RUSSELL MAYN—AUCKLAND
BRANCH SECRETARY
Given the loss of the two New Zealand crewed Tankers, the announcement that Maersk will be placing the Maersk Nadi and the Maersk Nansha on the New Zealand Coast is indeed welcome news. Both of these vessels will offer a dedi cated New Zealand coastal container service, currently Swire’s have the MV Moana Chief operating as a New Zealand flagged vessel dedicated to containers. Swire’s have also just announced the introduction of a further vessel to supplement the MV Moana Chief. This 1300 TEU vessel is due sometime around September this year. The introduc tion of this vessel has been made possi ble with the assistance of the Labour Government.TheMinister of Transport Michael Wood announced on 24 May that $30 million has been committed to coastal shipping through the National Land Transport Programme. The four success ful applicants for this funding were Aotearoa Shipping Alliance, Coastal Bulk Shipping Ltd, Move International Ltd and Swire Shipping NZ Ltd.
We must thank the Labour Party as the first Government in recent times to take positive steps to rejuvenate the ship ping industry in New Zealand, in saying that congratulations also need to go to the union for the campaign that has been put in place to bring this to fruition.
For the first time in many years there is light at the end of the funnel. The chal lenge for us is to make good on the prog ress to date, continue to lobby for extra tonnage and protections from unfair competition on the coast, and promote an international Kiwi based service so our exporters are not at the mercy of foreign policies and price gouging.
The Maritime Worker NEWSLETTER OF THE WELLINGTON BRANCH OF THE MARITIME UNION OF NEW ZEALAND VOLUME 18 — AUGUST 2022
I cannot remember the last time new tonnage arrived on our doorstep. Finally Government, logistics companies and industry players have recognised the benefits that a vibrant, efficient well-re sourced coastal shipping service can offer. Coastal shipping can and will deliver an environmentally friendly option, we have no other option than to reduce carbon emissions and moving cargo by sea ticks all the boxes. Not only are there the benefits to the environment but there is the long term sustainable benefits of a reliable, efficient sustainable transport mode that meets the test. No roads to maintain, able to function when natural disasters affect us, a future proofed service to move exports and imports across New Zealand.
Above: the MAERSK Nadi
IS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE FUNNEL?
The challenge for our industry is to make sure that we have fully trained seafarers going forward to man existing and new vessels as current seafarers retire. This is a great opportunity for young Kiwi’s to have an opportunity to forge a future in the Maritime Industry.
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The MUNZ team is made up of Jim King, Tony Mowbray, Kenny Walsh, Jack Thomason, and Paul Baggott.
There is an increasing momentum coming from the high echelons of Kiwirail–InterIslander to have shorebased lashing gangs working on the KR Ferries.Notonly have I spoken to KR-on several occasions, but I have also outlined my concerns in writing, and that is there needs to be dialogue ASAP. These discussions were meant to have been dealt with in the KR-IIL industrial Council forum, but because of KR-IIL’s persistence in wanting to utilise some of the AB crew from the Aratere when their vessel is laid up, to help with lashing of cargo on the other ferries, it has been decided by both parties we need to talk sooner rather than later. At this stage, talks are set down for 23 August.
WELLINGTON REPORT JIM KING
Discussions took place at the National Council meeting with regards to the pay-outs that Waterside Workers and their whanau receive if they die on the job. When a seafarer dies on the job, the MRS allocates 15K to the next of kins whanau, this ordinarily pays for funeral costsWhenetc. a Watersider dies on the job, the figure is somewhere in the vicinity of 250K, so questions were put to see if there’s anything the trustees could for the seafaring section, such as maybe raising the death benefit entitlement to receive the same figure as Watersiders. After a bit of discussion, it was our understanding the Watersiders and their employers contribute a portion of their superannuation contributions to a death cover scheme, but unfortunately our seafarers and their employers do not. Hence the discrepancy in the death cover pay-out.Thistopic is being discussed at the next MRS Trustee committee meeting to see if we can find a way forward.
