Maritime Worker August 2023

The Maritime Worker Te Whanganui-a-Tara

From breaking down barriers to fostering inclusive leadership, we delved into the experiences, triumphs, and aspirations of women unionists, amplifying their voices and empowering them to create meaningful change in their chosen industries.

This conference provided a platform for networking and building a strong support system among women unionists. This year like every other year, I got to meet and network with other women and connect with like-minded individuals.

We shared stories and forged valuable alliances that will bolster our advocacy efforts and amplified the impact of our work in MUNZ.

FIRE IN MY BELLY WOMENS CONFERENCE

By Fiona Mansell MUNZ National Women’s Rep

Firstly, thanks to all the Branches and National Office for their support in sending 16 women to another amazing CTU Women’s Conference. The theme this year was Fire in my belly: Organising for our future ! A theme that excited all the women who attended.

This was my fourth CTU Women’s Conference since 2017, and I must say every conference just gets better with every new theme. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the organisers, the Women’s Council and CTU for all their hard work that goes into making every conference a success.

Organising for our Future

In a world where gender equality and workplace rights are essential, it is vital to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions of women in the labour movement. This conference aims to ignite the fire within women unionists and activists, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to shape a brighter future for all.

Through engaging discussions, inspiring keynote speakers, and interactive workshops, we explored the unique challenges faced by women in unions and devise strategies to overcome them.

Fire in my Belly: Organising for our Future is an inclusive and welcoming space that recognizes the intersectionality of women’s experiences in the labour movement.

We are blessed to be invited to this forum so that we are able to harness the power of collective action, ignite the flames of change, and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for women unionists and workers worldwide.

Together, we will shape our future, and our fire will illuminate the path ahead.

Keynote speakers included women from different sectors.

Tory Whanau was our first guest speaker, her discussions around the difficulties that women face in leadership roles left an impression on me that will last a lifetime, especially that she is the first wahine Māori to become the Mayor of Wellington.

Another guest speaker was Saunoamaali’I Dr Karanina Sumeo who is the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner (EEOC).

Continued on following page

NEWSLETTER OF THE WELLINGTON BRANCH OF THE MARITIME UNION OF NEW ZEALAND

I could listen to this woman all day, the way she articulates herself to get her message across about pay equity and equal opportunities for Maori and Pasifika people.

In addition, her humility, courage and passion when she speaks gives her audience a deeper understanding that her mission has always been to improve outcomes for our people.

Margot Embargot, Lolly Darling and Laura Daniels are founding members of the Fired Up Stilettos activist group.

The group was formed earlier this year when 19 strippers were fired from a Wellington club after coming together to negotiate for fairer contracts.

Five months later, Fired Up Stilettos are pushing for legislation change to protect independent contractors in the adult entertainment industry.

They have hosted 4 protests, two outside the club they were fired from, two on Parliament Grounds. They made history by being the first group to have a dancing pole set up on Parliament grounds.

The message we clearly heard over the two-day conference was: STAY ON COURSE REGARDLESS OF NEGATIVE RESPONSES – IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY REMEMBER THE FIRE IN YOUR BELLY!

Kia Ora Koutou katoa, Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, ēngari he toa takimano e. My strength is not that of an individual, but that of a collective

Firstly, thank you for giving me the privilege of attending the CTU Womens Conference this year, especially to the MUNZ executive team for supporting wāhine toa within our Union. Acknowledgments to Craig Harrison and Gary Horan for their support.

To meet up with other wahine from both MUNZ and all other unions that attended with the amount of networking achieved over a few days.

Good to see the manaakitanga, tautoko building our solidarity.

Please pass onto the executive team my humble thanks for their support.

I am so proud to stand out as a union amongst all the others with the apparel we wore.

To attend and come back home rejuvenated from all that was shared with all the unions there.

To hear the plights and issues other wahine have within their industries and solutions they have gained or are currently fighting for. The strength of all unions combined can and does make a difference.

To participate in workshops and come away with more insights of struggles that happen and how to battle through them.

It would be awesome at the next conference to put forward remits and if possible, to run a workshop, to enlighten others of our mixed industries, like seafarer’s, stevedoring, etc.

So once again a big thanks Fiona for all the hard mahi you do within MUNZ at National level and the relentless support you give to all of us.

