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.

Wellington Branch Stop Work Meetings Upcoming stopwork meetings for 2021 are: 12 July, 9 August, 13 September, 11 October, 8 November and 13 December. All Branch meetings held at National Office.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment Currently we have our lawyers looking at employment matters relating to bullying and harassment in the work place. There seems to be an inherent problem/culture with some employers when it comes to a rank and file member who lodges a claim of bullying and harassment against very senior officers or managers. Employers are very reluctant to take this issue up on behalf of the member, as this could end up looking very embarrassing for them. Hence we are seeking legal advice on these matters. If you believe your being bullied by senior management or anyone for that matter, please bring this to the union’s attention, we are here to help you. Database Unemployed numbers on the database will increase over the next couple of months as the offshore is now winding down after a brief busy period. The numbers: IR’s & AB’s Nil, Cooks – Nil, Stewards – 5

Wage rounds up and coming: Offshore Oil & Gas currently underway, StraitNZ Bluebridge June, NIWA – CPI Review June

Wellington Maritime Worker Newsletter Please keep your emails, articles and pictures rolling in, they will be published in the next edition space permitting.

This is an abridged version of the Wellington branch report regular published in April edition of the Wellington Maritime Worker newsletter.

Branch contacts

Auckland Local 13

Secretary: Russell Mayn Mobile: 021 760 886 Email: russell.mayn@munz.org.nz

Assistant Secretary: Grant Williams Mobile: 021 457 170 Email: grant.williams@munz.org.nz

President: Hector Thorpe Mobile: 027 777 7163 Email: hector.thorpe@munz.org.nz

Whangarei

Contact Auckland

Mount Maunganui – Tauranga

Secretary: Selwyn Russell Mobile: 027 4782 308 Email: selwyn.russell@munz.org.nz

Organizer: Leanne Jackson Mobile: 021 652 885 Email: leanne.jackson@munz.org.nz

Napier

Secretary: Greg Primrose Mobile: 021 028 23167 Email: Greg.Primrose@munz.org.nz

New Plymouth

Contact National Office

Wellington

Secretary: Jim King Mobile: 020 483 6262 Email: jim.king@munz.org.nz

President: Mick Williams Mobile: 022 309 8959 Email: mick.williams@munz.org.nz

Assistant Secretary: John Whiting Mobile: 021 60 6379 Email: john.whiting@munz.org.nz

Nelson

Secretary: Dean McNamara Mobile: 027 538 4384 Email: munznelson@zohomail.com.au

Lyttelton Local 43

Secretary: Gary Horan Mobile: 027 432 9620 Email: gary.horan@munz.org.nz

Timaru

President: Shona Low Mobile: 027 327 1156 Email: shona90814@gmail.com

Port Chalmers Dunedin Local 10

Secretary: Josh Greer Mobile: 027 348 2692 Email: local10munz@xtra.co.nz

Bluff

Secretary: Ray Fife Mobile: 027 4475317 Email: ray.fife@munz.org.nz

Wellington Branch at the MUNZ National Council March 2021, from left: Alan Windsor, Jim King, Kat Achtenberg, Fee Mansell, Tony Mowbray and Mick Williams

Mick Williams Awarded Life Membership

By Tony Mowbray Vice President, Wellington Branch

Mick has spent his entire working life fighting for the rights of all workers. He has always supported not only the struggles closest to him, but those of other unions as well and struggles across the world. Ever since he joined the New Zealand Seamen’s Union in 1974, Mick has continuously been active in the New Zealand shipping industry, negotiating on behalf of workers for their rights and pursuing improved conditions to better all our lives. Seven of his 47 years in the industry were spent with Wellington’s MUA sister branch in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he naturally took up the role of a delegate. Once back here he rejoined MUNZ, leading to his current position as Branch President. I have known Mick for 26 years. He was a Wellington Branch Secretary in the 1990s, and was instrumental in unionising Strait Shipping. Given the industrial climate at the time, that was a difficult task. With his commitment, the initial Collective Agreement was secured in 1995 and is retained to this day. Mick has been in the forefront of pickets and protests on a range of social issues. This makes his lifetime membership an honour to present on behalf of MUNZ and the whole of the Wellington Branch. I’m sure we speak for the whole trade union movement when we recognise Mick’s dedication and commitment. What follows is a selection of Mick’s many achievements:

