VOLUME 26 — DECEMBER 2023
The Maritime Worker Te Whanganui-a-Tara NEWSLETTER OF THE WELLINGTON BRANCH OF THE MARITIME UNION OF NEW ZEALAND
FIGHTING FOR NZ COASTAL SHIPPING
Wellington Branch members promoting New Zealand coastal shipping and meeting with Labour MP Kieran McAnulty at Parliament, Friday 17 November 2023
MERRY CHRISTMAS and happy new year from wellington branch
TONY MOWBRAY #1154 PRESIDENT WELLINGTON BRANCH
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Members, As history proves, New Zealand workers in general will once again be a major target with the country under National Party leadership. Unfortunately in the last six years the Labour Government didn’t go far enough in making the necessary changes to legislation to safeguard our seafaring sector and maritime industry despite all our continued efforts to amend s.198 of the Maritime Transport Act. In the last couple of years, under the Labour leadership we have also seen the closure of our oil refinery to which we are now feeling the effects including the loss of our New Zealand flagged and crewed tankers. More recently Maersk took advantage of existing loopholes surrounding s198 by allowing them to dump the NZ crews off two New Zealand crewed ships that were only here for a matter of months as the Coastal Connect service. With the cash injection of the previous Labour Government into the sector, things were finally looking up. However without the required law changes we continue to see at least one smaller New Zealand company, that benefited from a substantial portion of the money, operating a Trans Tasman/ coastal service without any New Zealand crew on the vessel. Our campaign for these changes will now be a far greater challenge which is why every member’s involvement is vital. It was this mob in Government now who cemented the legislation back in the 90s that has got us to this present point and they have been quite open about having no interest in New Zealand coastal shipping. It will be up to us to continue pushing the message, as we have for thirty years, by getting it into the public arena.
Recently the wheel has turned slightly as given the COVID crisis and recent numerous natural disasters the public is seeing the need for essential supply chain resilience provided by coastal shipping. The efforts of the Wellington Branch with ongoing pamphlet drops after SWMs plays a significant role locally and is continuing to get the message out there which is certainly acknowledged by your Executive. Regular rallies which members need to support must also be a focus and are in the planning stages. Any ideas are welcome and if any members wish to organise events, no matter how small, it will be fully encouraged. Many of us remember the damage done all those years ago which included privatisation of New Zealand rail and the Cook Strait ferry network. Given all the ongoing Government expenditure maintaining an ageing fleet the possibility of the same thing happening again with the scheduled new build ferries should be a concern. It is possible even more radical rightwing labour changes will be made to which they have already made reference to, including the removal of certain public holidays. To highlight what is going on, in mid October an ‘unemployed Wellington seafarer’, who was casually employed in the Port discharging import cars and enquired to other cargo already onboard. They learned it was loaded in Auckland for discharge at a southern Port via Wellington, basically, instead of discharging it’s import cargo, loading exports and leaving our waters this vessel was able to engage in the carriage of domestic cargo. Sadly it is one of many able to undertake this under the cover of current legislation.
Our friends in the Labour Party remained mute over the sale of the Valentine even though fully aware of our situation, instead of ensuring the possibility of continued Government ownership of the vessel for coastal trade in cargoes mentioned above. KiwiRail had chartered two foreign manned container vessels to satisfy demand post the Kaikōura earthquake due to the fact we had a very limited coastal fleet. With the Valentine becoming surplus it would have been the perfect opportunity for Government to further ensure our own movement of domestic goods, not just for disaster relief but for the national benefit and the New Zealand shipping industry as a whole. This is an opportunity missed for the potential reinstatement of what could have been a form of a national shipping line other than ferries. Every MUNZ member must remain vigilant and record what is happening in their place of work and bring it to official attention for use in our campaign, so it can be raised at appropriate levels to assist in obtaining a change to legislation. As our Union covers the whole Maritime sector, we must embrace all equally with members working for each other and by all partaking fully in any campaign that relates to our Maritime industry. Regardless of who is crewing a vessel there will be work on the wharves yet without MUNZ Seafarers on the vessels we are quite simply unemployed.