Interisland Line As we all know there is a shortage of AB’s and Cooks in the KiwiRail fleet. KR-IIL are actively seeking to appoint new people to these positions. Some months ago, MUNZ and KR-IIL discussed giving the opportu nity to Catering Attendants who wish to be considered for training in the role of a cook. MUNZ embraces this initiative and welcomes the day when this comes to fruition.
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InterIslander has confirmed a number of scheduled ship outages planned through to the end of September. Works are to undertake maintenance and necessary maritime compliance checks required to run a safe shipping operation.KR-IIL will continue to provide capacity at all times by staggering when the ships are scheduled to be out of service in to meet customer demand. Over the next two months, the Aratere will undergo a “wet dock” followed by the Kaitaki travelling to Sydney for its regular drydock servicing, during which time the Valentine would be providing freightRepaircapacity.works to the Kaiarahi, which is currently laid up in Picton, are suppos edly “progressing well. KR-IIL are awaiting the arrival of some final parts being specially manufactured in the United States. A resumption of service date will be announced in the near future.Aswe are all too aware the KR-IIL is currently experiencing high levels of staff sickness due to COVID and the flu. IIL say they are recruiting to ensure they have a full staff establishment ahead of the peak freight and passenger season which typically ramps up from October.
Offshore KINGSTON MV Leeuwin (DSV) is scheduled to come to New Plymouth sometime in September. The campaign is due to last approximately 200 days.
Secretary/TreasurerKingWellingtonBranch
ATLAS A lot of names were forwarded to Atlas for the Maersk vessels. Hopefully they have taken a few of the names we submitted. Jim
Bottom: Les Taylor (Wellington Branch Executive) & Tony Mowbray (Wellington Branch President) celebrating a great day
Top: Young TABs Alison Tema and Maree Griffiths on MV Valentine during Nelson layup with one of the two Maersk vessels to be crewed by New Zealanders in the background
Next Stop Work Meeting set down for Monday 12 September, to be held at the National Office Conference room, 10am first floor, Waterside House. currentrounds
NIWA First set of wage rounds were held 28 June at NIWA, Greta Point. MUNZ attended the wage rounds by Teams meeting.Likealmost all other companies, NIWA is pleading that there is no money and that have constraints imposed upon them from the State Services Commission (SSC), stating they need to be very mindful of any pay increases that are negotiated this year. This same request has also been sent out country wide to all Government departments. WorkerMaritimeNewsletter have been receiving positive feedback from the members about the newsletters new format. Please keep your emails, and pictures rolling in, they will be published in the next edition of the Wellington Maritime Worker, space permitting. Wellington numbers are high now but will reduce over time due to the picking of the two Maersk vessels. Branch Stop Work Meeting
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7. SHP – Clarified that shorthand pay is paid for under 14 crew.
6. Lashing Gangs – Process in place for lashing gangs on Valentine - talked throughLashingprocess.gangs are likely to be a key point of discussion in the future. IIL needs to get its business case sorted and then commence union engagement.
12. Uniforms – Issue with cabin attendant – Kaitaki having to pay for uniform. Supply chain issues are present. Need to escalate to CSM. Require context of case then IIL will consider reimbursement. Action with Fiona and Tu.
11. Dry Dock recruitment – IIL committed to having criteria in place to ensure transparency of appoint ment. Currently issues around bias exist.
13. Aratere night shift additional leave – Changes to CA around night shift leave have raised concerns due to the Aratere roster. It appears crew across three shifts fall into the night period. This was not the intent of bargaining. IIL to do more work then discuss further. Action with Pete
PRESENT: BIANCA, KEVIN, JIM, FIONA, LANA, DARRYL, PETE.
8. Cooks cooking for contractors –IIL committed to providing two cooks when over 25 crew / 7 contractors. If we can’t meet this, we will supply food to contractors from ashore.
