Maritime Worker November 2022

The Maritime Worker

WIMDOI — UNION WOMEN IN MALE DOMINATED OCCUPATIONS & INDUSTRIES

FIONA MANSELL

Many thanks once again to the branches and National Office for allowing six MUNZ women to attend this empow ering conference held in Canberra from 12–16 September. Much respect and love go out to all the organisers for making this event what it is today. The history behind the making of WIMDOI is one many are all familiar with regarding the struggles, battles, persistence, and commitment required to make a confer ence like this a success.

The WIMDOI Vision and Statement sums up what this conference is all about.

WIMDOI Vision: Women to be active Unionists and equal partici pants in male dominated occupations and industries and to enjoy the deserved wages and conditions achieved through collective action.

WIMDOI Statement: WIMDOI is an affirmative action initiative of the Trade Union Movement designed to encourage the recruitment and retention of women into male dominated occupations and industries and promote our activism in our Unions.

MUNZ women members attending rallies and events at WIMDOI 2022, Canberra, Australia

WELLINGTON REPORT

JIM KING

In April will relook at OBS numbers. Recommending a base of 103.

2. 2. MUNZ notification of timetable.

MUNZ to receive Friday’s timeta ble update. Further, the Asset schedule managed by Mike Keenan.

3. Travel and crew changes out of port

MOU to be drafted to include travel for casuals. Wording is simi lar to that included for AMEA and the MSG. However, IIL does not see a need to open it up wider than this.

We will no doubt put in a claim for next year’s wage rounds, as MUNZ believes this is part of the problem of not being able to source crew from around NZ to work on their vessels.

4. MUNZ member gave up cabin on Valentine for officer

Process in place.

11. Breach of privacy regarding sick-leave information being displayed on ship.

Apology by IIL Leadership given. Steps are being taken to educate those responsible.

12. Aratere gang configuration.

IIL view is that it is an opportunity to ensure we have the right mix of skills and experience within teams. MUNZ firmly believes that KR-IIL are addressing personalities and is not “operational”. MUNZ is currently liaising with Lana and Darryl to discuss draft team make ups with Jim.

New container ship Atlas Wind

MUNZ & InterIslander Line Bi-Monthly Meeting 19 September 2022

1. General Update

Kaiarahi up and running. Will run it on the Kaitaki schedule.

AB numbers are tight for the current week. More are being familiarized.

Valentine running well. Have crew, have 12 drivers, offering plenty of timeslots to get more market share.

Aratere going well.

Recruitment: Seeking 29 AB’s in total. Samoa, Kiribati, Philippines on hold due to government requirements.

Will be a difficult period for WOWO OB Services crew as all the ships get up and running. Managing communications to crew from a change perspective.

Summer recruitment doing OK. 160 is our target. KR-IIL are using an external agency to undertake the process for us.KR-IIL looking to recruit to cover sickness and leave etc.

MUNZ made its concerns known as to the process carried out for a particular individual. IIL advised that it needed the flexibility to run the ship. It was agreed that in such circum stances MUNZ must be briefed with a no surprises approach. MUNZ has spoken to the members and advised them not to let this arrangement ever happen again. It is annoying and causes problems for us when members simply cave in and accommodate the company’s every request.

5. Cooks cooking for contractors Process in place. No issue. Responses to complaints lodged with IIL.

Reminder to escalate if no progress is being made.

6. Uniforms. Message has gone out to manag ers reminding them of the process of procuring PPE and uniforms.

7. Delegates travelling.

All requests for Jim and Fiona and delegates should be sent to Tu, Darryl and Pete. This will require their approval.Tickets will then be arranged accordingly and the CSM’s notified in terms of logistics on the day.

8. Cook shortage. Review in November 2022.

9. Trainee Bosun.

Scope of training clarified.

10. Valentine crew requesting to return back to Kaiarahi.

Transport and logistics group MOVE Logistics Group has signalled a start to its new Oceans business, with its first trans-Tasman sailing scheduled toward the end of 2022. NZX-listed MOVE has entered an agreement to acquire a cargo vessel, the Atlas Wind, out of Europe. It is expected that the acquisition of the ship will be settled in October 2022.

