The Maritime Worker Official newsletter of the Wellington Branch of the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Vol 14 December 2021
A first for the branch – and the Union By Tony Mowbray, Branch President Now that branch elections results have been finalised, a special acknowledgement goes to Fiona Mansell who is elected to the position of Assistant Branch Secretary. Fiona is the first woman to be a paid official for our branch and for MUNZ nationally in our 150-year history. This is important role which, due to the everincreasing workload of the branch, has been increased from three days a week to five. I would like to congratulate all the new executive that are now holding positions, especially those new executive members that stepped up to give the branch its healthiest Executive number in many years. With a new term ahead of us all, the contribution of outgoing Assistant Secretary John Whiting’s and outgoing branch President Mick Williams is noted.
These two can’t be thanked enough, especially at a branch level, and have left big shoes for us to fill. Their mentorship has been instrumental for so many, whom will join us in wishing them all the best in their retirement. I can safely say we will be seeing plenty of both of them in the future. For any organisation to be successful, it takes the support of all that belong to it. Your officials aren’t the Union by themselves, so every member must be active in safeguarding our conditions and rights. I will close off by saying that a good start is to attend your monthly Stop Work Meetings when possible.
Branch Secretary Report 13 December 2021 By Jim King, Branch Secretary/Treasurer KiwiRail KiwiRail Vaccination will be mandated in two stages. KR say they have considered public health advice and the feedback from the KR staff, and the following decisions have been taken: For high-risk or priority operational roles (‘initial mandated roles’), a first vaccination will be required by 11 December. Full vaccination will be required by 17 January so KiwiRail can deliver services and conduct work safely. Other staff will require a first vaccination by 17 January and second dose by 28 February. Most people in this group are already working from home and/or will be on annual leave over the Christmas period. Next steps So that KiwiRail can record accurate details of everyone’s vaccination status, all staff will be required to confirm their vaccination status in KiwiRail’s Predict medical database. Access will be available shortly, and instructions on how to do this will be provided. All new staff joining KiwiRail from Monday 29 November are required to be vaccinated. As above, ‘Initial mandated roles’ will need to have a first vaccination by 11 December and be double-vaccinated by 17 January. Please see full list of these roles at the end of this email. All other staff will need to have their first vaccination by 17 January and be double vaccinated by 28 February. All workers who are not vaccinated by 11 December will need to wear PPE and undertake regular COVID-19 testing and return a negative COVID-19 test if they are to access any KiwiRail site, until they have had their second vaccination. Any staff member who is vaccine hesitant will be invited to take part in an information and support programme. If a staff member cannot confirm vaccination by the required date, has not received an exemption, and where other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted, an exit process will begin in line with policy. KiwiRail will make every effort to support crew through this process.
Interislander From 15 December, all passengers on InterIslander will be required to show a vaccination certificate or have had a negative PCR test within 72 hours of sailing. KR-IIL are saying all InterIslander staff are part of their ‘initial mandated roles’ group and will be required to have their first vaccination by 11 December and be doublevaccinated by 17 January. Covid surveillance testing KR are currently working through a review of the different types of testing that have been approved by the Government and Ministry of Health and will establish a framework for ongoing testing at KiwiRail.. Supporting those who are vaccine hesitant KR want to ensure anyone who is hesitant about being vaccinated has additional time to address their concerns, however this will not unduly delay full implementation of the vaccination mandate policy. Independent RMOs (Rail Medical Officers) will be available to talk through specific health concerns. KR are arranging online hui and other resources to ensure all staff have access to medical information from trusted experts, including medical professionals from Māori and Pasifika backgrounds. KR said they will work on a case-by-case basis with any staff who may have genuine grounds for an exemption. Timing of required vaccinations – Initial mandated roles • All workers and contractors in the following areas: Interislander, scenic, passenger trains, anyone undertaking Christmas and New Year infrastructure upgrade works (BAU, block-of-line), CPAD, and Construction & Delivery projects, Persons working in close quarters e.g. heavy plant and equipment workers, Mechanical teams at Hutt Workshops, Westfield, Middleton, Hillside and all Servicing teams, anyone servicing customer sidings where customer has implemented vaccination requirements • High-risk business support teams: Train Control, Payroll, Rosters, Service Centre - Auckland and Christchurch, ICT Field Services, Zero Harm, Learning and Development, Recruitment, Commercial • All new employees ‘Initial mandated roles’ •
First vaccination by 11 December
•
Second vaccination by 17 January
Valentine
StraitNZ (Bluebridge, Vessels)
The replacement ferry for the Kaiarahi is here now, it’s anticipated it will probably go into service on or about 22 December. Many thanks to Mick Williams for carrying out a visit onboard Valentine. Mick’s general impression of the vessel is very good. Deck, accommodation, mooring, cargo areas are well maintained and in good condition. It’s now confirmed the Kaiarahi will do a warm Lay-up in Picton.
