THE MARITIME WORKER Wellington Branch Wellington Branch Newsletter Vol: 13 October (2021)
JOHN WHITING - FIFTY YEARS UNION Outgoing Assistant Branch Secretary John Whiting was born and raised in New Plymouth, and despite shifting to Wellington in 1970 he still describes himself as a proud Taranakian. Former Branch Secretary of the Wellington Amalgamated Waterside Workers’ Union, after giving decades of his life to his fellow workers he has earned a bit of time off. John got a job on the Wellington waterfront in May 1971, as a control operator for Maritime Container Terminals. When John arrived in the big smoke, the Wellington Amalgamated Waterside Workers’ Union had a thousand members. He didn’t have much experience of unions before this, but as a young man he was impressed by the unity and cohesion he saw at monthly stop work meetings. Strong leaders emerged from active members, rank and file workers from the four corners of the world and all regions of New Zealand. It was a working-class university. John remembers soaking up knowledge and guidance offered by fellow members, and as the union helped him grow he stepped up and in turn offered his help to the union. Shipping containers needed fewer hands to move them, and the workforce shrank as men accepted voluntary redundancies. But even if the Wellington Branch became smaller, it didn’t get quieter. The 1970s were a time of political and industrial upheaval in New Zealand, and Wellington’s wharfies were right there in the thick of it. Their banners could be seen on many protest marches in those years, as the whole labour movement resisted attacks from the governments of the day. John and his mates fought hard to protect and improve wages and conditions, but they also stepped up on issues of principle. When the American nuclear powered warship USS Truxton entered our harbour in 1976, wharfies and seafarers alike downed tools until the vessel departed. The combined action by workers on both sides of the gangway focused
public opinion on the nuclear issue. The unions made it clear there would be a cost to future visits, and they were true to their word. John is proud of the role he and his fellow workers played in making New Zealand nuclear free by the mid 1980s. The history books focus on the decisions of politicians, but it was maritime unionists who made it happen. They didn’t stop there. Wellington watersiders stood up for democracy in Chile, and took action when cargo arrived from the South American country after fascist generals seized power. Whenever other workers needed solidarity, here or abroad, you could count on the watersiders to be there for them. John feels this proud internationalist tradition reached it’s peak with the union’s strong opposition to racist apartheid policies in South Africa and their strong stand against the 1981 Springbok tour. All the while, strong wages and conditions were defended and improved upon. John deeply believes in the democratic process of electing union leadership from the union’s own ranks. In his view, elected rank-and-file leadership is crucial to a union’s success. Today, MUNZ is perhaps unique in its commitment to this principle.
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He first stood for election to the union branch committee in 1976. He wasn’t elected. Undaunted, he stood again in 1977, and with the support of his fellow workers John was elected. He’s held leadership roles in the union ever since. There was never a dull moment. In the late 1980s, further massive changes disrupted the industry as the Government dismantled the Waterfront Industry Act and its highly regulated employment arrangements. The early 1990s saw the replacement of elected Harbour Boards by Port Companies. The Wellington Port Company took over direct ownership of the Wellington Container Terminal, and promptly sought to attack wages and conditions and impose redundancies across the board. In 1991, the National Government brought in the Employment Contracts Act, an attempt to smash the unions. John is proud they didn’t succeed. In between standing up to these attacks, John found time to develop his skills and try out new roles on the job. At various times he joined the cargo handler ranks, drove heavy machinery and worked as a hatchman. He continued being reelected to the committee until 1996. That year incumbent Branch Secretary Bryce Redfern Hardisty chose to retire, and John was elected Wellington Branch Secretary in his place.
Jim King Wgtn Secretary/Treasurer
Wellington Secretary/Treasurer’s Report KiwiRail Wage Rounds 2021 The first set of wage round talks was set down for 21st September. The MUNZ remit team was due to convene in our branch office to go over the remits on September 2nd, but unfortunately this was deferred due to COVID. Therefore, the MUNZ remit committee members were emailed out a copy of the remits. They came back to me with a full set of final claims, which in turn have now been exchanged with KR-IIL. MUNZ – KR-IIL had a second round of negotiations on 7th October. As a result of the talks the MUNZ team have now forwarded a revised set of claims to KR-IIL, along with our response to their claims/issues. Once we receive a formal response to our revised claims, the MUNZ team will have a dedicated day set aside to go over their response before our next scheduled negotiations on 26th October.