MOVE had entered into a fund ing agreement with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, to receive $10 million of co-investment from the Government $30 million package for encouragement of coastal shipping.

The Atlas Wind can carry 350 contain ers, or the equivalent of 5,000 tonnes of bulk cargo.

The maiden journey will be the first of a regular monthly voyage that will see goods shipped between regional New Zealand ports including Nelson, Timaru, New Plymouth and Bluff, across the Tasman to Tasmania and other east coast ports in Australia. For some of these regions, the MOVE service will be the only direct ship route, while in other regions, it will provide a further option for customers currently facing shipping constraints and difficulties.

Atlas Wind has two onboard cranes and has the ability to call into ports that historically may not have been able to accept containerised and bulk cargoes. This suggests the vessel can be used for smaller ports, possibly in Australia.

Jim King Secretary/Treasurer Wellington Branch

KIWIRAIL FINED $240,500 FOR “NEEDLESS ACCIDENT” ON KAITAKI

The dangers of loading heavy vehi cles onto vessels are under the spotlight following the prosecution of KiwiRail and a towing contractor.

Higgins Towing Services (HTS) and KiwiRail were sentenced in the Wellington District Court on 17 October 2022 after pleading guilty to a range of charges relating to a 2020 injury on-board the interisland ferry the Kaitaki.

The Court awarded $58,000 in reparation to the victim, split between KiwiRail ($34,800) and HTS ($23,200). KiwiRail was fined a final amount of $240,500, while HTS was fined a final amount of $174,000.

The injury occurred when the driver of a heavy vehicle he had just driven aboard the ferry, left it to head towards the exit.

At that time, another truck was being driven into the same lane. As the truck moved forward and the space avail able reduced, the man became pinned between two trucks for about a minute.

The man suffered rib fractures and remained in hospital for three nights.

Maritime New Zealand Investigations Manager Pete Dwen says both organisa tions contributed to the incident through inadequate inductions and failing to develop and implement correct standard operating procedures.

“This was a needless accident, and should never have occurred.

“KiwiRail failed to provide a safe working environment by not having appropriate Standard Operating Procedures to address the risks of moving trucks, failing to make sure workers follow existing procedures and not prop erly inducting external contractors like those from HTS,” he says.

KiwiRail’s processes and HTS’s induction and training videos state HTS employees should always remain under the control of KiwiRail personnel when loading trucks on the Interislander ferries.

“This did not occur on this occasion, and there were serious consequences. If

there was better collaboration between KiwiRail and HTS, in their training and processes, it is highly likely the incident could have been avoided.

“We know across ports and on vessels around New Zealand, companies are constantly working together, and this is a big reminder for them to work collabo ratively and to brief external contractors of safety processes,” Pete Dwen says.

Maritime NZ investigators also found footage of personnel and members of the public walking around the Kaitaki alongside moving vehicles.

“While we understand people need to move from their vehicles to the seat ing areas/lounges; having to move past a working area can be very dangerous,” Pete Dwen says.

Kiwirail and HTS also pleaded guilty to charges of failing to notify Maritime New Zealand of the incident as soon as possible, and KiwiRail to a further charge of failing to preserve the scene of the incident.

SOLIDARITY WITH FIREFIGHTERS

TONY MOWBRAY

Members, as everyone should be aware the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) recently held a national action due to the fail ure of employer Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to address staff ing issues, station closures, and vehicle breakdowns, along with not paying these essential workers what they are worth.

This would not have been an easy decision for firefighters members to make and highlights what they have faced for far too long.

I can remember when we were under the New Zealand Seafarers Union banner supporting this same group in the 1990s when reforms were severely impacting them at the same time our industry and many others were also under severe attack.

At the Ports of Auckland dispute in 2010, firefighters marched up the front

of the rally in solidarity for MUNZ members in the Port.

It’s disgusting that this group of “essentials” aren’t listened to, especially given what they do for New Zealand communities and public safety often at a risk to themselves.

To be part of the local day of action in Masterton representing MUNZ was a privilege for myself and was appreciated by the NZPFU members. These work ers received an astounding amount of public support as they marched to the Masterton Town Square and Council buildings where the rally continued with continued public support. I’m sure MUNZ members will continue to not only support the NZPFU members but any group of workers needing support. We’ve never been shy in coming forward.