Thanks to Annie and all the relentless mahi you put in, for our apparel and our Facebook page, continually keeping us up to date not only locally but globally as well.

Another conference to share with all our wahine here at Te Whakaraupō, Lyttelton.

Ngā Mihi, Helen Potter Lyttleton Branch

MUNZ Women Delegates at the 2023 Women’s Conference, Wellington, New Zealand

1.

KiwiRail

2023 wage rounds

Letters have now been sent out to all vessels reminding members to have on-board remit meetings. Negotiations will get underway about mid to end of September.

Executive and Delegates, can you please make sure that I receive the vessels remits, and not just from one of the crew members from a vessel. Also, I do not want just the Departments remits, i.e., AB’s, Cooks, or Caterers. I need to have the vessels claims in their entirety.

I have had cooks from one particular vessel emailing me their remits but have got nothing from the rest of the MUNZ members on the same vessel. This process is meant to be about everyone, not just one department’s interest.

It’s good that the Cooks have done their remits. All they needed to do on this particular vessel was wait until all the other departments had their remit meetings, then submit their remits with the final version of remits being submitted from the Delegates representing that vessel.

At the end of the day, the Cooks would need to get support from all departments. It’s likely the rest of the crew on both swings on the vessel have no idea what the Cook’s department have sent to me.

Executive: for claims for the percentage increase, can you make sure the percentage increase is the same figure across the fleet, not different percentages from each crew.

Executive members, it’s imperative you attend the on-board remit meetings and give direction to our members. Please ensure I receive remits that are representative of all vessels and all crew.

Any queries, please do not hesitate to ask, I’ll be only too happy to help.

2. HPHE

On 24–25 July KR-IIL had their first two-day group effectiveness training, using the High Performance, High Engagement Framework with staff from ships and terminals teams. The sessions were held at the Wellington Railway Station and focused on building a team, using exercises in communication, consensus decision making, and interest-based problem solving.

3. Kaiarahi Dry Dock – Singapore

Kaiarahi arrived in Singapore on Saturday 28 July after a long (and pretty hot!) trip. After her arrival Kaiarahi went to a layby berth at the Sembawang dockyard on the northern side of Singapore and then went into the dry dock on 1 August.

4. Valentine sale

The KiwiRail Board has decided to sell the Valentine and has embarked on a sale process. I believe there were several interested parties who expressed an interest in the vessel, I assume it would only come down to who’s prepared to pay the best price.

Strait NZ –Bluebridge

2023 wage rounds have started with the exchange of claims from both SNZ and MUNZ for the Picton and Wellington Terminals, along with the Exchange of claims for the Bluebridge Ferries.

Further meetings for wage rounds will be conducted through the August and September periods.

Offshore

5. Atlas

Have picked up a crew for the support vessel for the 107, GO Sirius. Manning numbers include 8 IR’s and 2 Cooks. This is a 70-to-120-day campaign. I believe there have been some delays in the crew joining dates, this was due to the availability date of the vessel.

6. OSM-Kingston Offshore Services FRC Training

MMA originally refused to train all our members in the Fast Rescue Boat operation.

As our members are the primary users of the FRC, MUNZ believes MMA has a legal obligation to ensure our members are trained in areas where they are required to perform their duties. This is also clearly stated in the MPCA.

Incidentally, to train members on the MMA Vision and Skandi Emerald, Kingston said to me it was cheaper to fly the FRC instructor from Australia for this than it is to have a trainer flown up from Nelson, believe what you will.

Update: MMA will now pay for our members to sit their FRC certs. Many thanks to George Clark and the members for sticking to their claim and seeing it through to the end. This is a good win for MUNZ.

Continued on following page

Jim King Secretary/Treasurer Wellington Branch

NIWA

The second phase of the 2022 wage round negotiations were held with the three unions, MUNZ, NZMSG & AMEA on Friday 23 June. It was a disappointing meeting to say the least. NIWA came back to the table with their full final offer which was unsatisfactory. We have taken the offer back to the members, which was rejected. We are currently back around the negotiating table.

We reconvened on Tuesday 1 August with a counter proposal from the members, NIWA put in another counter proposal, this is now with the members on the vessel. We will then see what the members wish to do. Counteroffer?

