May-Jun 2008

Benefits of Membership

Union members earn on average 17% more than their non-union counterparts, according the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It pays to be in a union.

The MUA is recognised internationally as one of the world's top unions, providing unrivalled job security, pay and conditions.

Legal Services

MUA national office employs a legal unit providing members, branches and officers industrial and legal advice.

Senior National Industrial Officer Bill Giddins and National Legal Officer Joanne White hold degrees or diplomas in law. They provide strategic advice to the national secretary, national office and national council.

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Media Unit

A quarterly magazine posted to your home, leaflets, posters, media releases and liaison, campaign co-ordination and a newsroom on the web site, all come under the media unit.

The union employs journalist, photographer and media officer Zoe Reynolds for these tasks. Stories, photos and ideas can be emailed through for publication in the magazine or on the web site at: zoe@mua.org.au

Maritime Workers Credit Union

A co-operative financial institution owned by its members and operated solely for their benefit, providing financial services. From its beginning in 1970 the Credit union has grown to cover 14,500 members and over $245 million in assets with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, Port Botany, Wollongong and Newcastle.

The Credit Union is a non-profit socially responsible organisation. During the 1998 Patrick mass sackings and lock out it provided interest free loans of up to $2000 to those in need as well as delayed loan repayments.

Visit the Maritime Workers Credit Union at: http://www.maritimecu.com.au/

SERF & SRF

The Stevedoring Employees Retirement Fund (SERF) and the Seafarer's Retirement Fund (SRF) have both been listed by Business Review Weekly two years running as Australia's top industry superannuation funds.

If you are a member of the stevedoring industry, SERF can provide you with a range of superannuation services from your first day at work and throughout your retirement.

Visit SERF at: http://www.serf.com.au/

The Seafarers' Retirement Fund (SRF) exists specifically for people in the maritime industry. Our primary focus is to help our members save for their retirement years through a range of cost-effective products and services.

Visit SRF at: http://www.srf.com.au/

Members Equity

ME is a low interest, no fee housing loan service for union members funded by industry superannuation schemes like SERF and SRF.

This year it was granted a banking licence and now provides low fee high interest savings accounts to members with ME home loans. Next year it will open to the public offering internet and phone banking as well as services through Post Offices.

Visit Members Equity at: http://www.membersequity.com.au/

Computers & Internet Access

A new Virtual Communities IBM computer package with upgraded specifications is now available to members. [READ MORE]