Around this time the traditional closeness between the watersiders and the other maritime unions became even warmer, culminating in the establishment of the Maritime Union of New Zealand in 2002. The Wellington Branch of MUNZ continued to operate under two headings for some time, separated into the Seafarers and Watersiders Branches. John says he is still relieved this was tidied up into MUNZ, Wellington Branch, full stop! In 2011 he retired from employment with the Port Company (by then known as CentrePort), and took up a part-time role as Assistant Secretary of the unified Wellington Branch. And so in 2021, John is no longer standing for election and is from union officialdom. “It has been an absolute privilege to work in an industry which always fascinated me from a young age,” he says. “But more than that, it’s been an honour and a pleasure to work with the many, many people I’ve known over the years, at first on the waterfront, and in more recent times with the seafarers. The people are the best! I’m grateful to you all.”
On Friday October 1st, me and Craig Harrison (MUNZ National Secretary), Steve Westby (AMEA) and Helen McAra (NZMSG) were asked to attend an urgent meeting with KR-IIL. The company advised us they had applied to the Ministry of Health to have the ship’s crew exempted from quarantine, as they believed the Aratere crew posed either a very low or no risk for Covid-19. The exemption had already been signed off by Dr Bloomfield, but was waiting for the Minister of Health to sign off. While engaged in the Teams meeting, Liz Pollock (KR-IIL) received confirmation that everything had been signed off by the Minister, so was good to go. The only thing remaining was for the crew to all have one more covid test the next day, then they could return home to their families. The company assured us that that if any crew members had concerns about going straight home from the vessel and believed they may require additional time to be isolated, then KR-IIL would be willing to address this on a case-by-case basis. StraitNZ (Bluebridge, Vessels) StraitNZ are still looking for ABs to employ on a casual basis. Trainees Still looking for keen and interested 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, at National Council and through the branch newsletter, but without much success. Once again, 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.
Aratere return from dry-dock – no MIQ required The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly
General
Kenneth Walsh
Port workers’ 95% vaccination rate attributed to tackling misinformation A turnaround in the number of port workers vaccinated is being attributed to success in tackling misinformation and making it mandatory for those on the border’s frontline. Educating port workers about the Covid-19 vaccine has helped overcome hesitancy, a union boss says. Just last month Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said misinformation was keeping 44 percent of port workers from getting even a single dose. Now 95 percent are fully vaccinated, in time for today’s requirement for border workers to be immunised. The Maritime Union national secretary Craig Harrison said educating port workers about the Covid-19 vaccine has helped many to overcome any hesitancy. “Emails have been sent and phone calls have been made trying to find out more about the vaccines and all the information,” he said. “There’s a lot of information out there on the internet, you’ve just got to hit the old Google and you come up with a whole lot, but our union’s been telling everyone the best person to talk to is your own doctor.” He said workers had proactively sought information from trusted professionals. “People are actively getting out there, contacting health professionals and getting advice.” Harrison said engaging workers helped, with the Ministry of Health and port companies offering roadshows with experts available to talk to. He said it could work elsewhere, where there is vaccine hesitancy. “Instead of preaching to them, let them get in front of health providers in small groups and let them make their own mind up.” Harrison said the fact their jobs hinge on having the vaccine from today is also a motivator. “It’s a pretty blunt wall to hit for a worker. “Yesterday, 98 percent of border workers had been vaccinated with at least one dose and 93 percent were fully vaccinated.
These candidates have now been declared elected by John Whiting, Local Returning Officer. Offshore Employers Group (OEG) The OEG’s offer in the June 2021 wage rounds was overwhelmingly rejected by members. On Monday September 20th MUNZ and the Offshore Employers Group reps attended mediation for the entire day. After long and protracted discussions, a settlement was finally reached with a major breakthrough for members. The employers have agreed to reimburse 100% of the costs for members who are required to revalidate their STCW certificates. I’m very proud to say the Wellington Branch, along with all members in the offshore, stuck to their guns and as a result we won a major victory. Another gigantic gain was that the employer will now also pay travel days for our members to attend any training. Previous clauses in the MECA entitled members to absolutely no compensation for training-related travel. The Wellington Branch sincerely appreciates the assistance from the following offshore delegates; Pat Harcus, George Clark, Graham Dow, and Darren James. You helped us achieve our end goals. We also send special thanks to Russell Mayne for attending the initial wage round negotiations back in June. Your input was truly appreciated Russell, thank you. However, it’s not over yet. There’s still a disagreement between us and the OEG. They claim the implementation date for the reimbursement of refresher training is September 23rd. The MUNZ negotiating team is adamant that the implementation date is May 1st. I’ve therefore been back in touch with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), who will advise us where we go to from here. I’ve also spoken to union lawyer Peter Cranney to seek his advice. At this point he recommends waiting for a response from MBIE. NIWA NIWA held a Teams Meeting with all unions on Tuesday August 17th, and an offer was taken back to our members for ratification. The members voted overwhelmingly to accept NIWA’s offer.