BI-MONTHLY MEETING
3. Kaiarahi - A part (bearings) has been delayed untik the end of July/ Middle of August. This will result in us having just the Aratere and Valentine for 1–3 weeks in September.
4. Extension of cabins – Flag state approval process underway. Still a few challenges. Will seek an exten sion of MOU when this occurs.
5. MOU Faming – MOU in place. Picton based crew in place to do Valentine day return sailing due to a lack of cabins.
18 JULY 2022
15. Cook shortage – Currently 10 cooks short. MOU agreed in principle for CAs to operate in galley support. Action with Tu 16. Outstanding matters – Trainee Bosun Training, develop a frame work. MUNZ wants to be part of its development. Action: Darryl to prog ress by talking to Dan.
KIWIRAIL–INTERISLANDER LINE AND MARITIME UNION
14. Delegates travelling on ships – Safety review underway regard ing personal accessing the ships. Opportunity to review our current expectations around Delegates etc, eg Who manages the booking, who meets them on board, do they line up as a passenger? PPE usage, Access to spaces, Payment/ Toil. Further short line up group to discuss. Action with Tu.
9. K1 Faming – Process in place 10. Responses to queries and complaints – Commitment by IIL that we need to respond to all matters in a timely manner. Pete to reiterate with his team.
2. Valentine – MUNZ raised the following pertaining to the intro duction of the Valentine. This was based around vessel being here for an approximate 6-month period, due to the K2 being out of service. Now it is confirmed the V has got an extended lease period. KR-IIL have simply made plans for the extra lease period without consulting our Union. This may be fine, but unfortunately it is our members who have made the sacrifice to utilise the truckies cabins with dispensations from the flag state. Prior to the V coming to NZ, KR-IIL bent over backwards to keep us updated, signed MOU’s, engage ment meetings etc, as I believe our input was important, so KR-IIL would get this vessel into service with outUnfortunately,delay. KR-IIL have simply forged ahead in obtaining the charter extension for the V, but have forgot ten that the arrangements agreed to was for a limited time period until 7 September as this is when the exemp tion for the cabins expires. More importantly the V was going to be returned back to its owners, and our members were going to be returned back to their vessels. That was definitely MUNZ’s stand point, as this is documented in our correspondence.MUNZhasnot been advised by KR-IIL just what their forward plans are in relation to the exact charter requirements for the V are. There are growing concerns from our members KR-IIL will be look ing at utilising the exterior container cabins for our members. At the meet ing below, I aired MUNZ’s concerns, if this did come to fruition, that our members will play no part in the util isation of the external cabins. The above was noted by IIL and we will keep MUNZ updated as to developments. Business case being considered as to whether we purchase and sail as a fourth ship. On charter to February 2023.
1. Travel – Crew change overs out of port Agenda item outstanding - Jim and Peter to discuss further. Action with Peter.
Our Annual Family Picnic M U N Z W E L L I N G T O N B R A N C H W A R M L Y I N V I T E S Y O U T O S e p t e m b e r 1 0 t h 2 0 2 2 A v a l o n P a v i l i o n P a r k 1 1 a m - 2 p m L o t s o f F u n f o r t h e k i d s , g a m e s a n d a B B Q P r o v i d e d . See you there!All MUNZ members and whanau are welcome!
The formula is easy. If you have good Union density and they are organised and educated then most often than not we see good outcomes for our members. This is hard work and takes hundreds of conversations with workers who have no experience of what a Union is as they are usually educated by the employer.