Bunker Barge Wellington

7.

Russell Mayn has been in talks with ASP and has been liaising with me by way of updates.

There are a total of six positions on the vessel, being 3 AB/Cooks. The cycle is for 28 days on and 28 days off. This is a much-needed boost to the seafaring sector in Wellington. Names have all been forwarded to ASP and have been accepted.

General

8. Maritime Worker newsletter

Please keep your emails, articles and pictures rolling in, they will be published in the next edition of the Wellington Maritime Worker, space permitting.

The next edition of the Maritime worker is due out in October 2023.

9. Wellington Database

Numbers are low for AB’s and IR’s, approx. 20 Stewards, and about 3 cooks.

10. MUA – Requesting New Zealand IRs to work in Aussie.

MUA WA Branch Secretary Will Tracey has made a formal request to the Wellington branch and has inquired about the availability of IRs. He has ask if these members can be released to be able to help out in Aussie. More details to follow.

11. Meetings

Next Stop Work Meeting is set down for new date and day 10 am Monday 9 October to be held at the National Office Conference room, first floor Waterside House, 220 Willis Street.

12. Branch Meetings to go Bi-monthly

Jim King put a motion to members at the July branch meeting, for the Wellington branch meetings to be held bi-monthly (every two months).

This was because of the low turnout numbers. In May there were 8 in attendance, and June there were 15. Over the last four and a half years, the average number that have attended the meetings is around fifteen, while considering the Wellington Branch has close to 600 seafaring members and about 200 port workers. Therefore, members at the meeting voted in favor of having the branch meetings go bi-monthly.

The Wellington Branch Executive also fully endorses the change to bi-monthly meetings.

Stopwork Meetings will revert to a Monday at 10am. The next branch bi-monthly meeting will be on 9 October then December, February 2023 and so on.

In addition to this, the Bi-monthly Executive meetings will revert to Thursday, this is because the Wednesday crew change days has made no difference in the executive’s attendance for either meeting.

13. Upcoming Negotiations

• Oil & Offshore Gas – October 2023

• Dutch Dredging – December 2023

14. Current negotiations

• NIWA – second phase of 2022 Terms of Settlement June (Current)

• StraitNZ – Wellington & Picton Terminals (Bargaining Mode)

• Blue Bridge Ferries (Ratification mode)

• KiwiRail InterIslander (Initiated Bargaining)

Manning Agent ASP Ship Management

YOU ARE THE UNION

It is unfortunate to feel the need to send notices like this to vessels so delegates can raise it with the membership.

It would be appreciated if this could be printed off and discussed at a shipboard level to hopefully encourage Stopwork Meeting attendance.

Let’s not forget ‘You are the Union’.

The May SWM had the best numbers in a long time with approximately 35 in attendance. This was much appreciated, but at another recent meeting we only had five members plus the Sec., Asst. Sec and myself, making for a total of eight present at the meeting.

To put it into perspective, three out of the five were ‘on the beach’ with one even driving from Turangi. Another was retired and the fifth drove from the Wairarapa before joining the ship later that night.

With nearly 600 seafarers employed in the Cook Strait ferry companies alone it is a sad reflection that the Branch with the highest density of seafarers can’t get good turnouts.

This attitude keeps these figures at the level they are. Alarmingly we can’t even get a quorum on any voting issues. This means we can’t address, or assist with YOUR issues directly.

Most importantly members can’t be informed on what’s happening in their industry first hand.

As an executive we have changed the day (which will be reevaluated shortly), and even the meeting time to try and get the numbers up.

We have moved to a bi-monthly meeting (once every two months.)

Our Union has an ongoing Shipping campaign that needs every seafarer to participate in whatever way they can, including ‘pamphlet drops’ , lobbying local MPs along with attending any rallies that may develop to hopefully achieve what’s required in retaining some form of security in the industry.

This can all be pushed along by simply attending a SWM for two hours.

When things go wrong on the job, in disciplinary support or by realising what our CEA’s include, it’s always the Unions that are called upon when things go wrong.

Members now need to have a think in regard to participating in their Union business for us to remain effective.

There are wage rounds coming up so ALL should be aware of the workload involved.

If the Executive or negotiating team didn’t turn up for these meetings, I’m sure something would be said by the membership.

