Maritime Union of Australia: Workers Journal: Resolutions 3

The National office of the MUA identify a person responsible for the shipping campaign to coordinate activities related to the protection and expansion of the Australian shipping industry and that the branches to nominate a responsible person for the same campaign.
The union commit recourses to the ongoing straddle campaign, twist lock campaign, mid lock Campaign, Shipping campaign and the elimination of casualisation and to reject all attempts by stevedoring companies to introduce tandem lifting practices.
Will continue to support campaigns around safety, education and industrial issues.
This quadrennial conference of the Maritime Union of Australia, noting the report from the three ITF Inspectors in Australia which reveals that the ports state control currently conducted by AMSA, inspections of vessels are restricted to technical matters only, often ignoring sub standard social conditions aboard vessels, reason for this anomaly is that neither Australia or New Zealand have ratified ILO Convention 147 Minimum Standards for Merchant Ships in its entirety.
NOTING also that the experience of the New Zealand Inspectorate is the same;
NOTES also that the reason for this anomaly is that neither Australia or New Zealand have ratified ILO Convention 147 Minimum Standards for Merchant Ships in its entirety and
CALLS on the respective Governments of Australia and New Zealand to ratify this all embracing convention without delay.
Furthering talks held to date between the MUA and MUNZ on the formation of the Tasman Maritime Federation and recognising the issues relating to yellow unions, ports of convenience, ITF FoC campaign, the offshore industry are matters for such a Tasman Federation of Maritime unionists , this meeting calls on Conference to give urgency to the practical formation of the Tasman Maritime Federation to campaign in a strong militant fashion industrially and politically consistent with the principles of the two Unions.

The National Conference must take a strong and active position in working toward the removal of the Howard Government from office. Removal of the Howard Government would be a strong rebuff to the Conservative forces and signal a rejection of the Government's policies that have supported invading Iraq and played the role of US deputy sheriff in our region. It would show a rejection of the policies that have attacked health, education, social services and workers rights.

(b) We resolve that the MUA must fully support the ALP in the upcoming Federal Election as the only possible alternative Government. Having policies that actively support the best interests of the MUA and the broader Union Movement. ALP candidates must support policies that will strengthen and enforce cabotage with the curtailment of single and continuous voyage permits and reinvigorate the Australian Shipping industry on the basis of using Australian seafarers on Australian flagged vessels. Further candidates must support the abolition of the Workplace Relations Act and support the trade union movement.

(c) Where individual members support other candidates, they are encouraged to understand the importance of allocating preferences to the ALP and place the Howard Governments candidates last on every ballot paper.

(d) Resolved to promote political ideology amongst the membership through the Journal and other communication sources.

Resolved that MUA Branches select a winnable marginal seat and dedicate resources to that seat subject to the ALP candidate supporting the MUA course and be willing to speak in parliament on our issues.

The MUA will do all within its power to defeat the anti-working class Howard government in the federal elections due later this year. Eight years of Liberal rule has been more than enough to expose its agenda of vicious attacks on trade unions, the poor and the vulnerable in Australia.

That the MUA at both state and national levels need to be more active in lobbying the government (particularly Labor-run State governments) to assist in promoting and achieving union aims.

(g) That it is essential for the maritime industry and working men and women of this country that a Labor Government be elected federally.

We call upon National Office and all Branches to organise and mobilise the rank and file to support the election of a Labor Government

(h) Political and industrial (creating a campaign culture to deal with the political and industrial needs of the membership).

The $60 million Cole Royal Commission into the construction industry has been motivated by the federal governments and building employer's hatred of the CFMEU for its role in defending union conditions and standards.

The MUA will stand together with the CFMEU in opposition to Cole's recommendations, in particular against industrial policing in the industry. Further we will not hesitate to express active solidarity with any union under attack by state and federal governments. Workers have an inalienable right to be members of and participate in unions of their choice.