Wellington Branch Election Results
Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings
Branch President: Tony Mowbray – (Elected Unopposed) Branch Vice President: Marian Lesslie (Elected Unopposed)
Next Stop Work Meeting set down for Monday November 8th 2021, to be held at the National Office at 10am in the first floor conference room.
Branch Secretary Treasurer: Jim King (Elected Unopposed)
New MUNZ membership cards
Assistant Branch Secretary: Fiona Mansell (Elected Unopposed)
These will be sent out to all current members. We aim to complete this before Christmas.
Wellington Branch Executive Committee - (Elected Unopposed) William Brockway – (Youth Rep) Zyana Maki (Wellington Women’s Rep) Paul Baggott Sarah Chapman Bradley Clifford (Ports) Jason Penny (Ports) Lynette Payne Makere Taurima Les Taylor
Wellington Database Once again I have an issue with members on the Wellington Database, especially IRs and ABs. I have 22 ABs and IRs on the books, and yet between Auckland and Wellington we are both struggling on a mammoth scale to source members who will take jobs with two or three days’ notice. Yes, I understand many members on the database are committed to doing stuff they cannot get out of, but to have most of them say they can’t join the vessel just doesn’t wash. If unemployed seafarers elect to go on the database, then they must take any job that is offered to them. This includes KR ferries and BlueBridge. I do know one thing. When the offshore picks up, there’s absolutely no shortage of unemployed seafarers coming forward for work.
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Don’t get me wrong, there are people on the database who will work on any vessel at a moment’s notice and they help this union out no end. The unfortunate thing is that when the offshore does pick up, they end up missing out working in this area because they’re working for a couple of weeks on a cement boat, while others that have been knocking back work, time after time, get to work in the offshore. Things need to change.
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Lot of good work and a lot of good changes to MUNZ as a whole.
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New office staff: Mariah and Tai getting around membership forms and branch fees.
Therefore, from this point forward, I will no longer release the numbers from the database. I have tried to be very honest, open and transparent, as this has never been done before. I’m doing this because I firmly believe the numbers on the database are not a true reflection of who is actually available for work. I’m not prepared to say I have 15 IRs and ABs on the books if only one or two are actually available for work.
Our Branch executive meeting held on Thursday 23rd September received a full report on the current dispute between yourselves and Qube/Wilhelmsen. Our members expressed their full support for your Branch in this major attack on safe work practices, and also the ominous background of the active intervention by Wilhelmsens in backing the use of scab labour. The meeting also unanimously endorsed a donation of $5000-00 to your Branch in support of your members locked out by Qube. We are conscious of the long-standing connection of our two Branches and send our on-going solidarity to you all. In Unity, Jim King, Branch Secretary, John Whiting, Asst. Secretary.
Motions Motion: Branch Secretary and the Wellington Executive put a motion to the floor to reduce the Xmas Functions from two to one each year, with one family day and one Old Timers event. Mover: Jim King Seconder: Tony Mowbray Carried: Unanimously Rationale is to invest and utilise money elsewhere, including the Assistant Branch Secretary’s position. Motion: Lower Hutt Women’s Refuge donation, from the Wellington Branch Executive. Fee proposed the Wellington branch donate $200.00 to the Lower Hutt Women’s Refuge. Mover: Tony Seconder: Lynette Carried: Unanimously Motion: Tony Mowbray proposed that John Whiting, Wellington Branch Assistant Secretary, have his name put forward at the next National Council meeting to be considered for life membership of the Maritime Union of New Zealand. This is in recognition of John’s outstanding contribution to this union. The Wellington Branch Executive voted unanimously to put John Whiting’s name forward to a Wellington Branch Stop work meeting for endorsement. MUNZ Assistant National Secretary Ray Fife fully endorsed John’s nomination and spoke well on his achievements. Mover: Marian Lesslie Seconder: Paul Baggott Carried: Unanimously Endorsement from the Wellington Branch for John’s nomination for lifetime membership to be presented to National Council.
John Whiting – Letter of support to the WA MUA from the Wellington Branch, plus donation.