CRAIG HARRISON
I would like to congratulate Jimmy King and Russell Mayn who both drove the talks on our members behalf and ensured that the terms and conditions in the Collective Agreement did not under mine what our members currently enjoy on the coast on our only container vessel. The recent announcement by Swire’s in which we will see another vessel added to our domestic fleet later this year has been some of the best news we have heard for years. We of course temper this news with the loss of both of our New Zealand flagged tankers and the long history of service our members have given to the industry. I am confident that we will be able to find productive work for our members who have been displaced from these vessels to the new tonnage on the coast. Training Our Union is campaigning for support from the Government to educate young New Zealanders into an industry that has been overlooked and neglected for years. This campaign is ongoing, and I hope to have further news in the near future. Ports Our Union through the work done by both National Office and the Auckland Branch has seen some significant rulings come out of the Employment Court which will change the nature of work for all Port workers. This is on the back of the work done to roll back automation in the Ports of Auckland and the drive for a National Standard in Stevedoring. Our Union is in the process of bargaining a Collective Agreement with ISO in Tauranga led by Russell Mayn and myself. We are finally start ing to deal with an issue that has longed impacted on the working conditions of all Port workers. We also in the process of talking with ISL in Tauranga and Northland.Overthe coming year there will be a lot of work done in and around the Ports to lift our Union density in our industry.
Union Strategies
Craig Harrison National Secretary
Over coming months and into the New Year our Union needs to start having the conversations around the various Branches about what we could do better to strengthen our collective strength. We are already seeing ports like Northland amalgamate with Auckland, and the result with a part-time organiser we are seeing significant growth of members in the port. As we see technology come into the industry more and more, we will have to think what our Union looks like locally and nationally so we can ensure that we are doing our best for all our members future.
New Memberships
I can finish on a positive note saying that we are seeing growth in our member ship around the country, with reports like the one Fiona delivered giving the new members being recruited. I am pleased to report we are seeing similar reports from a couple of other ports, and we now need to find a way to extend it to all ports. In closing I would like to thank all the officials and delegates that give their commitment to our Union, and most importantly our members who chose to be part of our union.
NATIONAL OFFICE REPORT
National Council Our Unions National Council meeting was held in Wellington on 12–13 July, with our Unions Finance Committee meeting on 11 July. I would like to acknowledge the hard work done by the Finance Committee with Ray Fife, Jim King, Gary Horan and Josh Greer all contributing to the debate and formulating resolutions for the National Council meeting that underpin the direction of our Union. Shipping I am pleased to report the Collective Agreement between our Union and AMEA and the Merchant Services Guild, and Atlas, for the two new Maersk vessels on our coast has been signed.
I would like to facilitate union training courses for anyone interested. Dates are as follows: Thursday 22 September Thursday 29 September Tuesday 4 October Time 0930–1430 Venue: Conference Room, Level One, MUNZ National Office, Waterside House, 220 Willis Street, Wellington Topics covered include: Union History The role of the delegate Dealing with workplace issues Disciplinary processes LunchAvailableCommunicatingresourcesandrefreshments will be provided for the day. Please contact me on the details below with the date that best suits you: Fiona AssistantMansellBranch Secretary Email fiona.mansell@munz.org.nz Mobile 021573244 UNION TRAINING FIONA MANSELL The Sea Lion has been moored at the end of Queen’s Wharf for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, on the early morning of 10 August, it sunk. It’s not exactly clear what happened but no doubt the age and the rough seas overnight were factors. Swell warnings were in place for the Wellington region the night prior while strong wind warnings remained.
FIONA MANSELL Port Round Up:
INTERISLANDER: Kevin Lightband, Moiogo Haleti, James Teatao, Kilisi Lemalie, Sophie Forsyth, Malota Tealei, Bernard Pedersen, Daniel Fabro, Teilah Stowers-Tuisano, Mere Tane, Chieh-Ning Wang, Tiori Rawhiti, Alysha Nawele, Steven Howard, Ana Espenila, Kim Figuracion, Nadia Sziranyi, Mau Teali, Joanne Smith.
STRAIT-SHIPPING NZ: Jack Gerring, Katherine Daly, TaylaMay Mullen, Jennifer Dunlop.
CPL: With negotiations it has been a bit slow getting a date organised to meet with the company and all three union officials/ delegates. However after a few attempts I have finally managed to lock in Friday 26 August where we are all free to talk and exchange remits. There have been plenty of disciplinar ies with a wide range of issues going on at the port. C3: There have been plenty of opportunities to meet with Masterton and Wellington members which has been a great learn ing experience for me, especially with the Agreement expiring in a couple of months.