That we resolve to have greater solidarity with unions in dispute and a sub committee should be dedicated to this issue

This year is the 45th year of the Cuban Revolution. The United States Government still continues its trade embargo against the people of Cuba.
Over the life of the embargo, the United States has deprived the Cuban people access to food and medical supplies as well as denying the Cuban people access to social, educational, political, civil and economic rights and opportunities that are taken for granted in many countries including the United States and Australia.
This denial of opportunities is a gross violation of human rights and has pushed Cuba into being a Third World country. A fact highlighted by the continual condemnation of the trade embargo by the United Nations.
In spite of this unreasonable and morally unacceptable trade embargo, Cuba has still managed to maintain exceptionally high standards in Health, Education, Social Security and infant mortality rates that rank on par or better than many of their Latin American neighbors.
In the face of America's war without bombs, the Cubans have maintained their principles and cultural identity despite this interference into its domestic affairs.
We condemn the continued trade embargo on Cuba which is serving no useful purpose and is proof that globalisation is only good if it supports the capitalist regimes which profit from it and only highlights the hypocrisy of the United States in their treatment of Cuba in the global economy.
National Conference to re-affirm National Council's continued commitment and support for the Cuban people in their continuing fight for independence and national dignity.

This Liberal Government, led by Howard and Anderson, are eager to commit our troops to military action abroad in support of the US and talk tough on illegal immigrants and asylum seekers. Hypocritical government policy proudly supports the increase of foreign seafarers working our coastlines but has withdrawn support from an old and respected method of defense, that is, our nation's shipping industry.
The report of the Parliamentary Select Committee released last Monday confirms what everyone knows - that the Australian Government exaggerated and lied about weapons of mass destruction allegedly held by the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. These lies and exaggerations were used to railroad Australia into war together with the US and British Governments.
Irrespective of the reports of security organisations the fact is that no weapons of mass destruction have been found and it is now almost a year since the war started. Security organizations and the Government got it wrong. � It is clear that a decision to launch the war had been taken well before the actual invasion of Iraq. The purpose of the war was to seize Iraqi oil, to establish permanent military bases in Iraq and to use these bases to launch other wars against other Middle East countries.
This National Conference of the Maritime Union of Australia declares that the war against Iraq and the fact that the present Australian Government has become nothing more than a deputy sheriff for the United States is not in Australia's national interests. Our country must pursue an independent foreign policy based on friendship with all countries, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region.
We call for the immediate withdrawal of all Australian military personnel from both Iraq and Afghanistan and the adoption of an independent foreign policy.
A structure should be put in place for Branches to be able to activate rank and file membership to participate in activities for the campaigns that are endorsed by the National Conference. Rank and file, with Union official accompaniment, are needed to lobby the politicians in Canberra for the campaign policies that have been endorsed. Any such deputation should include rank and file as well as Officials. This could be part of a learning experience.

Continue developing International solidarity relationships, eg Tasman Maritime Federation (MUNZ), ILWU, ITF and Pacific and Indian Ocean rim transport unions.

The MUA to continue to support the efforts of Lindsay Tanner under FOI to expose the Howard government's role in the Patrick's lockout.

The MUA Quadrennial Conference condemns the Federal Government's move to rush through the "Greater Sunrise Unitisation Amendments" bill which could put East Timorese maritime workers and their union at an even greater disadvantage for their employment, development and training opportunities
The conference recognises the commitment by comrade Mick Killick on the ground in East Timor assisting the Maritime union in their formation and progression and congratulates him on these activities.
This MUA Quadrennial Conference calls on all members and the ITF Affiliates to continue its support of the Maritime and Transport Workers Union (UMTTL) to assist in the development and training of its members and their union.

The MUA calls for the rejection of the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the USA. In particular we are concerned about:

Any measures which will undermine the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and push up the price of essential medicines.

The possibility of job losses in some sectors of Australian manufacturing. We oppose the removal of tariffs unless the Federal government is able to guarantee alternative employment for those who will be affected.

Rejection of the Free Trade Agreement with the US and calls on the ALP and all minor parties to block the legislation going through Parliament.

The Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Australia and made public on Tuesday March 3rd, will adversely affect many Australian workers. It is clear that the agreement that has been signed by the Australian Minister for Trade Mark Vaile and enthusiastically endorsed by Prime Minister Howard has sacrificed health services, quarantine laws, our public education system, our Australian culture and sections of our agriculture. Australia is being opened up more and more to domination by the big US corporations.

The FTA would end cabotage and would also allow the use of the crews of flag of convenience ships to unload their ship in Australian ports and would require the Government to enforce laws against waterfront workers if they resisted this practice.

This National Conference of the Maritime Union of Australia declares that the Australian Government has made a political and anti-working class decision rather than one that protects Australia's economic interests and those of the working people of Australia in particular. More and more Australian workers will find themselves working for the Yankee dollar!