Above & Page Following: NZPFU members march to Masterton town square and Council building. MUNZ was there in support.

Tony Mowbray #1154 Wellington Branch President

Members and Families enjoy the Wellington Branch Family Picnic Day

FAMILY PICNIC DAY

TONY MOWBRAY

With the Branch Executive deciding to cancel the February Picnic Day due to the COVID situation, the decision to reschedule for 10 September turned out to be a good move. The lifting of COVID related restrictions allowed the momentum of what is becoming a very successful event to be kept going.

Once again, the weather was kind to us, and the family day was held at the ‘Pavilion’ at Avalon Park. This will defi nitely be the permanent venue of choice each year as it does away with relying on the luck of the weather by allowing for an indoor option, along with great all-round facilities and a great children’s play area surrounding it. A big thanks to Assistant Secretary Fiona Mansell for sorting this and to Secretary Jim King for his work on the day.

It was encouraging to see members young and old, past and present,

attend with their families to make the day a success for its intended purpose. Especially pleasing was the growing number of children, big and small, who were entertained by Zippo the Clown. Another fine performance from the NZ Postal Workers Union “Brass Razoo Solidarity Band”, who gifted their Koha from the Wellington Branch directly to the locked-out workers in Kawerau. Full credit to the Brass Razoo Band for that which added to the spirit of the day.

With our next Picnic Day booked for Saturday 11 February 2023, it is import ant for ALL members to make this Day a continuing success by supporting it and eventually returning to the Union Picnic days of yesteryear that many of us grew up with in Ports around the country and fondly remember.

What should never be forgot ten is that the nature of the industries

works patterns both at sea and on the wharves, comes at a sacrifice to families. Events like these show appreciation for the larger MUNZ family. Let’s all make this a special day for our families, espe cially the children. Thanks to all who helped and all that attended, it certainly was an enjoyable day.

If any members are interested in play ing brass instruments with “Brass Razoo Solidarity Band” Monday evenings at Trades Hall, please contact Tony Mowbray for further details.

Below: Members and Families enjoy the Family Picnic Day

COASTAL SHIPPING UP AND RUNNING

PAT HARCUS, BOSUN, MAERSK NADI

After a lot of work we are now crewing two Maersk vessels on our coast. This is thanks to the efforts of National and other union officials, including former Wellington Branch Secretary Mick Williams over a 28-year campaign and struggle.

This included attending meetings with previous Ministers and government officials, including the current Prime Minister, Deputy PM and Minister for Transport Michael Wood. Maersk Nasha and Maersk Nadi are sister ships, built 2008, and Hong Kong flagged. Their container capacity is 2500 20-foot TEUs, and the crew numbers 16.

The Maersk Nasha crew changed on 22 July and Maersk Nadi on 27 July.

We flew to Auckland to join Maersk Nadi. Prior to entering the Ports of Auckland we were COVID tested. I had good thoughts about joining this vessel which had been achieved through the effort of MUNZ and others.

Stepping back in time, it brought back the memory of Kiwi crews walk ing up the gangway of NZ Aorangi and NZ Waitangi in the early 1970s after a lot of

work from the officials at the time includ ing Pincher Martin.

Once on-board Maersk Nandi we found an office where we could put our gear as the foreign crew weren’t leaving till the next day.

The issue was raised by me in regard to the Bosun being the mud pilot, the watch keepers will being doing the wheel and that the Bosun will be on the focsle tending anchors and mooring etc, and the Captain agreed.

After the meeting we worked out the watches and gear-man and got down to our duties until it was time to move to the hotel for the night.

The accommodation wasn’t in a good state, so Mandy Thorpe and Mal Streat (Cook) got to it and started cleaning the messroom, a great effort and by all making our cabins liveable. Just to note the crewing agent didn’t see any need for a steward but at negotiations Russell Mayn convinced them that there was a need for one.

We realise it may take a couple of swings to get it all sorted and up to our standards. We are prepared for that and accepted the conditions, that’s why it’s

essential for vessel inspections prior to joining.

We need our members to crew these jobs as we have fought for coastal shipping.