• P&O London negotiations • Geneva minimum rights forums • Numerous Ship Delegate roles • Organiser of NZ Seaman’s Overseas Trade campaign • Organiser of the NZ Seaman’s Union SCONZY campaign • Wellington and National Councillor • ITF delegate • NZ Seafarers Union National Councillor • National Campaign Organiser • NZ against Apartheid campaigner • Representative during the UK miner’s and Liverpool docker lockouts • Active in our own “Golden Bay” lockout • Support role for the MUA during the Patrick’s dispute • Leading support for the Cuban struggle and against the unjust and illegal Iraq war • A key figure in our push to amalgamate and obtain “one union on the waterfront” • KiwiRail strike chairman (war of ‘94) • National & Wellington Secretary of NZ Seafarer’s Union until the formation of MUNZ • Joint Secretary of the TUF • Currently, Wellington Branch President of MUNZ.

Long-standing MUNZ National Vice President Selwyn Russell stood down from his position at the 2020 National Conference. Selwyn wished to concentrate on his role as Tauranga Branch Secretary. Speakers at the Conference congratulated Selwyn in his long standing service. Representing Tauranga Branch at the Conference are from left, Selwyn Russell, Fred Hennings and Anthony Pettifor.

MUA members recently delivered the Anatoma to Auckland from Sydney. The ship-refuelling vessel has been reflagged to New Zealand and re-named the Korimako and will be based in Tauranga, refuelling large vessels operating in the Bay of Plenty. Pictured from left are MUNZ Auckland Branch Assistant Secretary Grant Williams, and MUA seafarers Jez Kibble, Robbie “The Toaster” Campbell and Brett Yeo.

By Michael O’Hara

Bluff has a steady membership base. The branch recently settled the SouthPort Collective Employment Agreement with a 30-month term with increases in line with industry norms. There were gains with conditions and no losses.

Because the company had not been listening to the Union, a number of workers at SouthPort left for better opportunities. The company then agreed to an increase.

The SSA collective expired in 2020. As per the South Island meeting with other branches we are moving to a nationally based agreement. Permanent numbers have been dropping at SSA with ISO gaining a log contact off them and also doing palm kernel jobs.

SSA are being taken to the Employment Relations Authority over a Personal grievance where there has been no settlement arising from a redundancy.

It is a concern the number of disciplinaries branch officials are attending with members who have failed drug tests.

Bluff Branch have produced clothing for the members based on Local 13 designs. These have been popular and restored union pride.

The smelter is expected to keep operating for another 4 years, providing work for our members at SSA who load aluminium. No one is sure about the longer term.

By Gary Horan

Lyttelton has been busy. LPC have taken on 23 new PRPs and some casuals and PRPs have been moved up to permanents. More casuals are required but the LPC aren’t getting applicants.

There has been a variation in our Collective Employment Agreement which increases sick leave from 25 to 30 days and increased line supervisor payment. MUNZ is forging ahead in the terminal.

The Collective Agreement for SSA has just been signed. Permanents got 10.7% wage rise over two years and casuals 14.5% increase.

The new branch office in the Loons has been a real asset as it includes a large meeting hall next door. Our Christmas function may move to a midwinter event as more convenient.

Nelson

By Paul Saggers

The next branch meeting will consider amalgamation with Wellington branch. The main advantage would be stronger representation. Seafarers from Nelson would be able to vote for Wellington officials. Wellington officials have been to Nelson and a bit of work would be involved before amalgamation takes place.

Port Nelson has been very busy with lots of out of port work. The Picnic Day had to be cancelled because of watersider’s work commitments.

Nelson has passed a motion electing Steve Ryder as an honorary member of the Nelson branch. Steve brings many years of experience at sea and union affairs and is a big help running the Nelson branch.