We call upon all Opposition Parties to reject the Free Trade Agreement and to insist that any trade agreement with any country be based first and foremost on the economic and political interests of the Australian working people. It must protect Australia's sovereignty and independence, allow Australian governments to control the key economic levers such as banks, investments, imports, postal services, water supplies, our education system, our culture and industrial and agricultural enterprises.

Further, we request that the National Council of the MUA campaign strongly on this issue and use its influence with all opposition parties to convince them that the FTA must be resisted and thrown out.

Opposes the Howard Government's decision to involve Australia in the US Missile Defence Program which will drag Australia into massively expensive, controversial and still experimental system and make our country complicit in the US plans to turn space into a new area of war.

Recognises that the US is not building a defensive system. It is planning to militarise and control space. The US Space Command Report "Vision for 2020", speaks of "dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment."

Stresses that there is no benefit for Australians in the Howard Government's decision. Australians will suffer economically. Our security will be damaged, trade and diplomacy will be undermined, relations with our regional neighbours will be negatively affected and our sovereignty will be diminished. With a military budget already running at $43 million a day and Medicare and education in desperate need of more funding, this is irresponsible.

The MUA resolves to become actively involved in any campaign aimed at preventing the stripping of state and federal public assets and selling these to private interests. Health, education, communications, utilities, state owned industries are among the many assets private employers would love to get their hands to turn a profit. Without exception this has resulted in massive layoffs, poor services, increases in costs to working people and a lack of regulatory control over what was once common property.

The (f) Opposes the Howard Government's decision to involve Australia in the US Missile Defense Program which will drag Australia into massively expensive, controversial and still experimental system and make our country complicit in the US plans to turn space into a new area of war.

Welcomes the decision of the ALP National Conference to oppose Australian involvement in the US missile defence program on the grounds that it will increase tension in our region. Encourage proliferation of ballistic missiles and make the world less rather than more secure.

Endorses the ALP statement that "any financial contribution to the $120 Billion US dollars NMD Plan can only come at the expense of other important domestic priorities such as the provisions of better health, education and social welfare outcomes for Australian families.

Calls on the Howard Government to reverse its decisions and pull Australia out of missile research and deployment.

Calls on the ALP to undertake a public inquiry into the economic, political and moral costs of the growing Australian integration into the United States military plans.

National Conference to strongly campaign against all ships using sub-standard mooring lines around the coast by identifying and banning.

The MUA recognises the role of International Women's Day in promoting the rights of working women globally and agrees to support the local campaign by sending a contingent under our banner on the day. IWD was initiated by working women and the socialist movement nearly a century ago and while many victories have been won, there are many rights women have yet to enjoy.

A global day of solidarity on the first anniversary of the US led bombing and occupation of Iraq, Saturday March 20.

People are organising worldwide to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq and the immediate withdrawal of the armies of the 'Coalition of the Willing'.

Australian protests are demanding the Howard government end its role in the military occupation and withdraw all military personnel. Budget allocation for the illegal occupation should go to the reconstruction of Iraq and for humanitarian aid.

We also condemn the occupation forces for maintaining Saddam Hussein's 1987 ban on trade unions and the US military's attack on the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions and the Union of the Unemployed in Iraq and pledge our solidarity with the emerging union movement in Iraq.
We pledge to make the March 20 protests as big as possible by:

Notifying all MUA members of the details of the protest actions
Organising a contingent from our union and encouraging members to participate
Donating money to help defray costs
Inviting a speaker to address rank and file members of the MUA.
Call on the Coalition of the willing to repair all damage they have done to Iraq before they leave.

Conference calls on the Union to include in all EBA negotiations payments from respective employers whilst attending union conferences or training.

Conference Delegates endorse the campaign to have an S2 Maritime Workers' Credit Union account to facilitate the payment of union dues
The Campaign should include the production of posters to be placed in the workplace to encourage members to start an account "Have you got an S2?" The posters would have contact numbers, background to the necessity of the campaign and future Maritime Workers encouraging their mates to join. Target-Every worksite to display posters.
Maritime Workers' Credit union to fund/sponsor campaign.
This should compliment a campaign with appropriate posters, literature, stickers etc about the absolute need to be a member.
Develop creative ways to raise union awareness amongst non-members and invigorate and generate enthusiasm amongst existing members.

Resolves that the MUA recognise and celebrate the significance of the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion this year.