Oldtimers function This will be held at Trax Bar & Café at Wellington Railway Station on Saturday 4th December, start time 1600. The MUNZ Christmas party will be held at Trax Bar & Cafe at Wellington Railway Station on Saturday 11th December 2021. Please be aware of the new time slot being 1600 – 2100 hours, MUNZ will cover the costs for beer and wine only, also Food provided. This will probably be the last Plus-one function, any future Christmas party functions will be strictly for union members only. Any future changes to this function, will be addressed by the Wellington Branch Executive and the Stop work meetings. Notices advising you of this year’s function will go out to all work sites. Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings Next Stop Work Meeting set down for Monday November, 2021, to be held at the National Office 10am first Floor The 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. Current wage rounds
Mover: Jim King Seconder: Tony Mowbray Carried: Unanimously
Kiwirail – Initiated Bargaining July 30th 2021
National Office Report
Offshore Oil & Gas (Ratified)
(In Brief) Ray Fife, National Assistant Secretary, from Bluff. Ray spoke about the following points.
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Vaccination order: Port workers may lose jobs due to not wanting to get vaccinated.
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National Council Meeting: Women, Youth and Runanga Rep now have voting rights at Council and Conference.
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Membership Cards: resolved to buy our own machine so we can produce our own. New design for the cards. Looked at cost of buying our own compared to outsourcing.
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Finances: some branches are struggling, get all branch funds together.
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National Conference Call: Re Qube locked out workers in Perth.
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Super Fund: agreed to releasing a pamphlet
StraitNZ Bluebridge (Vessels) – (Ratified) StraitNZ – (Picton Terminal) (Ratified) SGS – October (Negotiation Mode)
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For any organisation to be successful it needs the support of all who belong to it. Your officials aren’t the union by themselves, so every member must be active in safeguarding our conditions and overseeing workers’ rights. Tony Mowbray #1154 Vice President Wellington Branch
I will close off by saying a good start is to attend your monthly Stop Work Meetings whenever possible.
Big shoes to fill Members, Grahame McLaren NZ Inspector International Transport Workers’ Federation
Confusion over meal entitlements for WoWos should end. It can’t really be that hard to understand if you read clause 12.3.2 of the CEA. Some managers are trying to exclude WoWos from ship mess rooms. This isn’t stipulated anywhere other than in these manager’s egos. Reminder; the mess rooms are for the use of all ship’s crew.
Report for October Stop Work meeting
There’s limited space. When crew from other vessels are allocated to your ship, certain arrangements have to be made so mess areas can accommodate all.
MV Sri Lanka Was contacted by the Third Mate, who informed me his contract was for trainee Third Mate and he was being paid at that lower rate when in fact he was the only Third Mate on board.
For certain elements of our union to be told otherwise shouldn’t be tolerated.
He asked for help, but also wanted me to ensure it did not come to light that he had called me in. I conducted what appeared to be a routine inspection where I discovered his low wage scale. I then asked the Master why he was being underpaid, as he was the only Third Mate on board and was clearly acting in that capacity rather than trainee.
This may even include “clean mess” areas taking up slack, and this is where managers will have to organise through delegates. It took long enough to get a meal entitlement for these members, yet all the time shoreside contractors got fed. Unless I’ve missed something, any member has the entitlement to use crew mess areas, and there should be enough extra food to cover everyone. It just needs to be provided for in budgets, and without argument. Now that the branch election results have been finalised, I would like to congratulate all that hold positions on the Wellington branch, especially those new executive members who stepped up.
Evidence for this included him performing solo navigational watches. The Master told me it was nothing to do with him and to contact the company. I did so, lodging a backpay claim on the Third Mate’s behalf. To their credit, they quickly agreed to pay up and eventually the Third Mate received all monies owing. By this time he had been repatriated. Evidence of payment was received from the company and confirmed by the Third Mate. Back pay: US$14,334. Obituary - Misimoa Nofoaiga, Kaitaki Quartermaster
Our branch has the healthiest executive number in many years. A special acknowledgement goes to Fiona Mansell, not only for taking on a full-time position, but also for being the first female Assistant Branch Secretary.
Talofa koutou te kaiga mo taugasoa katoa, hi family and friends. The boss of our family, my Dad Misimoa Nofoaiga, was called to Heaven by our awesome God on Monday 13 September 2021.
This is an important role, and due to the ever-increasing workload of the branch it has been increased from three to five days a week. With a new term ahead of us all, outgoing Assistant Secretary John Whiting’s contribution to the maritime industry can’t be forgotten. Same goes for Mick Williams, our outgoing Branch President. These two members cannot be thanked enough at a local or national level for all the hard work they injected into this union over many years. They leave some pretty big shoes for us to fill.
He passed away at home, surrounded by the family he loved dearly.
Our thanks to them can be shown by being vigilant and continuing the struggle.
