union and the wider trade union movement. Tony Mowbray and myself, along with other members of the National Council, spoke without reservation about Mick’s achievements and the unwavering support he has for this union. I’msure every MUNZ member agrees there’s no one more deserving of this immense honour. On behalf of the Wellington Branch and the Wellington Branch Executive, I would like to thank Mick for all the effort, dedication and hard work he has given this union and all its members right up and down the country.
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(continued from cover) Tony summarises Mick’s achievements very well. At this stage, Mick is going to continue on until approximately the end of the year and will be presented with his Life Time Membership award. The Wellington Branch Executive will then have something special as a great send off for himand his family. The Wellington Branch has also voted on and fully endorsed that Mick will take the lead fromWellington Branch with our Coastal Shipping and Cabotage campaign, in which he will work alongside the National Office as required. There is no one better to take point on this issue, because this campaign has been a major part of Mick’s life alongside his seagoing career. Thank you Mick.
Government fulfilling commitment to improve seafarer welfare The Government is fulfilling its pre-election commitment to allow more support to seafarers visiting New Zealand, Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. The Maritime Transport Act will be amended through the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill to allow maritime levies to be used to provide support services coordinated by the Seafarers Welfare Board. Transport Minister Michael Wood said COVID-19 has impacted massively on international shipping lines and this has meant seafarers need support. Border and health restrictions often mean crews are out at sea for months on end with limited ability to contact their families. The Seafarers Welfare Board provides support and services to seafarers who are vital to maintaining New Zealand’s global trade lines.
Jim King Wgtn Secretary/Treasurer
Wellington Secretary/Treasurer’s Report High Performance High Engage (HPHE) - Core Crewing The first HPHEmeetings were held on 22 &23 March. We got straight into the issues around core crewing, which encompasses everything from casualisation to short hand payments. There was another HPHEmeeting on 8 April, which also featured discussions about the crewing levels, and another meeting is scheduled for 29 April. So far, the MUNZHPHEteamare pretty happy with the progress we’ve made regarding possible agreed numbers for the vessels currently in operation. However, we believe there’s still some way to go before a consensus is reached. Once the issue of core crewing has been finalised, we then will break into the subject of short hand pay for Wowo Catering Attendants. KR-IIL Catering & AB Casuals/Fixed Term Contracts As a direct result of constant pressure fromour union, KR-IILhave now advertised 31 positions for Catering Attendants. This comes at a time when the catering department is absolutely exhausted, and lacks enough crew to do the job effectively. Alongside these issues, we also remain focused on ensuring casual ABs are appointed into permanent positions. This is especially important because some of the casuals, like the C/As, have been there for two years or longer. I sent a letter off to one of our lawyers requesting they investigate the legalities of what KiwiRail has been doing. An alarming number of our members are being employed as casuals, then transferred to fixed term contracts, then back to casual contracts. This is unacceptable to our union. We received a ten page report back fromour lawyer, Ben Thompson, outlining his serious concerns about KR-IIL’s use of Fixed TermContracts and Casuals. Ben has requested we provide himmore information, such as letters of appointment to the Fixed Termers and Casuals, so he can give us a more in-depth analysis of where we are at and what we are able to do.
For example, they ensured wifi units were made available for ships calling at New Zealand ports, providing a connection to 794 ships. This gives seafarers the chance to connect with their families after months at sea and Board staff communicating with themprovides an avenue to raise concerns and complaints. “The Seafarers Welfare Board currently relies on donations to coordinate facilities at our ten main ports. By giving themlong-termfunding certainty, we will meet our international commitments and ensure that services to support seafarers’ wellbeing continue to be provided,” Michael Wood said. The Government is providing interimfunding through the Essential Transport Connectivity Scheme for services coordinated by the Board in 2020/21. The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill will be passed before mid-year.
Offshore Kingston Offshore There are some delays in the start date for the Vision Mermaid,and it is now expected around the middle of April. The original start date was set down for the end of March. Some of our members have been quite concerned about this, as they could have been offered work fromother manning agencies. This reinforces MUNZ’s stance that the Offshore Employers Group must start paying wages to those employees who have been through the interviewing processes and have been appointed to work for their agency. These employees are now just sitting around waiting to join their vessels, and are not being paid anything at all. This is one claimof many that will be heading to the OEGwage round talks in April/May this year. Atlas Programmed The issues our members are currently experiencing with Kingston Offshore are similar to those we face at Atlas. This is something we really need to sort out, hopefully before the next big intake for the offshore - whenever that happens. The towing job for the Boskalis vessels will take place without our members on the tow, because of difficulties arranging the repatriation of our members due to Covid-19 MIQrequirements. OSM Amethyst is now here in NZ, and the following is a short summary of what’s happening
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Members are currently being engaged under Class 3 while on heading control – the expected duration of this is two to three weeks;
New Zealand and let themknow we have a list of names fromyoung people that wish to pursue a career in these fields.