Top and middle: Wellington Branch campaigning for coastal shipping at Wellington Railway Station 17 November 2023 Bottom: Wellington Exec Member Paul Baggott discusses coastal shipping with then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on the campaign trail
JIM KING SECRETARY/ TREASURER WELLINGTON BRANCH
KiwiRail 2023 wage rounds – Rem it Committee meeting The MUNZ Remit Committee met at the Wellington Branch office to go over the remits submitted by members onboard the Interislander Ferries. There was a total of 41 remits, reduced by the remit committee to 21. Our first round of talks was held on 3–4 October. This is the first time MUNZ and KR-IIL have pencilled in two full days of wage rounds. It’s always been just one day for negotiations and in 2017 negotiations, took about three years to settle. Both parties came away not really achieving their main objectives. Therefore, it was agreed that both Teams reconvene on Monday 16 October. The MUNZ wage round team consists of a total of 13 members. This also includes two observers, who are privy to all matters sensitive or not, have speaking rights, but do not form part of the negotiating team.
WELLINGTON REPORT JIM KING
Update Kiwirail offer went for ratification to the wider members. A total of seven ratification meetings were held between 23 October–6 November. The TOS was accepted by an overwhelming majority of our members. There was a lot of negativities prior and during ratification time, but the result finally spoke for itself. So, a big thank to the MUNZ wage team who went out to the members and attended ratification meeting to promote a fantastic settlement. Many thanks also to the members who accepted the deal and three-year CEA. KiwiRail is facing an increase in costs for the Interislander iRex project. KiwiRail said at wage rounds there’s a funding shortfall for the Interislander replacement project. iRex program is now at about $1.45 billion, but KR also reported the cost of new terminals at Wellington and Picton is understood to have increased significantly. Peter Reidy is simply telling us there’s no money, or very little of it.
Peter Reidy and Duncan Roy (GGM KR-IIL Operations), also relayed to the MUNZ team, that KiwiRail carried out an in-depth review of the project this year, including value engineering (or cost-cutting) options, and previously said it was in discussions with ministers about what to do about funding. A comprehensive review of the programme in 2023 identified an increase in the cost to construct the terminal infrastructure and a consequential shortfall in the funding needed to complete the programme. Valentine employment ad hoax I have been contacted by members with concerns over a Facebook post advertising for New Zealand or Australian Seafarers to redeliver the former Kiwirail ferry Valentine to China. After conversations with KR-IIL it was agreed the advert is a hoax. MUNZ Auckland Branch Secretary Russell Mayn rang me and advised he was contacted by a Greek manning agent wanting MUNZ to man up the vessel for redelivery. Nothing ever came of it, thanks to our members for bringing this to our attention.
Wellington Branch October 2023 stopwork meeting
Strait NZ –Bluebridge Terminals - 2023 Wage rounds hadn’t got off to a great start, with the Terminals in Wellington and Picton rejecting SNZ’s offer. Ratification Update – 27 October I took back a revised offer for the Picton Terminal members. As a result of a last-minute meeting, an offer was struck approximately 24 hours prior to ratification. I tabled the company’s revised offer at the meeting, after reading it out and having some robust discussions it was then voted on. An overwhelming majority of the members voted to accept the company offer. As I was not too sure what the outcome of the meeting was going to be, I decided to have the MUNZ National Returning Officer Mick Williams attend the ratification meeting, as there was going to be two votes put to the members. One being for the Terms of Settlement, and if this was rejected, then, the second vote was ballot for strike notice. Thankfully, Mick’s services was not required for the ballot for strike action. So, in all, a job well done to the members in the Picton and Wellington Terminals, and many thanks to Michelle Lake, Ethan Gerrie, Hollianne Payne Nelson Branch Secretary, Deane Hogg Nelson Branch President, who all played a pivotal part in getting the TOS over the line. And many thanks to Mick Williams for providing his services.
Update Still waiting for further talks to occur. OEG have been advised that the next ratification meeting with a revised offer, will also include a ballot for strike notice.