Kenny Knox life membership

Kenny Knox was elected to life membership of the Maritime Union at the March 2021 National Council. Moved Paul Saggers, Tony Mowbray seconded.

Kenny has served 16 years as Nelson Branch Secretary and spent 50 years at sea. Jimmy King and Mick Williams also spoke in favour of the motion and noted Kenny’s dedication to the branch and Union. Steve Ryder stated that Kenny fits the description of going over and above in his service to the Union. Carried unanimously.

By Tim Camp

Kia Ora sisters and brothers of MUNZ, it’s been awhile since our last branch report and a lot has happened in that time. I could go on about COVID-19 or Labour’s history making win, but there is something more important to me to talk about, or rather someone.

Phil Adams recently retired from Port Otago and his position as Branch Secretary which he held since 1995. He has been in the port industry for 45 years doing a number of different jobs, settling into his role as container controller in the terminal for the last 17 years. On top of that he served as the National President of MUNZ from 2003–2007, he is a justice of the peace, and raised two children with his lovely and supportive wife Barbara who played a part in the union too.

Phil has seen a lot of changes in his time from technology to shipping companies, but one thing that never changed is his passion and support for MUNZ members.

I started working for Port Otago about 17 years ago as a casual lasher which was hard, but I eventually got offered a Cadetship (much like an apprenticeship) which Phil had a big part in organising/negotiating. This saw me gain a full time position since, learning all sorts of new skills. I quickly grew to respect for Phil for what he did for members. I remember in my first few years of working at Port Otago I would turn up to our union meetings in the old Bureau Hall. There would usually be over 100 members there and Phil would sit at the front table with his executive (and his gavel close to hand), call for silence and proceed with the meeting in an orderly manner.

Depending on the subject sometimes the floor would get a little heated, and hands would start raising in the air for a turn to speak, so one of the exec would write the individuals name on a piece of paper and Phil would go down the list so everyone could have their say.

On one of these occasions, I got caught up in the moment and raised my hand and was added to the list. By the time it was my turn, things had become a little tense and Phil was taking no prisoners, the decibels of his voice were probably exceeding that of an old V8 Clarke straddle. He called out my name and there I was, a skinny boy whose number wasn’t even dry on the back of my overalls turning red with nervousness. I opened my mouth and all that came out was a squeak, and Phil said “what did you say?” Fast forward 15 years later and Phil took me under his wing, assisted me into the position of Local 10 President, and guided me to develop confidence and be able to sit at the front table and run a meeting (just with smaller lungs.) For that I’m very thankful. On behalf of all the Local 10 members here at Port Chalmers, I would like to thank Phil for his commitment and dedication over the years, and the good terms and conditions we work under today. Enjoy your retirement comrade, you have well and truly earned it.

Another person who has been under the guidance of Phil is our new Local 10 Secretary Josh Greer aka JPG. Josh is a young Secretary but is very keen and motivated and has come through the ranks in leaps and bounds and is now sitting at the national table as our national Vice President.

I attended the last National Council meeting in May of and it was great to see more young faces around the table such as our two youth reps and Mike O’Hara of Bluff.

I would like to thank Joe Fleetwood for his good work and effort in his time as National Secretary on behalf of the branch.

We are fortunate to go from one strong leader to another in new National Secretary Craig Harrison who ran a positive and productive National Council. Craig is committed to training youth, increase membership, campaign for corporate manslaughter and bring back coastal shipping (the current flooding in Canterbury highlights the importance of the last matter.)

I think our Union is in good shape right now and the recent resignation of the CEO of Ports of Auckland is proof that we can make a difference. While the changes at POAL were the team effort of a large number of people from different sectors and organisations, those that represented MUNZ did a great job in leading the charge – one example is the very good TV interview Russell Mayn had on John Campbell’s Breakfast show.

Hopefully now there will be no more tragedies at Ports of Auckland or any other port. It’s time to make corporates responsible for their actions (or lack of action) because every worker has the right to go home and be safe. That’s all from me comrades, stay safe, stay strong and be proud.