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This will be adjusted to Class 3Awhen the chain recovery work commences – the expected duration of this is three to four weeks;
Once gained, those qualifications can be used as a stepping stone for those who aspire to higher qualifications in the maritime industry.
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Currently there are 4 x IR, 1 x Cook and 1 x Steward on board the vessel while completing heading control duties;
They are equally as useful for those who simply want a career pathway to become an ABll/5, or an ABEngine-Roomlll/5 (Motorman).
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An additional IRand Steward will be required for the chain recovery scope of work;
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Due to the current restrictions OSMdo not plan on using NZcrew to redeliver the vessel overseas, one major concern is there is no MIQ arrangements available until August;
As you’re probably aware, we are developing constructive dialogues with various government officials to try and set something up in this area, both for young wannabe trainees and seasoned seafarers.
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Once further details have been confirmed between OSMand their client regarding the redelivery voyage, OSMwill contact me to discuss the redelivery voyage and how a payment in lieu of the delivery might look;
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Atlas are the agent for the scope of work.
NIWA In July 2021 we will look at the CPI. Aremuneration review will be undertaken by NIWAvessels, and remuneration for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 will be negotiated with the parties from1 July 2021. If resolution is not reached by 30 September 2021 then the MUNZ/AMEA/MSGagreement will expire on 30 September 2021. StraitNZ(Bluebridge) StraitNZis moving fromACCfor the management of workplace injuries to the ACC’s accredited Employers Programme (AEP), facilitated by WellNZ. This covers options for workplace and non-workplace injuries. StraitNZbelieves this will greatly benefit all staff, and they see it as the next step in improving their prevention and management of workplace injuries. If WellNZare anything like WorkAon, then in my opinion WorkAon are no shining light. Only time will tell if this is a good move. Our members have been emailed and in addition to this, copies have been sent to vessels for notice board display. Bargaining will be initiated with StraitNZ(Bluebridge) on April 2021. The branch called for remits fromour members back in December 2021.
General Passing of Doris Whiting, wife of John Whiting (Assistant Secretary, Wellington Branch) The Wellington Branch and its members passed on their deepest condolences to John and his family for the passing of his wife Doris. John, we know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment, so give yourself a lot of grace. Do whatever you need to take care of yourself, and always know the MUNZfamily is here for you. Trainee AB (ll/5) or Trainee AB (lll/5) Engine-Room
The goal is to help workers gave their qualifications updated, and to assist and incentivise young trainees and employers to take these trainees on. Once achieved this will ensure the New Zealand maritime shipping industry always has a good base of trained seafarers. Offshore Employer Group (OEG) Our legal teamhave now filed for proceedings with the courts. The company has 14 days fromthe day it is served on themby the Authority to file a Statement of Proceedings. There is then a mandatory mediation about two months later, and a hearing within three to six months. Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings At this stage, the next Stop Work Meeting is set down for Monday 10 May, 2021. It will be held at the National Office building, Waterside House on 220 Willis Street, at 10amon the seventh floor. If there are any changes we will notify you. The Maritime Worker Newsletter Please keep your emails, articles and pictures rolling in as they will be published in the next edition of the Wellington Maritime Worker 2021. Legal In the past year MUNZhas provided legal services to our members, mainly for ACCappeals and review. There’s also been legal representation surrounding personal grievances, and we are now in the process of getting legal advice regarding employment issues with Kiwirail and in the Offshore. Database Currently, due to the increase of offshore work picking up the database is dry, with IRs, AB, and Cooks. However, we still have a few stewards. The numbers are as follows. IRs & ABs: Nil Cooks: Nil Stewards: 11
Upcoming Wage Rounds
I encourage any young person, woman or man, who would like their name to be held on our database to forward your detail to me: jim.king@munz.org.nz .
Offshore Oil & Gas April: Current
I amin the process of building a database especially for those who would like to pursue a career in the deck or engine departments, ultimately becoming an Able-Bodied Seafarer Deck, or Able-Bodied Seafarer Engine.
NIWA: CPI Review June
StraitNZ Bluebridge: June
MUNZintends to make contact with various shipping companies around The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
initial sterilisation should be undertaken so as not to have any unnecessary exposure or risk considering contractors fromAustralia would have had access for the docking duration. On a similar note, could we please ensure none of the crew cabins are used to accommodate anybody other than ship’s crew. Tony Mowbray #1154 Vice President Wellington Branch
If possible, could any confirmation be sent to ship prior departure.