TONY MOWBRAY #1154 WELLINGTON BRANCH PRESIDENT

Left – Glenn Wyllie receives his Life Membership certificate from Tony Mowbray, and Right – Glenn with daughter Jade Dawson

NOTICE FOR INTERISLANDER CREW

Maritime Certificate Folder

Kia Ora Team, I hope this letter finds you well. Over the last few years, Maritime New Zealand has issued Interislander with repetitive observations due to crew not carrying the required certification. As you are aware, carrying the necessary certification and qualifications is mandatory for all crew members working aboard our vessels. These certificates serve as proof of your training and competency to carry out your roles and responsibilities on board.

To make it easier for everyone to store and access their certificates, we have provided a new compendium that can hold all your important documents in one place. This compendium is designed to keep your certificates safe and organised, making it easier for you to present them when required. It my expectation that these folders will be utilised by all crew members. It is essential that you file your certificates in the appropriate compendium folder as soon as you receive them. This will help Interislander, and external auditors ensure that everyone in the department has completed the necessary training.

It is important to comply with this requirement, this is not only an Interislander requirement but a legal requirement under STCW, Regulation I/2 Paragraph 11. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to serious consequences. Such as potentially being stood down on unpaid leave until remedied and deficiency or non-conformity issuance to the vessel through Maritime New Zealand, who enforces this for all our vessels.

Going forward, as well as the reminder emails you already receive, KLE (our Learning Management System) will be sending out automated reminder notifications to the email address we send your payslips to.

We encourage all staff members to take the time to organise their certificates and ensure that they are up to date. If you do this once, you will be ready for future audits. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please do not hesitate to reach out. The 2023 General Election will be held on Saturday 14 October. Make

MESSAGE FROM DUNCAN ROY TO ALL MUNZ MEMBERS WITH INTERISLANDER FERRIES.

Edsel Lopez, Darryl Robb, and WayneMcMahon onboard the Tukutai Chief

MUNZ YOUTH STAND UP!

BY MAREE GRIFFITHS WELLINGTON BRANCH YOUTH REP

On 21–22 June, I attended the Stand Up (Youth Union Movement) Biennial conference held in Wellington.

Joining me were other Youth members pictured from left to right. Shoko Toyokawa from Nelson, Eruera Henderson from Napier and Liam Williams from New Plymouth.

I would like to thank the Wellington Branch and National Council for allowing me and my comrades the opportunity to attend this conference.

This year’s conference had the theme “A future worth fighting for”. Over the two days we had an opportunity to listen and ask questions to a range of inspiring guest speakers, from grassroots activists to government leaders. We also had the great chance to partake in workshops with our fellow unions.

For me, listening to Grace Millar (Union historian and longstanding member of the Labour History Project) was a highlight. She taught us about some of the most innovative and revolutionary movements in New Zealand’s union history. Listening to Grace talk about what the generations before us have

achieved by standing up and fighting for each other was inspirational to say the least.

She reminded us that we cannot let the power that’s been built before us, weaken. We as youth need to step up and help continue an upward trajectory, to fight for what’s right and fair for the present and future members of our unions.

After the two-day hui, I felt empowered and ready to step into action. Not only for our union as a whole but also to represent the youth of MUNZ Wellington branch.

Unfortunately, young workers are often unheard, deprioritized, or not taken seriously. This is a tale as old as time but is particularly acute in our current moment. I will advocate for issues and activities that are particularly relevant to our young workers. I will help them just like the MUNZ Wellington Branch has helped me.

Ka mua, ka muri.

This whakataukī that means “walking backwards into the future” – the idea we should look to the past to inform the future.

ITF FERRY FORUM

Fiona Mansell Assistant Branch Secretary Wellington

In June I had the privilege of being invited to attend the first ever ITF Ferry Roundtable forum in Manila in the Phillipines. This is an experience I will never forget.

Once again, I am thankful to the Wellington Branch and National Office for the opportunity to attend. To the affiliates and organisers for ITF thank you so much for making this all possible and successful.

What I loved most about this forum was that everything discussed was centred around Seafarers and Ferries globally. We heard from the CEO of Stena Line Niclas Martensson who has held this position since 2016. I particularly enjoyed hearing that their group management consists of 50% female, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. They are the first shipping company to raise the rainbow flag.