StraitNZ are still looking for ABs to employ on a casual basis.
On 29 November I attended a combined meeting on the Kaiarahi with regards to another KR-IIL update. It’s all very confusing as things change constantly. Manning, lay-up dates, and confusion around just exactly how things will run smoothly.
Trainees We are still looking for keen young people who would like to go onto our trainee database. Names are very slow to come in. I have asked many times at our stop work meetings, National Council, and through the branch newsletter, and still not having much success. Therefore, please ask your family and friends if they would like to be considered to ship out as a trainee. If so please have them submit their CV to me so I can put their names into our database.
Our members, along with the officers and engineers had concerns over conditions being broken down, and probably the biggest concern was about the lack of union involvement into this entire operation. It was pointed out by Tony Mowbray and the other unions to KR-IIL that they have dealt with this in a hastily manner without consideration to the crew overall. The Kaiarahi is now in Picton where hopefully everything will simply take its course in relation to the lay-up, hopefully there are no big issues forthcoming.
Availability Court Ruling
KR-IIL wage rounds 2021
The Judge agreed with the view of the plaintiff and the Maritime Union that, under the law, employees need to be paid for their “availability.”
Our first wage round negotiations were on 7 October. Not much came of it as this was early stages. We had further negotiations with KR-IIL on 26 October, we had given them our response to their claims, and we also gave them our final set of claims. It was agreed that a shortened line out will take place between myself and KR, this was set down for 9 November to get a bearing on where the company stands with regards to any offer. On Monday 15 November 1800 hours KR-IIL emails me a draft copy of their proposal. I notified them the next morning and requested they release the MUNZ negotiating team so that we could reconvene to discuss their offer. Early morning Monday 22 December the MUNZ negotiating team met at the Wellington Branch office, and once again went over the companies draft offer. After a lengthy and arduous meeting, it was decided the MUNZ team would not endorse the terms of settlement, and that we would take it back to the members for ratification. Ratification process – dates for the ratifications were Aratere 29 October and 6 November, and the Kaiarahi and Kaitaki 1 and 8 December 2021. The Terms of settlement (company offer) was overwhelmingly rejected by our members. Therefore, back to the table for further negotiations with urgency.
Tauranga based stevedore ISO has had a Court ruling for shift workers on waterfront that means employers will be required to compensate workers for their “availability” for shifts. On 3 November, Judge Smith in the Employment Court ruled the availability clause ISO had offered was not compliant with the Employment Relations Act (2000).
Workers at ISO have been required to park their life up and make themselves available for work at all times, with changing shipping schedules meaning workers are often left waiting for a shift that is sometimes altered or cancelled. This leaves workers without any ability to plan their lives and participate in family or community events outside of work, because their time is not their own. The ruling means employers must specify some hours of work when employees will be working, and if employees are required to be available for work at other times, compensation must be paid to the employee for their availability. This ruling will make a major difference to employees at some Tauranga stevedoring companies and has national implications.
General Several shipping companies are looking at starting up coastal shipping services. Seaspan and Move are two operators looking at the feasibility. Even though they have been talking to us, we are yet to see anything in writing. One shipping company delayed their start date of 1 December to now mid-March 2022. Australia From early 2022, the MUA have decommissioning work coming up in the offshore. There is likely to be a labour shortage on both sides of the Tasman. I will update as more information comes to hand. Offshore Employers Group (OEG) Kingston Offshore has picked up both crews for the Skandi Emerald, this tug will be out here in December. The Emerald is here for approximately 500 days to complete the second phase of the Umuroa disconnect. Atlas Atlas also have a jack up rig Gorilla 257 coming out in early 2022. David Bishop (General Manager) from Atlas Programmed manning agency is moving on to the Port of Tauranga. Russell Petrie, former General Manager of Swire’s Pacific Offshore, will be taking over the helm as General Manager with Atlas Programmed. NIWA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy The purpose of their policy is to introduce a requirement for all those who visit or undertake work on NIWA’s research vessels to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to ensure their fully vaccinated status is up-to-date when required to work on or visit a NIWA Vessel or shore workplace. Since the arrival of COVID-19 in New Zealand, NIWA Vessels has followed Health directives and guidelines and introduced control mechanisms to reduce the risk of the virus being contracted and transmitted by voyage participants. These include good hygiene practices, regular surface cleaning, sanitisation, pre-voyage testing and isolation, mask wearing and social distancing where possible. As restrictions ease it is apparent that we will all be living and working in an environment with COVID-19 for some time. As the ongoing risks of virus in the community have become more apparent, and following a comprehensive Health and Safety Risk Assessment, NIWA Vessels has identified that full and up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19 is an effective control measure that will;
• Continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus • Continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death • Help reduce the infectious period of those that may get a breakthrough Covid infection. The health and welfare of NIWA staff, customers and collaborators is paramount to ensure they are able to continue operations as safely as reasonably possible. New MUNZ membership cards Members should either have their new cards or will be receiving them this month. If you haven’t got your new card by Jan – Feb, then contact me with your details and I’ll pass them on to Tai or Mariah at National Office. Wellington Database Between Auckland and Wellington, we have a few relievers and it’s anticipated these will fill the gaps when things pick up in the offshore. Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings Next Stop Work Meeting is Monday 14 February 2022, to be held at MUNZ National Office, Level 1, Waterside House, 220 Willis St. Please ensure masks are worn, and that you QR scan entering the building. 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. Wage rounds current Kiwirail – Initiated Bargaining 30 July 2021 SGS – October (Ratified) SGS Nelson – Initiated Bargaining for January 2022
Wage Rounds Kiwirail: Active SGS: Active John and I took the initial offer to the members which was flat out rejected, the company came back with a 2 year offer of 3% each year. Members once again rejected and said they will take the Year 1 raise but want the Year 2 to be based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) which everyone knows will be higher than 3%.
Assistant Branch Secretary’s Report By Fiona Mansell, Assistant Branch Secretary Port Round Up As this is my first report as newly elected Assistant Secretary, I would like to acknowledge my predecessor John Whiting for his 50 years of service to the Maritime Union. It has been a great honour to have known and worked alongside John. Listening to him at our Stop Work Meetings and Executive Meetings I have learned a lot about our history and enjoyed his approach and perspective about issues we constantly deal with in our union. Thank you for the encouragement, knowledge, wisdom, and support you have shown me especially in the last several months and your experience you have shared with all of us. John you will be greatly missed, we hope to still see you around in or out of the office and especially at the Old Timers Functions. Since stepping into this position on 26 October 2021 it has been an eye opener right from the start. Tasks include attending disciplinaries, representing and supporting members negotiating a new contract with SGS which is still active, attending meetings at Centreport, meeting members and managers across the Ports, all whilst still signing up new members, negotiations and dealing with issues at Kiwirail-IIL.
Strait Shipping Wellington Terminal: We now have two MUNZ members which means we can initiate bargaining for a CEA or investigate attaching Wellington onto the Picton Terminal CEA. New MUNZ Members Kiwirail-InterIslander We have 43 new crew from the OBS department that have signed up to MUNZ. This is a great effort considering certain managers have been seen and heard putting new recruits off from joining. We also have 1 new AB. Big thanks to our shipboard delegates/union officials for continuing with membership recruitment, keep up the good work everyone and encourage new crew they are better off with us than without. SGS: 5 Strait Shipping: 1(Trainee AB) C3 Wellington: 1 Total new members since June 2021: 51 On 19 November, Lynette and I travelled down to Picton on the Strait Feronia to meet with members on that vessel which was well received by crew. Whilst in Picton we stopped into StraitNZ Terminal and met with another member, Paula. She was stoked to see MUNZ Officials visit her workplace. There are 12 members that work at Picton Terminal which I will eventually meet as I plan to keep up with regular visits. We then travelled back to Wellington on the Kaitaki and caught up with a lot of the crew onboard. Our mission as always is that more members will join so that our union grows in numbers and in strength, but to always keep in touch with our members whether it be face to face visits, emails, calls etc. This relationship is a two way street, so members should keep in touch and attend our monthly Stop Work Meetings held every second Monday of the month 10am-12pm in the conference room at MUNZ National Office, Level 1, Waterside House, 220 Willis St. If any member has any issues or questions, please get in touch with any of us at the office or go through our amazing Executive and Shipboard delegates, we are here to assist all our members.
President’s Report By Tony Mowbray, Branch President Valentine Ship Inspection During discussions with the company throughout October around manning /rosters it was made clear by us that inspection should be carried out for the general conditions onboard. The arrival of the Kaitaki had issues with substandard crew laundry facilities. It was a similar scenario on the Kaiarahi, with problems including crew showers and messroom fridges. During these discussions we mentioned that Mick Williams was in the UK so could be contacted to carry out the inspection as the MUNZ representative. This offer was taken up although logistics proved challenging with Mick having to undergo inductions, COVID tests, supplying of his own PPE, transport and accommodation. Reimbursement for any expenses was assured prior as we didn’t want him “out of pocket” while conducting Union business. On behalf of the Wellington branch we thank Mick for his efforts ensuring conditions were of an acceptable standard.