NIWA Wage Rounds 2023 The second phase of the 2022 wage round negotiations were held with the three unions, MUNZ, NZMSG & AMEA, Friday 23 June. It was a very disappointing meeting to say the least. NIWA came back to the table with their full final offer which was unsatisfactory. We had taken the offer back to the members, which was rejected. We are currently back around the negotiating table. The 2022 Negotiations have been a very painful, long, and drawn-out process with NIWA. NIWA were under no illusions that MUNZ was coming back to discuss the CPI this year in June, hence this is why our members settle on 2022 on a 7% increase, and we were to re-negotiate the 2023 CPI in June. After waiting one year, to get back into bargaining, NIWA have comeback with their final offer of 3%, even though the CPI in June was at about 6.5%. We took NIWA’s counteroffer back to the members who unanimously rejected their offer, therefore NIWA have been advised that we need to get back around the table with some original and some new claims. Here we go again.
General Offshore Oil and Gas The 2023 MUNZ – OEG Wage rounds were held in New Plymouth on 20–21 September. Both parties came away with not achieving their main objectives. I believe the sticking points were the remuneration increases. A letter was sent to Offshore Employers Group lead Andy Neville rejecting the OEG offer and that further talks were needed.
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 February 2024. Wellington Database Numbers are low for AB’s and IR’s. IR’s/ AB’s, approx. 20 Stewards, and about 5 cooks.
MUA – Requesting New Zealand IRs to work in Aussie. The MUA WA Branch Secretary has made a formal request to the Wellington branch to see if MUNZ has any IRs and AB’s who can work over there. I recently sent through a few names, this was for the delivery of the GO Sirius AHT, which is now working out of New Plymouth. There are MUNZ members accepting work in Australia from employment agencies, this is unacceptable. Both MUNZ and the MUA have an exceptional relationship, but it doesn’t help the bond when we have so called union members simply flying off to Aussie and doing their own back door deals with employers, especially when there are unemployed Australian seafarers in desperate need of work over there. I have written to the MUA and advised them that those MUNZ members taking up any employment offers without notifying MUNZ are doing this of their own volition. Considering the above, I have already compiled a list of names for IR’s, AB’s, Cooks and Stewards. These names have been forwarded to the WA Branch. Meetings The next Stop Work Meeting is set down for new date and day Monday 12 February to be held at the National Office Conference room, 10am on first Floor. Current negotiations • D ut c h D r e d g i n g ( I n it i at e d Bargaining) • NIWA – second phase of 2022 (Members rejected offer, have reinitiated bargaining) • Oil and Offshore Gas – First round of talks, 20–21 September (Rejected) • StraitNZ – Wellington & Picton Terminals (Ratified – Concluded) • Blue Bridge Ferries ( Ratif ied – Concluded) • KiwiRail InterIslander (Ratified – Concluded)
COASTAL SHIPPING TONY MOWBRAY
Members, It was sickening to learn that the New Zealand company MOVE Logistics has withdrawn its plan for their new build ro-ro vessel that was intended for a coastal service. Regardless of the reason, as it stands presently, they are still able to operate their other vessel, Atlas Wind with a crew of foreign nationals with not one New Zealanders engaged on it. What is most abhorrent is we have a New Zealand registered company with a vessel trading domestically on our coast with its crew on an ITF agreement, totally unacceptable and seemingly going unchallenged while also setting a dangerous precedent. Our Wellington Secretary first made initial contact with the CEO of MOVE some months ago to initiate talks with the usual intention of securing employment for our seafarers, this was met with a negative response from them, these types of responses are not new or unexpected and certainly not through the Wellington Secretary’s lack of effort. In the past these responses were met with the full support and pressure from
our top level until eventually, through perseverance, employment for our members was successfully gained who then worked to achieve their CEA coverage. New Zealand registered companies coastal vessels allowed to operate with foreign nationals under an ITF agreement on our coast is far more than a set back for coastal shipping. It is a precarious position for our industry that essentially endorses the use of cheap labour. This must not go unchallenged if we are to successfully ensure our members retain current conditions and future employment on any new vessels. This can only be achieved by striving to get the first member up the gangway and for MUNZ to accept that this type of situation must not continue. Since the 1990s especially, the New Zealand seafarer has continually suffered more job losses than gains and I doubt any other New Zealand work force would accept imported labour working on ITF or similar agreements at their expense without any form of challenge being raised.