ITF Maritime Co-ordinator Jacqueline Smith strives to ensure that seafarers internationally are covered by collective agreements that are upheld and enforced.

She is committed to protecting national cabotage so national seafarers can continue to work in their own waters. The workshops consisted of the following topics: Negotiations, Grievance Handling, Minimum Safe Manning and Communications.

These sessions were relevant and insightful to all those who attended.

There were a lot of firsts for me that week – first time in Manila, first ITF Conference and the first time speaking on an International Stage.

When asked if I would be interested in being a guest speaker with only 2 days’ notice it suddenly dawned on me that this journey I have been on the last several years in the Union had prepared me to be at this place at that time to share our struggles we have faced in MUNZ with other seafarers globally.

PORT ROUND-UP

1. C3

After nine months of negotiating, we finally have an agreement with new rates, a bonus and for the first time ever, availability compensation. This agreement will expire July 2025. We have had a lot of new members join MUNZ from Checkpoint over in Masterton. This now means that we have 100% membership in Masterton for the first time ever!

Please welcome the following new members from C3 Masterton: Robert MacKenzie, Maddison Smith, Jasmine Nelson, Paige Paku, Deborah Marino, Emily Bidgood, Sarah Maats, Dominic Koskela, Aaron Lawrence, Breeze Paku, Jordan Davies, Casey Cox and Gerard Tirini.

C3 Wellington: Regan Ingley, Nicholas Jebson, Niko Falaniko.

2. CentrePort

Negotiations have started, we are hoping to wrap this up before December.

3. Strait Shipping Terminals (Wellington/Picton)

Negotiations have started. Membership is growing in Picton with almost 100% density and new members are joining from the freight side.

Please welcome these new members from Picton: Paul Rodwell, Rhiannon Hall, Amy Hillgrove, Melissa Horn, Erica Ticehurst, Leanne Coombes, Ijah Humphrey, Paul Dalley, Wayne Williams, Lillian Graham (Wellington).

4. Bluebridge Vessels

Negotiations have started here too with a couple of new members joining. We have plenty of work to do on these vessels however the more we make a presence on-board the more our membership will grow, the better organised we will be.

Please welcome the following new members: Luzelle Llanera and Dylan Laubscher.

We are close to initiating bargaining. Delegates and members are discussing remits/claims to be put forward.

An MOU has been signed off regarding a hybrid type position on the Aratere for a Domestic/Storekeeper.

This is because the WOWO Cabin Attendants have requested that this job be solely dedicated to two crew members, one for each swing.

This is to enable consistency and freedom for the Cabin Attendants to focus on customer service. This position is on a trial basis for 3 months, at the completion of the trial period the company will review the highs and lows of the position and decide whether to make it a permanent role. This is a great move as it creates two new jobs for our members.

We have a few new members, please welcome: Naliya Namana, Edward White, Jerome Teni, Eleanor Franks, Paris Dowd, Vikki Anderson, Melanie Thompson, Jovel Elan, Ashleigh Rawling, Ana Mendez, Manesh Palangat, Niam Te Haeata, Tautua Tautua.

Last but not least, big thank you to Hannah Jarocka for using her artistic talent and flair in designing our tee-shirts for this year’s Women’s Conference. As always, we stood out with our MUNZ apparel so much so that other unions are wanting to wear our brand and take photos with us.

Thank you all for your dedication, commitment and hard work as members, delegates and officials of this union.

5. Kiwirail–Interislander

Fiona Mansell Assistant Branch Secretary Wellington

Artwork by Hannah Jarocka

Strengthen our shores – rebuild New Zealand coastal shipping!

Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation dependent on trade to survive. Due to 1990s deregulation, multinational shipping firms dominate our coastal trade, causing job losses, climate harm, and dependence on shipping firms with no loyalty to New Zealand.

We urge government action to safeguard our shores, as other nations do, by investing in and strengthening our coastal shipping industry.

The Maritime Union is calling for:

Changes to the Maritime Transport Act to prioritize New Zealand flagged and crewed ships on the New Zealand coast.

Government support for a New Zealand owned coastal shipping operator to provide priority service for New Zealand ports.

Training and high quality employment opportunities for New Zealanders in our own maritime industry.