Happy retirement Samu Smith. Samu started back on the NZ coast in December 1994 on the Fast Ferry Lynx (Condor). The MUNZ Executive and the Wellington Branch members wish you well in your retirement.
Obituary – Danny MacIsaac My heartfelt condolences to partner Annette and to all his family and friends. Danny was a top shipmate and friend, and Seaman of great integrity. Mentor to many over the years and staunch MUNZ Union member. We have lost a great friend, shipmate and trade unionist. Gone but never forgotten. Rest In Peace Danny. (Obituary by Mick Williams) John Whiting Retirement John Whiting attended his last Wellington Branch Executive meeting held at National office. We had a very good turnout. As Auckland was still in lockdown, we had a video link with the National officers to wish him well for his retirement. The Wellington Branch put on food and the National Office kindly provided refreshments. Those in attendance included the Wellington Branch Executive, National Vice President Josh Greer, National office staff, Victor Billot, John’s family, and some managers from shipping and port companies along with his fellow comrades. It was a great day; it’s been an honour and a privilege to have John as part of the Wellington Branch and he will truly be missed. We all wish you well John and look forward to seeing you when you’re passing by, happy retirement, hei konei ra.
John Whiting retirement function, from left – Edgar Spark, Peter Cranney, John Whiting and Wayne Butson
From left – Stefan Reynolds (Centreport), Jason Penny and Bradley Clifford
John Whiting retirement function, from left, MUNZ National Vice President Josh Greer, William Brockway, Bradley Clifford, Jim King, Jason Penny, John Whiting, Paul Baggott, Sarah Chapman, Tony Mowbray, Fiona Mansell
Flying the MUNZ Flag in the UK. Mick Williams supporting Arriva bus drivers’ strike with Unite Union.
Wellington branch exec member Sarah Chapman
Myra, Kate and Darren from Centreport National office staff, from left, office manager Ramesh Pathmanathan, communications officer Victor Billot and ITF inspector Grahame Maclaren.
Wellington Branch Contacts Mail address: PO Box 286, Wellington 6140 Physical address: Shed 21, 28 Waterloo Quay, Unit 1.05, Wellington 6140 Branch website: https://munzwellington.nz/ Jim King (Secretary/Treasurer) DDI: 04 3859 288 Mobile: 020 4836262 Email: jim.king@munz.org.nz Fiona Mansell (Assistant Secretary) DDI: 04 801 7619 Mobile: 021 573244 Email: fiona.mansell@munz.org.nz Tony Mowbray (President/Coastal Shipping Campaign) Mobile: 027 636561 Email: tonymowbray.munz@gmail.com Marian Lesslie (Vice President) Mobile 027 458 3823 Email: mazza1901@windowslive.com Lynette Payne (Executive) Mobile: 027 355 9080 Email: awaywiththeferries@hotmail.com Paul Baggott (Executive) Mobile: 027 688 8002 Email: paulsown@hotmail.com
Wellington MUNZ
Family Picnic Day Aotea Lagoon 10am Saturday 12 February 2022 lots of fun for the kids Zippo the clown Nigel Kennedy the magician hopefully the Lions Club train for a couple of hours!
Mick Williams (Coastal Shipping Campaign) Mobile: 022 309 8959 Email: mick.williams@munz.org.nz Bradley Clifford (Ports – Executive) Mobile: 021 176 5928 Email: bradleyclifford@msn.com Jason Penny (Ports – Executive) Mobile: 021 537 287 Email: jaypndawhare@gmail.com Les Taylor (Executive) Mobile: 021 084 58585 Email: taylorles2719@gmail.com Makere Taurima (Executive) Mobile: 02 203 41466 Email: m.taurima@hotmail.com Kenny Walsh (Executive) Mobile: 027 481 0812 Email: kennywalsh007@gmail.com Sarah Chapman (Executive) Mobile: 027 300 7797 Email: sarahlouisechap10@gmail.com William Brockway (Youth Representative) Mobile: 027 280 9262 Email: williaminscotland@gmail.com
National Office Contacts Telephone: 04 3850 792 Mail Address: PO Box 27004, Wellington Physical address: Level One, Waterside House, 220 Willis Street, Wellington Website www.munz.org.nz National Secretary: Craig Harrison Mobile: 027 4225238 Email: craig.harrison@munz.org.nz National President: Carl Findlay Mobile: 021 760887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz National Vice President: Josh Greer Mobile: 027 348 2692 Email: local10munz@xtra.co.nz Assistant National Secretary: Ray Fife Mobile: 0274 475317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz
Authorized by Craig Harrison, 220 Willis Street, Wellington