Branch reports Wellington By Jim King KiwiRail High Performance High Engagement (HPHE) Core Crewing: The HPHE meeting that was set down for 29 April was cancelled due to sickness and rostering issues. Therefore, another meeting was scheduled for 18 May at the KRIIL Lower Hutt Work Shops. Hopefully this is one of the last meetings to be held in relation to the Core Crewing issues, either we are going to have some sort of resolution or we simply need to move on to the next issues. Other outstanding HPHE matters that need to be discussed are, • • • •
Short-hand pay for Wowo Catering, Coastal wage Relativity, Career pathways, higher duty payments.
KiwiRail – Interislander Line Catering and fixed term As a direct result of the constant pressure from our union, KR-IIL have now employed 34 Catering attendants. This comes at a time when the Catering Department was absolutely exhausted of crew to do the job effectively. We are still focused on the casual AB’s to be appointed into permanent positions, especially because some of the casual like the catering assistants have been employed two plus years. In the meantime, we now have received a report back from our lawyer Ben Thompson giving us his legal opinion with regards to Kiwirail–Interisland Line’s utilisation of Fixed Term Contracts and Casuals. His ten page report outlines big concerns that he has with respect to these positions. Kingston Offshore We have signed a variation with Kingston to have the crew stay on for the duration of the contract. Our members requested to stay on the vessel 2-3 weeks longer, primarily because there is no labour available here in New Zealand. Therefore, our members will complete the contract then deliver the vessel to Australia, and return home. OSM See news article on page 6.
NIWA There will be a CPI (Consumer Price Index) review in June. A remuneration review will be undertaken by NIWA Vessels and remuneration for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 will be negotiated with the parties from 1 July 2021. If resolution is not reached by 30 September 2021, then the MUNZ/AMEA/MSG agreement will expire on 30 September 2021. StraitNZ (Bluebridge) Bargaining was initiated with StraitNZ (Bluebridge) in April 2021. The Wellington Branch called for remits from our members back in December 2021. General Mick Williams Life Membership At the National Council meeting held in March, Mick Williams was awarded life membership for his contributions and dedication to this union and the trade union movement. Tony Mowbray and I with other members of the National Council spoke about Mick’s achievements and the support he has given our Union. I’m sure every MUNZ member agrees that there’s no one more deserving of having this immense honour bestowed upon him. On behalf of the Wellington Branch and Executive, I would like to thank Mick for all his efforts, dedication and hard work for our union and all its members. Offshore Swire’s have agreed to mediation to discuss the issues surrounding the training for its seafarers. Date and times to be arranged. The offshore is starting to wind down after a busy period. Trainee AB (ll/5) or Trainee AB (lll/5) Engine-Room Any young person who would like their names to be held on our database please forward your names to me at email jim.king@munz.org.nz I am in the process of forming a database of those wanting to pursue a career in the deck or engine departments, ultimately becoming an Able-Bodied Seafarer (Deck), or Able-bodied Seafarer (Engine). MUNZ intends to make contact with shipping companies around New Zealand and let them know that MUNZ has a list of names from young people that wish to pursue a career in either the deck or engine-room departments.
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