A virtual/online funeral service was held on Friday 17 September 2021 at 10.30am. Following this service we laid Dad to rest at Waikumete Cemetery.
Their mentoring has been instrumental for so many people, and I’m sure all join us in wishing them both the best in their retirement.
We praise God for His love for our Dad. Thanks family and friends for all your love and support so far. - Liza Nofoaiga
Knowing both of them, I can safely say they won’t be retiring far.
RIP Furse Videl The MUNZ Wellington Branch offers our heartfelt condolences to Furse
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Videl’s family and friends. It’s with sad regret we announce the passing of retired member of MUNZ Furse Videl. We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of our shipmate and trade unionist. Fair winds and following seas, good friend and shipmate.
Left: Larry Stills. Lifelong and loyal member of the
RIP VALE JOHN COOMBS
union, since 23rd
It is with deep regret that the (MUNZ) received the sad news of former Federal National Secretary John Coombs who passed away on 1 September 2021 at the age of 81. Our condolences to John family and friends.
November 1965.
Maurice Robertson (wearing glasses, at back) (retired) MM/IR
Below: crew of the Kaiarahi
Some members on Maurice’s last job MV Kaiarahi stopped work to pay respects in Picton. Maurice passed away after a short illness at 69 years old. The MUNZ Executive and all members offer condolences to all his family. RIP Peter Fox Sadly, Peter passed away in Nelson on July 13th. Many old timers came from far and wide to pay respects and remember him, giving him a worthy send off. There were many tributes from friends and shipmates from as far back as his days on the James Cook, NZ Shipping Corp, and more recently from the Arahura. Peter’s seagoing days finished when he retired fromthe Kaitaki, but he remained forever loyal to the union.
Right: MUNZ
He continued to attend Nelson Branch Stop Work Meetings to the end, which is something those who don’t attend, (even when able) should take note of.
member
Peter was the life of any social occasion, remembered fondly for being a master at playing the spoons.
gearbox on
Fittingly, there was a pair accompanying him on his final trip. MUNZ offers Peter’s familyourdeepest condolences.
single handedly repairing the Kaiarahi. Legend!
He will be missed by all who knew and sailed with him. RIP Ted Colgan (Tally clark) RIP Phil McDermott (Watersider) RIP Dave Ashkettle (Watersider)
Left: Peters Renwick’s Retirement Presentation Turf Hotel September 2021 L-R: Dean Hogg, Peter, Steve Ryder, Alan Harkess, Shane Shore, Brian Kisby
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Above: Kaiarahi bosun Dave Clements last job. Below, top left: Dave Clements farewell presentation & Les Taylor (Wellington Branch Executive). Below, bottom left: Mick Williams with Liverpool dockers Tony Nelson and Kevin Robinson. Below, bottom right: Paulo, motorman Kaiarahi. Below, top right: Mike Morgan (Silverfern) and dinner!
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Wellington Branch Contacts Jimmy King - Branch Secretary/ Treasurer DDI: 04 38 59288 Mobile: 020 483 6262 Email: jim.king@munz.org.nz Fiona Mansell - Branch Assistant Secretary DDI: 04 8017619 Mobile: 021 573244 Email: feemansell@gmail.com Tony Mowbray - Branch President & Coastal Shipping Campaign Mobile: 027 63 6561 Email: tonymowbray.munz@gmail.com Marian Lesslie - Vice President Mobile: 027 458 3823 Email: mazza1901@windowslive.com Lynette Payne - Executive Member Mobile: 027 355 9080 Email: awaywiththeferries@hotmail.com Paul Baggott - Executive Member Mobile: 027 688 8002 Email: paulsown@hotmail.com Mick Williams - Coastal Shipping Campaign Mobile: 022 309 8959 Email: mick.williams@munz.org.nz
Ports (Wellington) Bradley Clifford - Executive Member Mobile: 021 176 5928 Email: bradleyclifford@msn.com Jason Penny - Executive Member Mobile: 021 537 287 Email: jaypndawhare@gmail.com
National Office Officials Contacts Craig Harrison National Secretary Mobile: 027 422 5238 Direct dial: 04 801 7614 Email: craig.harrison@munz.org.nz Carl Findlay National President Mobile: 021 760 887 Email: carl.findlay@munz.org.nz
Josh Greer National Vice President Mobile: 027 348 2692 Email: local10munz@xtra.co.nz Ray Fife Assistant National Secretary Mobile: 027 447 5317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz
This publication is authorised by the Maritime Union of New Zealand’s National Secretary Craig Harrison. 220 The Wellington Maritime Worker Published Regularly Willis Street, Wellington.