We also require a training scheme to get more young workers into our ranks and hopefully we can get a couple of trainees onto these new vessels, as older members will be retiring.

Just to finish there is a requisition list into the company as we don’t have TV, internet, Wi-Fi, and all fridges need to be replaced along with other shipboard living items.

We are on course here on Maersk Nadi, so don’t be shy members – these will be good jobs and we will make them better for future members. A great effort by crew in getting this vessel up and running.

Above: L to R Mandy Thorpe

Ben Wilson Lucky Peaufa

Richard Bagley, Mal Streat, Peter Torrance, Fata Tagiilima, Pat Harcus, Andrew Copping (holding lifebuoy)

WELLINGTON REPORT

FIONA MANSELL

Port Round Up:

We are still going through bargaining and have now had several meetings and probably a few more to get through before we will ratify with the members.

C3:

The bargaining process has started. Remits have been compiled for both Stevedores and Checkpoint. We will be asking for plenty of conditions to get up to par with all the other C3 sites around the country. We are hoping to have discussions regarding rostering patterns and an issue with payment on a public holiday.

SGS:

I have just met with some of the members to compile some remits, we have also decided to ask for what other regions have in their contracts.

LIVING WAGE CAMPAIGN WILLIAM BROCKWAY

Hi Members,

In September, I attended the Living Wage forums for the local body elections. Being able to see candidates held to their promises and being able to meet so many passionate people behind this important cause was amazing.

Plenty of unions and organisa tions are getting behind the Living Wage campaign and it’s great that MUNZ is showing its support as well. There is plenty more in the works I’ve been told and anyone wanting to get involved either email myself williaminscotland@gmail.com or contact Finn Cordwell from Living Wage finn@livingwage.org.nz

KR-IIL CATERING:

We still have plenty to deal with includ ing complaints to dry dock issues which was an utter shambles

New Members

We have 41 new members from KR-IIL, C3 Wellington, Strait Shipping Ferries and Picton Terminal. Please make them all feel welcome.

MUNZ Picnic Day

Thank you to all those that helped out and attended with their whanau, it was a great day. The next Picnic Day will be Saturday 11 February 2023 from 11am–230pm at Avalon Pavilion.

Fiona Mansell Assistant Branch Secretary Wellington

UNION TRAINING A SUCCESS IN WELLINGTON

FIONA MANSELL

Firstly, a great big thanks to the Wellington Branch Executive, and the members for always supporting me in everything I do for our union. Thanks to National Office for providing the venue and helping out when needed. Nothing would be achieved if we didn’t support each other. Big thanks also to Jim King, Mick Williams and John Whiting for your invaluable input in educating our members. This is a great way to pass on your knowledge and experiences of the Maritime Industry!

After years of members asking about union training, we have finally had two very successful training sessions, held in

the conference room at National Office, Willis Street, Wellington. For some of our members attending it was their firsttime walking into our National Office and attend any sort of union training.

They were all extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to come along and learn specifically about the history of MUNZ, the role of a dele gate, the disciplinary process, ways to deal with workplace issues and using the resources to deal with work place situations.

Some members travelled up to Wellington to attend, one member took annual leave, and all of them came in on

their time off which speaks volumes of the commitment our members are will ing to put in to become more educated, empowered and encouraged to fight for the future of our Union.

The feedback I have received from all those that attended is extremely helpful as it is the only way to improve and make these training sessions more educational, relevant and purposeful. In fact, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for a second session based around the bargaining process which will be sched uled for 2023.

MARITIME UNION OF

WELLINGTON BRANCH

MUNZ

OLDTIMERS FUNCTION

OBITUARY

Ken Douglas ONZ (15 November 1935 – 14 September 2022)

New Zealand’s most well-known trade union leader aged died on 14 September 2022, aged 86. Douglas led the union movement from 1979 to 1999, first as the Federation of Labour secretary, then as the inaugural presi dent of the Council of Trade Unions.

Hohepaturanga Joe Briggs (24 May 1935 – 28 August 2022)

“Gordon was my dad. He was the oldest, then Joe, then Hori. They had all sailed together a lot when they were at sea. Joe went ashore stevedoring before I shipped out in 1976.”

— Ihaia Briggs