Letter to the Labour Government: When will shipping get the support it deserves? I read a deeply concerning article in this month’s issue of the NZShipping Gazette (20/3/21), informing the reader that a regular Trans-Tasman shipping service will be set up by a foreign company using foreign crew. Once again it appears little or nothing is being done to halt the nails being driven into the coffin of New Zealand’s maritime industry.
Pat Harcus Delegate Normand Tortuga
One of the last NZcrewed vessels on this route was the Wellington &Sydney Express, under P&Ofinishing up to early 2002. The decline of NZshipping is the end result of the National government deregulating our industry and repealing the Trans-Tasman Accord in the 1990s, in turn opening the door for foreign companies with foreign crews to monopolise the Tasman and our domestic trade. Fromthat point on, we lost all NZcrewed ships on this run. If this government is committed to this section of the transport industry, like it claims, it needs to support the NZmaritime sector by reinstating section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act, and encourage serious industry training along with incentives for NZcompanies to invest. I have mentioned the importance of a developed island nation not being dependent on foreign companies for domestic trade in earlier correspondence. The current backlog of cargo in Auckland would also not be as severe if we still had a coastal fleet. The lack of this was evident after the Kaikoura earthquake when government-owned KiwiRail had to charter foreign owned and crewed vessels to keep things moving, as the Cook Strait ferries couldn’t keep up with demand until track work was completed. Twenty years of our concerns must surely be documented in the Labour Party files somewhere?
Stay safe, go home in one piece Sadly, I gave myself an injury by not looking at the whole picture of the task at hand. I was using a battery powered grinder on a task cutting out some steel. Firstly, I arranged a permit. Then set up the site with extinguisher (hot work). Got all the tools I needed and got all my PPE; goggles, gloves, ear defenders, safety hat, and knee protection as I was going to be on my knees while performing this task. I kitted myself up, then proceeded with the task. The battery ran out, so I changed it and put the other on charge. I carried on until the battery ran out, and the other battery wasn’t charged at this time. Suddenly, a brain wave! I decided to use an electric grinder to get the job done before knockoff. The task was proceeding once more when all of a sudden, the grinder bounced back at me, hit the knee pads first then cut into my leg above the knee. The wound required three stitches. Here’s the lesson to learn. Even with all the safety gear, one has to think outside the square and consider consequences that could happen if you change tack.
It is a struggle having to explain the history of our industry to every Transport minister since Harry Dynhoven without seeing anything done to back our cause, which in turn benefits the nation as a whole.
For example; the extra workload on others to cover for you, the time taken for others to care for you, the pressure that’s put on medical services ashore if you’re alongside, the worry of your loved ones and lastly the simple fact that everyone wants to go home in one piece.
Letter to KiwiRail’s Peter Matthews: Keep the Kaiarahi safe for crew
It doesn’t take long to step back and review your work site and the tools you’re using.
Hi Peter, When the Kaiarahi returns fromAustralia, could you confirmthat a professional disinfection/clean will be undertaken prior to crew joining.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had heaps of training in the industry to elevate accidents and to look after our workmates, but at the end of the day I took my eye off the ball and said ‘she’ll be right, it’ll only be a couple of minutes.’ Don’t repeat my mistake! Stay safe, go home in one piece to your loved ones.
General cleaning could be undertaken as normal by ship’s crews, although The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
I can’t wait to see this come to fruition. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela HPHE Fiona Mansell Wellington Women’s Rep National Women’s Rep
Progress made on key issues, opportunities coming up for members Women’s conference The NZCTUWomen’s Conference will be held on the 19th and 20th of July 2021 at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. An expression of interest has gone out to all MUNZbranches, asking themto submit names to attend this two day event. This conference is an excellent forumwhere women fromdifferent sectors all over New Zealand come together for in-depth discussions about each other’s struggles and issues in their workplaces.
MUNZdelegates and KR-IIl met on the 23rd and 24th of March for a full two days of the High Performance High Engagement Forum. We discussed in depth our issues on the vessels, particularly Core Crewing. I amso proud to be part of a teamof delegates who are willing to lay everything out on the table to a company who have been playing hardball with us the last few years. So good to finally achieve positive results, and we are now seeing recruitment in OBS, LOBStewards and Cooks. Abig battle that has been a long time coming! It makes me extremely happy to congratulate all those who have successfully been offered permanent full-time positions. It’s about time this company gave you all the security and stability you so deserve. However, there is still a lot of work to be done and more results to achieve in regards to Core Crewing.