This situation again highlights the importance in getting s198 amended so that companies trading domestically, especially those that benefit from any form of Government funding are obliged to engage available New Zealand Seafarers first and foremost along with ensuring the right of their protection through a CEA. This type of practice on our coast must be urgently addressed by the National Council along with pursuing the right for New Zealand Seafarers to work on their own coast. Also exposing the companies that refuse to employ New Zealanders and by publicly demanding the return of any funding that was allocated to encourage the possible redistribution of funds to companies that do. Our ongoing Coastal Shipping campaign is not only to encourage growth in New Zealand companies and secure supply chains but also to firstly allow New Zealand seafarers protected employment in their own country.
Bottom photo: B Deck Crew Kaiarahi (Photo supplied by Kenny Walsh)
Wellington Branch Christmas Party 9 December 2023
Wellington Old Timers Christmas Function 2 December 2023
Mick Williams joined several other MUNZ delegates at ‘Nowhere to hide’ ITF week of action in Australia, training for ship inspections alongside the MUA
Obituaries • Brian Kisby • Phil Laulu • Charlie Trybula • Rodney Young • Paul Fitzgerald • Peter Bleyenga • Russell French (1951 Lockout Veteran)
Barry Millington, Alan Windsor and Mick Williams representing MUNZ at a Palestine solidarity rally, Wellington, October 2023
STRENGTHEN OUR SHORES 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.
SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION
https://www.together.org.nz/strengthened_shores
WWW.MUNZ.ORG.NZ Authorized by Craig Harrison, Maritime Union of New Zealand, 220 Willis Street, Wellington
Interport Sports Tournament Wellington 11–15 February 2024 For more information contact the Branch
National Office Contacts Telephone Mail Address Physical address
04 3850 792 PO Box 27004, Wellington Level One, Waterside House, 220 Willis Street, Wellington
Craig Harrison National Secretary
021 482362 craig.harrison@munz.org.nz
Carl Findlay National President
021 760887 carl.findlay@munz.org.nz
Josh Greer National Vice President
027 348 2692 local10munz@xtra.co.nz
Wellington Branch Contacts Mail address: Physical address:
PO Box 27004, Wellington 6011 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 Assistant Secretary
04 801 7619 | 021 573244 fiona.mansell@munz.org.nz
Tony Mowbray 027 637 6561 President tonymowbray.munz@gmail.com Coastal Shipping Campaign Mick Williams 022 309 8959 Wellington Veterans Assoc. Mickwilliams10@gmail.com National Returning Officer Coastal Shipping Campaign
Ray Fife Assistant National Secretary
0274 475317 ray.fife@munz.org.nz
Ramesh Pathmanathan Office Manager
021 260 4895 ramesh@munz.org.nz
Marian Lesslie Vice President
027 458 3823 mazza1901@windowslive.com
Albert Williams Senior Admin Support
021 973561 albert.williams@munz.org.nz
Lynette Payne Executive
027 355 9080 awaywiththeferries@hotmail.com
Mariah Habib Membership Admin
021 972589 mariah.habib@munz.org.nz
Paul Baggott Executive
027 688 8002 paulsown@hotmail.com
Grahame MacLaren ITF Inspector
021 2921782 mclaren_grahame@itf.org.uk
Bradley Clifford Ports – Executive
021 176 5928 bradleyclifford@msn.com
Graham McKean National Organizer
021 960 194 graham.mckean@munz.org.nz
Jason Penny Ports – Executive
021 537 287 jaypndawhare@gmail.com
Les Taylor Executive
021 084 58585 taylorles2719@gmail.com
Makere Taurima Executive
02 203 41466 mtaurima13@gmail.com
Victor Billot Communications Officer
022 479 1786 victor.billot@munz.org.nz
Kenny Walsh Executive
027 481 0812 kennywalsh007@gmail.com
Sarah Chapman Executive
027 300 7797 sarahlouisechap10@gmail.com
Megan Rush-Reed 027 2222 101 Womens’ Representative megan.rush-reed@kiwirail.co.nz Executive Maree Griffiths Youth Representative Executive
AUTHORIZED BY CRAIG HARRISON, 220 WILLIS STREET, WELLINGTON
0220 0796 834 mareerata.griffiths@gmail.com
WWW.MUNZWELLINGTON.NZ