WELLINGTON REPORT
C3 WELLINGTON: Bernard Nepia, Heiko Bains, Joe Apiata, Elisama Lauesi, Carol Stewart, Puti Taukin, OSheenly White, CENTERPORT LTD: Tain Total:Tipiwai-Winterburn.31newmembers,keep up the great work comrades! Fiona Mansell Assistant BranchWellingtonSecretary
On Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 August I am heading up to Tauranga Port to sit in on their negotiations as an observer. There is plenty of work to be done in this space regarding improving conditions, pay rates and roster patterns. I still can’t get over how poor their roster system is and how these workers must make themselves available 24/7. If that is not bad enough, they often have their shifts cancelled at very short notice or rescheduled with little or worse still no compensation for that cancelled shift. KR-IIL A lot going on as always, mostly crew complaints about management. On that note, if any one of our members feels the need to lay a formal complaint against any person whom they work with or employed by, they are strongly encour aged to write it up and sign it and send it through to either myself and Jimmy so we are kept informed and of course support you through the process. I have recently had crew sign off on a complaint as a group which I have sent through however the company have come back to me and said that they need specific crew to sign the complaint before they can take it any further. Totally under stand that crew do not want to due to repercussions.Healthand Safety or Zero harm processes have been a bit of shambles lately with incorrect information getting passed on. There have been a few inci dences on board recently that have been poorly handled. If any of our workers have an injury at work, please find a ship board delegate immediately to assist you through the process or ring someone at IIL office. One would think the CSMs would be enough to assist, this has not always been the case. Inductions for new Cabin Attendants, Cooks and Stewards have started and we are coming up to our third with two more to go. It is great to see recruitment slowly happening Please welcome the following new MUNZ members.
At the Wellington Branch Executive meeting held at the Shed 21 office on 28 July, the Wellington Branch executive presented John Whiting with his life time membership of MUNZ. This was awarded to John because of his commitment, hard work and dedication to our waterfront union members, and his perpetual support to our union. John will be greatly missed but has left a legacy that he and our union can be proud of. John can have peace of mind knowing that the Wellington members are in good hands, and that the members can continue to build on what has been achieved to date. Happy retirement John, thank you for your services to your workmates and to our union.
National Council of the Maritime Union of New Zealand at Waterside House, Wellington, July 2022
For younger & newer members it will put into perspective the length of time the coastal shipping campaign has actu ally been in the forefront. This is where the industry’s demise really began, and I have archived many media articles concerning the industry over the years and I will include these in our journal over time so our history can continue to be learned.
Tony WellintonPresidentMowbrayBranch
PRESIDENT’S REPORT TONY MOWBRAY Members,Itisencouraging news for the indus try with the introduction of two New Zealand manned Maersk vessels on the coast plus another Swire’s vessel to run opposite the Moana Chief. There are strong rumours of other smaller jobs also, so this must be celebrated. However the campaign hasn’t finished by any means, especially in regard to serious training for those entering the industry so pressure has to be kept on those in positions of influence. The recent loss of the Tankers is definitely a blow, although now the crews affected have new work opportunities. Included in this edition of the Maritime Worker I have placed an arti cle from 1988, where our Union of the day highlighted our concerns at the sale of the NZ Shipping Corporation.
Below: MUNZ members training at Nelson Maritime School
YOUTH REPORT WILLIAM BROCKWAY
A bigger coastal fleet brings many advantages for New Zealand. We all saw what happened when our tankers were taken from us. Foreign tankers not employing New Zealand citizens have come onto our coast supplying our oil which used to be delivered by New Zealand crews on New Zealand flagged ships only a few months ago. If these companies decide to limit their visits to New Zealand, we will very quickly see fuel shortages and more expensive prices at the pumps. Working New Zealanders should not be suffering from corporate greed where profit is put before the work ingFurthermore,class. currently our imports, exports and domestic goods are trans ported by foreign ships visiting our shores. If a company decides to miss out on a port of call that means the freight from their last port to the next is delayed and waits for the next available ship. Having Kiwi crewed ships on a consis tent and scheduled sailing around New Zealand will help our supply chains and will stop us being held by companies again choosing profits over a reliable service.Another major point the Government has been focusing on is climate change. There is no denying that Shipping is more environmentally friendly than having thousands of trucks on our roads. But even ships produce pollution, which is why New Zealand ships are taxed. However foreign ships do not need to pay the tax on the pollution they cause. This is an incredible loss for our nation and the Governments promise to take climate change seriously and has to be fixed. My plea to other young members on our coast is simple but powerful if done collectively. Share the Coastal Shipping campaign with family and friends. Share the posts on social media and help spread the word to promote New Zealand shipping.
William Brockway YouthWellingtonRepresentativeBranch
HiOvermembers,thelast few years there has been a huge effort put in by union members for the campaign to improve our coastal fleet. Now is the time younger members, like myself, to show our support and get the message Trainingout.and working on the InterIslander has given me and many other young seafarers a great opportunity to get into this industry. Unfortunately the choice for our next move is limited to a handful of ships. Having a bigger coastal fleet will mean our choices are greater and there will be more oppor tunities for other young people to join a ship as a trainee.
NationalContactsOffice Telephone 04 3850 792 Mail Address PO Box 27004, Wellington Physical address Level One, Waterside House, 220 Willis Street, Wellington Craig Harrison 021 482362 National Secretary craig.harrison@munz.org.nz Carl Findlay 021 760887 National President carl.findlay@munz.org.nz Josh Greer 027 348 2692 National Vice President local10munz@xtra.co.nz Ray Fife 0274 475317 Assistant National Secretary ray.fife@munz.org.nz Ramesh Pathmanathan 021 260 4895 Office Manager ramesh@munz.org.nz Albert Williams 021 973561 Senior Admin Support albert.williams@munz.org.nz Mariah Habib 021 972589 Membership Admin mariah.habib@munz.org.nz Grahame MacLaren 021 2921782 ITF Inspector mclaren_grahame@itf.org.uk WellingtonContactsBranch Mail address: PO Box 286, Wellington 6140 Physical address: Shed 21, 28 Waterloo Quay Unit 1.05, Wellington 6140 Jim King 04 3859 288 | 020 4836262 Secretary/Treasurer jim.king@munz.org.nz Fiona Mansell 04 801 7619 | 021 573244 Assistant Secretary fiona.mansell@munz.org.nz Tony Mowbray 027 636561 President tonymowbray.munz@gmail.com Coastal Shipping Campaign Marian Lesslie 027 458 3823 Vice President mazza1901@windowslive.com Lynette Payne 027 355 9080 Executive awaywiththeferries@hotmail.com Paul Baggott 027 688 8002 Executive paulsown@hotmail.com Mick Williams 022 309 8959 Coastal Shipping Campaign mick.williams@munz.org.nz Bradley Clifford 021 176 5928 Ports – Executive bradleyclifford@msn.com Jason Penny 021 537 287 Ports – Executive jaypndawhare@gmail.com Les Taylor 021 084 58585 Executive taylorles2719@gmail.com Makere Taurima 02 203 41466 Executive m.taurima@hotmail.com Kenny Walsh 027 481 0812 Executive kennywalsh007@gmail.com Sarah Chapman 027 300 7797 Executive sarahlouisechap10@gmail.com William Brockway 027 280 9262 Youth Representative williaminscotland@gmail.com WWW.MUNZWELLINGTON.NZ AUTHORIZED BY CRAIG HARRISON, 220 WILLIS STREET, WELLINGTON StephenJohnObituaryRIP‘Shakin’AB/IR Long time member of the Nelson Branch passed away in Lyttelton August 2022.