Avariety of workshops are available for everyone to attend and are mostly interactive.
It appears HPHEis at this point the forumto get it done. The next two meetings are set for Thursday 8th and Thursday 29th April.
We have eight confirmed attendees fromKiwi Rail/IIL, and are seeking more interested women fromC3 Wellington, C3 Masterton, CentrePort and Strait Shipping.
“In unity there is strength; we can move mountains when we’re united and enjoy life. Without unity we are victims, STAYUNITED!” - Bill Bailey
I ampleased to report that so far 24 delegates fromsix branches have confirmed they will attend. It’s the first time MUNZhas sent such a large delegation to this particular conference, and it is encouraging and empowering to see our union as a whole is now getting behind women attending. This was further supported at National Council, where I gave a lengthy report about how important it is to fully support the women of this union and to send women fromother branches. Personally, I amexcited and looking forward to networking with other likeminded women both in our own union and other unions. “Awoman’s place is in her Union” - Unknown Delegate training This was discussed at length at our National Council Meeting on March 30th. I talked about how disappointing it is that for nearly 12 years remits have been submitted, discussions have been had and yet nothing has been done about delegate training.
New Pregnancy Policy We currently have two pregnant seafarers, one permanent and one who has just been offered a permanent position after bouncing fromone contract to another several times in the last two to three years. It is a proud moment for MUNZthat these two pregnant seafarers will be the first to receive the excellent conditions under our new Pregnancy Policy. When our seafarers reach 24 weeks in their pregnancy, they are immediately stood down fromthe vessels. KR-IILwill endeavour to look for alternative work for her up until she is ready to go on maternity/parental leave. In addition, no matter what alternative work the company offers, she will receive her exact same salary. In previous times she may have been disadvantaged or had her salary cut back. The best condition is that if the company can’t find alternative work, she is stood down on full pay until the day she gives birth no matter where she is based in NZ. Athree year battle was well fought to achieve this, not just by myself but by JimKing and Maeve Phillips.
The only two training sessions that I know happened in 12 years are the sessions I initiated with Craig back in Sept/Oct 2020.
I have had a couple of people approach me recently asking whether there are any entitlements for fathers.
In my opinion these were a huge success because out of these two sessions five new delegates emerged, and those who got to attend walked away a bit more educated about employment law and more empowered to use what we learned.
At this stage, no; but with wage rounds coming up in August/September, anyone could submit a remit to ensure a man who is about to become a father could enjoy paid parental entitlements too.
These are goals I have been trying to achieve in the four to five years I have been a delegate. Craig Harrison is extremely keen to get more training up and running, which makes me very excited.
If we win this once again, MUNZwill set the standard for all other unions within KiwiRail. “If you fight you won’t always win. But if you don’t fight you will always lose” - Bob Crowand Koro Mick Williams
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Rogues Galle r y
Former MUNZ member Peter Payne, in yellow vest. 81 years and still going strong.
L-R: Murray Sidaway (RMTU Wgtn Port Chair),Todd Valster (RMTU Wgtn organiser), John Whiting (MUNZ Assistant Wgtn Branch
Above L-R: Carl Finlay (National President), Craig Harrison (National Secretary), Josh Greer (National Vice President), Ray Fife (Assistant National Secretary)
Right, L-R: Craig Harrison (National Secretary), Russell Mayne (Auckland Branch Secretary), Mick Williams (Wellington Branch President)
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Secretary)
MUNZ Wgt n Branch Famil y Day Picnic , Fe br uar y 2021
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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
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)
Tony Mowbray - Vice President Mobile: 027 6376 561
Bradley Cliff ord - Executive Member Mobile: 021 176 5928 Email: bradleyclifford@msn.com
Fiona Mansell - Women’s Rep Executive Mobile: 022 302 3010 Email: feemansell@gmail.com
Jason Penny - Executive Member Mobile: 021 537 287 Email: jaypndawhare@gmail.com
Jacob Blaikie - Youth Rep Executive Mobile: 022 658 3825 Email: blaikiejacob@gmail.com
National Office Officials Contacts Craig Harrison National Secretary Mobile: 027 422 5238 Direct dial: 04 801 7614 Email: craig.harrison@munz.org.nz Carl Findlay National President Mobile: 021 760 887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz
Josh Greer National Vice President Mobile: To be confirmed Email To be confirmed Ray Fife Assistant National Secretary Mobile: 027 447 5317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz
This publication is authorised by the Maritime Union of New Zealand’s National Secretary Craig Harrison. 220 Willis Street, Wellington. The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly