MARITIME MAILBAG
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Protesting the arrival of the Stadacona, Gladestone
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The ILWU lockout & the shipping campaign dominate the letters file this issue
Locked Out
I just spent six hours on the picket line. The PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) locked us out last Friday night. We had a half-day of work on Sunday and then we were locked out at about 1 PM. We have been manning the picket lines 24 hours a day, and the press coverage had been absolutely scathing. There are about 90 ships either docked or waiting their turn in the outer harbour. We were asked by the Carnival cruise line to discharge their passenger ship, and we did it for free. A container caught fire on the OOCL ship and they asked our crane operators to discharge the containers on top of it so they could put out the fire-and we did it. The Maersk ship had asked the ILWU in Oakland to load the military cargo necessary for it to set sail, and we did. All these actions show we want to do the work and are ready and willing to do all necessary actions!
The MUA is sending a delegation tomorrow of 7 persons, headed by Barry Robson, the CFMEU is sending 6 persons on Sunday and I heard you Kiwis are sending 4 (2 Seamen & 2 wharfies) at some point.
The ILWU website is: www.ilwu.org-all the latest communications are found there.
Please let me know anything else I can answer for you. I know Paddy Crumlin and Robert Coombs in Sydney are closely monitoring the situation.
Yours in Solidarity, Roxanne Lawrence, ILWU
Flying the Aussie Flag
Well we are still hanging strong in L.A....The government has ordered the ports open and workers back to work so we are now able to relax a little.
Since we have been here we have been to picket line after picket line! The Port of L.A. has about 40 gates for all the different terminals so there is a picket at each. The members of the ILWU are so happy to have our support it is overwhelming. The CFMEU miners and the Kiwi's are also here. We've got 17 in the Australian delegation so we are able to spread out and get to as many people as possible...
For those of you who have not been to LA, the port here has about 180 portainer cranes. It's massive!! At any one time they can berth up to a hundred vessels. Currently there are over 300 ships sitting off the West Coast waiting to come into port. Produce is rotting, businesses are running out of stock and they had to load an emergency ship the other day for Hawaii because they were out of beer and toilet paper!
We had a huge rally from the local 13 dispatch hall where we marched down to one of the terminal gates...The media coverage was enormous (everything they do here is BIG).Some 3000 people attended the march. And the Aussie flag was flying proudly.
I've spoken to the female longshore workers( there are heaps ) Some shifts it's possible to have a complete crew of women! I'll have much to report when I get back on the 18th.... Our Strong Unions Need Women Shirt was even on the LA evening news.!!!
Lastly, just want you guys to help out in any way, by letting everyone know that this is not a strike as portrayed in the media, PMA LOCKED THESE WORKERS OUT THE GATE!!! Joe Miniace is the USA's Chris Corrigan!
It is amazing that 14000 km's away the same bullshit goes on!! (just on a larger scale)
Mich-Elle Myers, MUA 'foreign correspondent'
Los Angeles, California
Cowboy George
I fully support the MUA statement on Howard's view of the US docks dispute. I also feel that we should be looking at the organisation of a rally in major cities to highlight "Cowboy George's" union busting actions against American dock workers. and to demonstrate our support for our American Comrades in their fight against the shipowners and the US Government.
Ken McBride, Retired, Port Kembla
A Bit Rich
It's a bit rich, hypocritical and rather insulting, coming from the mouth from the Trade Minister Wall Truss, to say the MUA was costing Australian jobs by sending a solidarity mission to stand by our US comrades. (ABC Radio)
His coalition mate Transport Minister John Anderson signs, unfetted, permits for 'Flag of Convenience' ships to operate on the Australian Coast at the expense of jobs for Australian seafarers. His other mate Tony Abbott interfered in the Australian Arbitration Commission in support of a Canadian shipping companies right to employ foreign crews, devastating the jobs of Australian seafarers.
The propaganda and hate campaign toward our own maritime industry is not only costing Australian jobs, but threatens our entire border security.
Ross J Campbell, San Remo NSW
What the Oz Refused to Print
To The Letters Editor, Commentary in your pages on the damaging US docks dsipute has peddled the latest Federal Government lies about unions in order to attack the Labor Party. The MUA) is falsely accused of damaging Australia's trading interests because it supported US dock workers who were locked out of their jobs without pay for 11 days this month by employers at 29 US West Coast ports.
Des Moore (The Australian, October 10) says that US unionists "have been preventing the loading and unloading of about 200 ships, including some carrying exports from Australia." This echoed John Howard's line on Tuesday about "unionists in America who are doing damage to Australian exports," which followed the repeated public lie by Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Agriculture Minister Warren Truss that the US dispute was a 'strike'.
Unions in the US were not on strike and were not taking industrial action. The action was taken by employers - members of the PMA - who closed the ports and locked out 10,500 workers to advance their own commercial interests.
Far from damaging Australian exports, the MUA negotiated an agreement with the US Longshore and Warehouse Union to offer to unload Australian perishable cargoes stranded by the US employers' shut down.
As for claims of 'thuggish tactics' by unions, the US Government mediator in the docks dispute has criticised employer representatives for arriving at peace talks last week with a group of armed men carrying loaded guns. The same employers this week refused union and US Government offers for a voluntary cooling off period to reopen the ports. Finally, President George Bush sought court orders forcing the employers to re-open the ports in the national interest.
Despite these facts, Mr Howard is asking people to believe that when employers in the US lock out workers, unions including the MUA are somehow to blame. Australians might not expect much honesty from politicians, but the public deserves a media that makes a clear distinction between fact, opinion and lies.
Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary
Maritime Union of Australia
Iraq & the ILWU
This looming war with Iraq is directly related to our longshore negotiations. Our trade union rights, including the right to strike, will be 'deep-sixed' as soon as the first bomb is dropped on Baghdad. Labor's struggle at home is counter posed to big oil's (and by extension big business') drive for world domination.
Jack Heyman , ILWU
mailto:jhook@jps.net
Heads Up Mates
The PMA has locked out the ILWU in America beginning 2nd shift Friday September 27. PMA Joe is flexing his muscles and trying to put the old hurt on HARRY'S Union! 1Thankyou for your support! A brother!!!
Longshoreman,
Local 13, USA
Unethical
It seems employer groups worldwide like to take the un-ethical step of locking out employees during crucial negotiations. The best outcome would be further talks around the table without the threat of lockouts and disruption to employees' lives.
Dean (Deano) Briggs
East Swanson Dock
Union No: 30086
Barrage of Lies
There is overwhelming support for MUA solidarity with the ILWU.
We note with concern certain similarities between the dispute on the US and the 1998 waterfront lockout by Patrick boss Chris Corrigan. Recent US press reports show a barrage of lies and propaganda are being perpetrated against the ILWU just like what we experienced here in 1998..
It is obvious that the attacks on our US comrades are aimed at the removal of the ILWU hiring hall, not about productivity.
Warren Smith
Secretary White Bay/Glebe Island Union Committee,Union No: 154
Big Victory
I received your e-mail with MUA news regarding the spectacular victory for seafarers in Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Congratulations on MUA's significant victory over the dispute with ANL!
Always in Solidarity
Shoji Yamashita
ITF Coordinator, Japan
All Japan Seamen's Union
Tokyo
Crocodile Tears
As a right-wing, capitalist, Liberal-voting, Chardonnay-drinking, white-collar, urban yuppie, I want to express my genuine sympathy for your position regarding the CSL Yarra "flags of cnvenience" issue, as expressed on tonight's Insight program on SBS Television.
Furthermore, I was appalled at the crocodile tears display by Chris Sorenson and the arrogant indifference of John Anderson to the plight of your members.
Their argument for "international competitiveness" doesn't hold water(sorry) in the context of moving cargo between Australian ports, provided the "cabotage" rules are properly upheld.
As you alleged on the program, it is clear that CSL, their customers and the government have no enthusiasm for cabotage and are attempting to undermine it by stealth. What makes me really angry is that I have had occasion in the past to work with a shipping company on cost modelling and scheduling algorithms. This gave me some insight into the margins at which bulk shipping companies operate. Trust me. They can afford to hire Australian crews. There must be more to it. Perhaps Tony Abbott and John Anderson are competing for the "Peter Reith Award for Union Bashing"?
I'm sorry I can't be of much direct assistance to you in your struggle. I'm just a humble computer software consultant. Hopefully more influential fascists than myself were equally ashamed of CSL's and the Government's position and might apply some pressure to these turkeys.
Anyway, good luck in the Industrial Relations Court. You certainly occupy the moral high ground, as far as I'm concerned.
Andrew Mattingly
email:Andrew_Mattingly@candle.com
Weasel Words
You are doing a great job. I watched the Insight on SBS and found Anderson's performance so duplicitous that I wrote to him:
Dear Mr Anderson, I am appalled. I watched you explain why a ship that months ago was an Australian ship with Australian workers paying tax is now not an Australian ship. The company that owns the ship calls itself CSL Australia. What is Australian about it?
I am not someone with a particular interest in this matter. My interest is aroused by the constant use of weasel words to support a self-serving argument. You have no idea the damage you do to the national psyche with these games. The workers on the Yarra have children too.
Your self-satisfied grin through your cameo piece might have had more to do with nervousness than hubris. It came across as duplicitous and smarmy. The life of the average Ukrainian is pretty desperate these days. You are a minister. Don't act like one. Act as someone who might be capable of imagining what it's like to raise a family other than your own.
Beyond disgusted.
Warren Ross
bluemts@lisp.com.au
Stay Strong
Brothers and sisters, I am sad to see how you are being treated. the seamen of Liverpool support you - all the way. stay strong and keep your spirits up.
unnamed
Seafarers of Liverpool
Sorensen Slander
Just read your message on the web regarding comments by CSL boss Chris Sorenson on crew working hours. I have just completed two trips as a Supercargo on the ER Albany to Japan with Myanmar crew. The ship was registered in Monrovia but the crew most definitely did not work as long as our crews on Australian ships. Sorensen is taking through his hat as I have seen it first hand.
Ron K Waters
AIMPE
Union No: 7014442
mailto:rwaters@austarnet.com.au]
Sabotage
All members onboard this vessel give their commitment to assisting in the retention of the Australian coastal and overseas shipping. We are appalled at the Government's attempt to sabotage any Australian involvement in shipping. We also condemn the government's intention to open up our coastline and the sell off Australian seafarer jobs.
MUA Members
Destiny Queen
Shipping Solidarity
We have written a letter to Shadow Transport Minister Martin Ferguson, expressing our support of the maintenance and growth of a strong Merchant Navy. We oppose the process of foreign-flagging Australian ships. We are concerned that this is another example of Australian jobs being undermined and eroded.
Marion Carrett
Secretary
ALP Burleigh Branch Qld
Hang in There
Re: MUA News: 'Maritime unions win another round against shipping giant' Hang in there comrades. Fortune favours the brave.
Johnthesailor99@aol.com
Dead Give Away
This Government doesn't think we should give away Australian jobs!
When trying to justify Australia's treatment of refugees on Cutting Edge the other night, Ruddock said that "even though there are people in the world willing to work for less than Australians it doesn't mean we should give away Australian jobs".
I thought it was a little odd given the way they try to screw Australian seafarers. Maybe the refugees would be more welcome if they were prepared to work as Tony Abbott's personal scab squad?
Keep up the good fight
Ginny Adams
Email ginnyadams@mbox.com.au
Dangerous Game
Dear Mr Anderson, Why is it that you and your colleagues continue to attack the Australian merchant navy. Shipping is integral to national trade and defence.
In WWII the Australian merchant navy lost one in eight seamen, one of the highest casualties of any defence department.
Your draconian attack on our merchant fleet is un Australian. It is nothing more than union busting. This is a very dangerous game as this effects more than just the unions, it effects the whole of our great country.
Miss K Geddies
Gooday Macka
This is an update on the ship the MV Wallarah. Mate they re-registered her in Tonga put a foreign crew on her and she didn't even leave the Aussie Coast.
Mate this has happened to three other Aussie ships in as many months. They pay the crew about $250 US per month. We can't compete with that. It wouldn't even pay our rent.
They then took off for South Australia to pick up a load of grain to bring back to Newcastle. It's not fair; they're doing our jobs!
The Minister for Transport Mr Anderson is responsible for giving these Single Voyage & Continuous Voyage Permits to foreign ships and they are handing these permits out like doctors hand out jellybeans to kids.
They say it will decrease the freight rates, but all it does is increase profits. Mr Anderson says we are a nation of shippers not a shipping nation. That seems a strange comment to many because we are an island continent. That's like saying we are a nation of eaters not growers.
Does that mean that multi nationals are going to come in here and buy our farms and import foreign labour?
Mate these foreign workers come over here, take our jobs, pay no taxes and take the money home with them. Just because they are 10 kilometres off the coast they don't need visas.
If they worked ashore they would need a visa and they would pay taxes. If the poor old pensioners earn $1 more than they should, the Government charges them taxes!! Mate it is unfair and there certainly is no level playing field here.
There has been a Wallarah for 100 years. They should have left the "Wally" on the run. There is plenty of coal still there, but maybe the real estate down at Catherine Hill Bay is worth more than the coal royalties? Who knows, I'm hearing they are going to expand their operations to 800,000 tons per year.
As you know Ian, 28 of us got the sack. Three Australians are affected for every one that gets the sack.
So mate, four of us got together and went bush last week to try and drum up some support for Aussies doing Aussie jobs. We left Newcastle and went straight up the New England to our first port of call which was Boggabri. Before we reached Boggabri we went through a very influential area called Murrurundi. Mate they have got horses there, that live in better houses than you and I -- unbelievable!!
Just before we reached Boggabri Ian, you wouldn't believe it, it started to rain, so we told the people that we had had a talk to the "Big Fella" upstairs and he said it was Okay to bring some rain.
We left Boggabri after talking to some locals and headed for Mr Anderson's office in Gunnedah. Nobody wanted to talk to us there though, so we went onto Narrabri where we dropped anchor and booked into Vince and Wendy's pub The Commercial Hotel. I'd like to thank them if I may Ian for their hospitality and generosity they showed to us. Lovely people.
We went up to Moree that afternoon and spoke to a lot of people and they were very supportive to our cause.
We headed off for Coonabarabran the next morning and just outside of Narrabri we picked up a hitch hiker his name was Mick, what a character!!
We picked him up three times in the same day. If you are listening Mick we put you in a lottery ticket with us. He was doing it tough Ian, just like the farmers were. Ya know they are even cutting down there trees to feed whatever stock they have left.
We went from Coona down to Gilgandra where the local rag did a story on us, from there down to Wellington where we again dropped anchor. The local rag there took our picture as well as doing a story.
We stopped with Gary the Publican at the Grand and we had a yarn with the locals and they too were on our side. The next morning Colleen at the Bakery cooked us a beautiful brekkie and we headed to Gulgong then onto Mudgee, where the media were receptive with a picture and story.
We headed home after lunch and stopped in at Merriwa. That is the most drought-affected area I saw. What stock was left was in the long paddock. The dams our there in the bush were bone dry except for the multi national owned cotton farms at Moree, they had plenty of water.
Ian, the average farmers in the bush need help, and we should all get together and throw in to buy some feed or something.
Macka, I arrived home Friday night and my good woman handed me a letter from the Council.
Guess what, some disgruntled resident doesn't like the sound of my roosters. Now I got to get rid of them. Anyway, that's life
Thanks for listening to my story, Ian.
Mick Geeson's report
for "Australia All Over"
ABC Radio National
Future Conflict
Before WWII there were Australian shipping companies whose vessels were crewed by Australians. They became our merchant navy during the war: Its survivors still march proudly in Anzac Day ceremonies around Australia.
In 1938 Attorney General Robert Menzies locked out half starving Port Kembla wharfies for refused to load pig iron for Japan. Branch Secretary Ted Roach told Menzies "that the pig iron would be used to slay our own women and children, and raze our own cities to the ground." The tragic bombing of Darwin in 1942 showed how prophetic Roach and the wharfies were.
Today, in internationally uncertain times, the Government is increasing defence spending. But is also supporting the use of multinational ships flying flags of convenience and using non Australian crews. If Australian ships are not internationally competitive, then the Federal Government should make up the shortfall out of the increased defence budget, otherwise, in a future conflict, Australia will have no merchant navy at all.
David Bearlin M.Sc., M.Ed.
Former A/Secretary,
Waterside Workers Federation
(Melbourne Branch 1955-56)
Vanguard
No doubt it was a great night of celebrations on September 20 to mark more than a centenary of unionism on the Australian waterfront and other associated struggles against the forces of darkness and evil.
Organised maritime workers have led the way in ensuring that the rights of workers on the Australian waterfront have been protected and advanced. But more than that, your comrades have been the vanguard for the fighting for the rights of many disadvantaged and marginalised groups. over this time.
The Australian community owes you. When political leaders tout with pride, the strength of the Australian democracy and of our civil society, I've no doubt that they see themselves as having some rightful place in its achievement. But the hard yards were done by unions such as yours. On behalf of our own members, I want to thank you for your courage and your great struggles.
Lynne Rolley
Federal Secretary
Independent Education Union
MV Wallarah
On behalf of the MUA crew on board the MV Wallarah I would like to express our appreciation to the local MP's, councillors and community groups who engaged in the campaign to keep the ship running.
In 1987 the Wallarah was awarded the Australian Transport Industry Award which acknowledged that transport of coal between Catherine Hill Bay and Newcastle by this purpose-built ship is the best and most efficient transport available. Lake Coal's decision to bypass the responsibility of the ship and truck huge amounts of coal through our town shows total disregard.
The closure of Moonee Mine and sale of the land when it could possibly continue, we believe, should be thoroughly investigated by the relevant government departments and where possible the coal continues to move north by sea.
Since 1986 the Wallarah has so far carried over 16.2 million tonnes of coal and is still in excellent condition. It should continue to go about its business flying the Australian flag.
Paul Gallagher
Union No. 2682
Watching
I keep a close eye on the industry and look forward to the news. Have passed some to our local MP hoping I can instill in him some interest in the maritime area of life.
The people here generally speaking are either too apathetic - don't care or just plain red necked and ignorant. All aspects as above cover them no doubt. Living here first time inland ever, I feel almost naked - like living in a vacuum. The year of the outback now would not have happened if seamen weren't around.
Terrance G. Boucher
Book No. 1071
Bad Laws
The Mining and Maritime Global Solidarity Conference held in Newcastle on September 18-20 proved to be a forum where unions from around the world got together to discuss and implement a strategy to deal with the ever-increasing dominance of multi-national companies.
The exercise was especially effective because it gave rank and file delegates an opportunity to take part in an exchange of experiences and ideas and participate in debating strategies with national and international trade union leaders.
Jerry Jones from the UMWA in the US told the conference that bad laws should not be an excuse for inactivity. They should in fact be a reason for increased activity so as to change the laws.
We see corporate managers paid tens of million of dollars in salaries to make decisions to have T-shirts manufactured in Burma by children who work 60 hours a week for 6 cents an hour. These same managers then sell the same product for $17. Laws allow this to happen. And these corporate heads are then promoted as champions of our society for the successful growth in their respective companies share value.
CFMEU (Mining & Energy) President Tony Maher told us that for every million tonnes of coal mined in the Ukraine over five lives are lost. All in the name of generating a high share price.
If there is one ingredient that gives workers the inspiration to believe that they don't deserve this treatment it is hope. The declaration at the end of the conference is a symbol of that hope. Willie Adams from the ILWU said that it's not the noise of our enemies that we should be afraid of but the silence of our friends.
If this conference is any indication then if there was silence it won't exist in the future. Full credit to John Maitland, Paddy Crumlin and Tony Maher for their efforts in making this conference a success. It has surely set in place an agenda of networking and building together that will take us into a new era in the trade union movement.
Bernie Farrelly
Union No.93
Eye Opener
I attended the ITF Asia Pacific Seafarers Regional Committee and the Asia Pacific Regional Committee in Seoul, Korea with National Secretary Paddy Crumlin in July and some 40 delegates from 18 countries representing 23 affiliate unions.
It was a real eye opener. The meetings resembled something like the United Nations, with translators present and everyone wearing of earpieces to understand the various speakers.
I learnt the importance of why the MUA needs to work internationally and attend meetings like these. It is forums like these that help us to get the international support like during CSL Yarra dispute and the 1998 Patrick lockout. This may well need to be reciprocated on day.
Unions worldwide are under attack and these meetings allow us to get a better understanding about the problems others are facing. This helps build friendship and solidarity. As employers act globally so must the union movement. We are a relatively small union but have enormous respect from our ITF affilliates.
Delegates to the ITF Asia Pacific Seafarers Regional Committee held detailed discussions on the revision of ILO Convention 108 (Seafarers Identity Documents). The US border protection policy will require seafarers to carry smart cards proving their identity and qualifications, before gaining port entry into the US. Seafarers may also be required to undergo security and criminal record checks. Already seafarers coming into US ports nowadays are not always guaranteed shore leave for recreation or to make phone calls.
Also an issue is the new emerging "labour supply" nations such as China undercutting the existing labour supply countries. What Australian seafarers know only too well, is now the experience of seafarers in developing nations as shipowners source the cheapest labour to compete globally. The World Trade Organisation is trying to deregulate maritime trade and services and to remove regional cabotage within the Asia Pacific region. Of course the Jones Act protects the US.
The East Timor Maritime Union Development Program was formally launched at the meeting. This allowed me to build networks with the people who will be assisting this project. The ITF Asia/Pacific regional Office, the ITF Seafarer Union Development Programme and the Indonesian Seafarers' Union will all assist in establishing and training for the people of East Timor.
The importance of globalising solidarity cannot be overstated. Those who give solidarity today may need it to tomorrow. No group can guarantee immunity from attacks on jobs, union rights or working conditions. Many unions may depend on their survival on the ability of unions in other countries to deliver solidarity when it is needed.
Mick Killick
Dili, Timor
Gulf War Update
The strangle hold slowly but surely starts to release. The free reign given to the offshore boat operators who treat their workforce like serfs is being exposed by Offshore Mariners' United in Houma, Louisiana.
OMU is a collective of maritime unions formed to unionise the oil and gas industry here. What offshore boat operators have been allowed to get away with is an absolute travesty of worker justice. But the mariners in the Gulf of Mexico are now starting to resist boat owner thuggery more and more each day.
Mariners are no longer timidly asking questions about why they are being treated so badly . They are demanding answers. They are talking United Nations human rights violations, not to mention the abuse of their own constitutional rights as US citizens.
The appalling thing is, if the mariners openly come out and speak for a union, they are sacked and black-listed. So much for freedom of speech!
The boat companies are putting out mass propaganda that the mariners are given every opportunity to decide if they want union representation. This is simply not true. Boat operator freedom is 'Talk union and you're out the door'!
Trying to organise the mariners here is extremely hard going because these people have be subjected to company harassment on an unprecedented scale. All in the name of profit.
It's ironic that the government is going to great lengths to ensure that the US never again will be subjected to vicious terrorist attacks. And correctly so.
Yet under the same US constitutional umbrella, Gulf boat operators are carrying out acts of industrial terrorism, unchallenged by any authority whatsoever in this country.
So we of the OMU, appeal to all US citizens, and the world community, to start asking questions. This nation takes great pride in chanting human rights, and freedom of speech around the globe. Why not in our own backyard!
Visit us on our website or drop us a line at www.offshoremarinersunited.org.
Joe Deakin, MUA
Houma, Louisiana
Historical Struggles
Please extend our best regards to all and our congratulations for the holding of the Global Conference and the Centenary Celebration of the W.W.F. and the formation of the M.U.A
Big Jim and Elliott, served the national and international working class and were great leaders and personal friends. Both were products of the great working class struggles of the 30's.
The great victories of the labour movement in the 130 years of maritime union history was achieved around basic policies to advance the standard of living of the Australian people for a world of peace and friendship of all people.
The rank & file members in unity with the great struggles ensures the defeat of the real forces of the ruling class who are the real axis of evil to the working people of all lands.
Globalisation of the world's economy markets is also the globalisation of the labour market.
The world leaders today under the guise of democracy intend to dominate the working people of the world, lower their standard of living further into global poverty.
For these forces, the law of capital exploitation prevails. There can be no profit unless there is poverty. Global military domination is the evil method to maintain and extend domination.
It is with these few thoughts we wish every success for the future historical struggles that will take place for the rights of the working people.
As Big Jim and Elliott always emphasised - "a change of Government will not solve the working peoples problems". We have 130 years experience of this.
But a Labor Government united politically and industrially can and will advance and improve the Australian peoples standard of living and for a world of peace and friendship.
Always within the great struggles that lay ahead,
Noline & Tony Supple
Retire Secretary
WWF - Sydney Branch
Tight Knit
It was like taking a step back in time when we joined the PLMV Lorelay. The crew was large and staunch, in the manner of the old school.
The MUA presence onboard was evident from the moment we stepped up her gangway. Both swings totalling a whopping 54 members. These sorts of numbers haven't been seen since the Baulder went over the horizon, or maybe the odd DSV. Not only was it the numbers that made this job so special, but the quality of our members from cooking to crane driving and everything in-between.
It didn't take the expat bosses long to figure the MUA was the tightest knit group of unionists they had come across in a while. There was no way they could penetrate our circle, so it would have been a waste of time to try.
The camaraderie rivalled 20 years ago. Throughout the seven-month project there was not one bad thing said about the union or its officials. As a result the job was enjoyable with each department respecting one another and making sure the job got done at all times (one in, all in).
We all had the same common goal -- to make sure Allseas went away with the correct impression of Australian workers ,not the bad one a senior captain told us they had before they got here. And we achieved this through our professionalism and flexibility. There was nothing too hard. Nothing that together we couldn't overcome.
It was not always smooth sailing but you would expect that with 215 people onboard from around 10 different countries. The one that sticks in our mind the most is when the construction crew went out for seven days over better wages and conditions. Well, almost all went out. Unfortunately five or six of them were prepared to stay and scab on their work mates. If it was not for the solidarity of the MUA crew of the vessel the outcome could have been a lot worse. It was this sort of militancy which was needed to ensure the job would continue smoothly once they returned.
In the end they got what they wanted, plus ESSO offered a nice little redundancy at the end of the project. But only for the construction crew. After careful deliberation we figured that we were as much a part of the operations onboard the Lorelay and we should be entitled to bonus just the same as the construction crew. So without hesitation we rang Mick Doleman and he happily took over the helm and proceeded to steer us towards the deserved entitlements.
Mick successfully negotiated a sizeable outcome and the crew, being the calibre they are, thought it would be good to give something back to the union. The MUA has always been there for us, in the past, present and no doubt into the future. So both swings unanimously voted on giving 10 per cent of it back to the union amounting to a little over $800 each.
On top of that during the seven-month project, MUA members on the Lorelay proudly donated $16,725 to the fighting fund, $2500 to MUSAA, $2700 to charities, $1000 to the offshore conference, $270 to the Brisbane Branch, $200 on flowers. Add that to the 10 per cent and you get a grand total of $63,595 give or take.
Thanks to Mermaid Labor and management for working with us on some difficult issues. A special thanks to the cooks and caterers for a tremendous job, well done. The delegates need a good wrap as they were always on the job no matter how big or small. We feel the need to thank the three Aussie skippers - Russell Layton, Chris Grubba and Alistair Heron - because they were all supportive on any issues that arose. Thanks to Mick Wickham who was ever so reliable in getting reliefs, sometimes with only two hours notice, as well as looking after grievances, and of course, Mick Doleman who did the crewing as well as overseeing the whole project. (You did a great job.)
We all agree that from this ship we walk away knowing the MUA is still the best union in Australia. We also agree that by standing together (totally) it makes it bloody hard for any company, organisation or even governments who seek to destroy the industry.
On behalf of the MUA onboard the Lorelay.
Brian (Bluey) Roberts
Union No: 1934
Fortunate
I was among those fortunate enough to join the Lorelay as one of the marine crew for a vessel that carries 220 technicians, welders, riggers and other assorted pipe laying personnel.
Each department had its own set of problems to solve from missing socks and jocks in the laundry, to dry stores in a different language, and a wind down mast (for low bridges) which we had trouble winding back up. These tasks were made easier by the large crew of riggers on board, a handy bunch of Aussies, Kiwis, Jacks, Paddy and Poms who lent a willing back to us and were a ready source of wit and amusement.
The vessel sailed to Bell Bay where we loaded pipe and were joined by more pipe laying experts, ultra sonic technicians, riggers and welders, not to mention the odd big cheese client who stood at in the trendy all weather watch coats and Gucci safety boots. No matter, they proved harmless. Meanwhile the heavy work carried on around them with guys putting in long hours.
Tucker was good -- hot and cold dishes, plenty of variety and plenty of it. Our baker could turn out anything you could find in a hot bread shop. His Bakewell tart left tears in my eyes and another hole punched in my belt.
Bosun Duck Williams had his work cut out, but the lanky bugger seemed to thrive on stress and was doing everything at the trot. When a 6 ft 7inch Bosun is doing things on the trot, it has the effect of making everyone lift their game. We all needed to be on the ball for this floating hotel and industrial complex.
The job on hand was laying a gas pipeline linking Tasmania with Victoria. At full efficiency, I'm informed the Lorelay can lay roughly three kilometres of pipe a day. My mathematical chum tells me this is about 16 sections of pipe an hour that have to be welded, inspected, x-rayed, coated, tested, resin coated and checked again, before being inched over the stern in one continuous line.
The technology is quite impressive. So if we are to continue to be part of this ongoing industry, we truly must be the best. There is plenty of labour for hire all over the world, so we have to show the owners and operators of these vessels that they'd be foolish to go anywhere else for crew.
The unsung heroes of the trip I award to the cabin stewards, the 'quietî achievers'. There's nothing quite like sparkling alleyways, a clean cabin, and a freshly made bunk as a benchmark of living standards -- top show chaps.
Karl Avis
Union No: No. 644
Abalone Venture
The first vessel to take it's role in a new venture in the maritime industry is now operating in South Australian Gulf waters. Crewed by Australian seafarers and an aquaculture crew, the MV Destiny Queen is the first of, hopefully, a number of vessels to enter this new and innovative quest to boost Australian aquaculture exports.
The vessel is an ex-timber carrier that traded in Asian waters for many years until Destiny Abalone Pty Ltd purchased and registered it in Adelaide for conversion.
The crew comprises a master, 1st mate, 3rd mate, Chief Eng., 1st Eng., W/ Keep Eng., CIR, five IR's, Cook, Purser and the four 4 aquaculture crew.
The vessel, currently at anchor off Tumby Bay near Pt. Lincoln in the Spencer Gulf, is fully operational. It is required to shift position every two weeks.
The hatches are undergoing conversion to accommodate 'growing trays' for the envisaged 1.2 million abalone. At the time of writing, 300,000 abalone growing stock have been transferred from the land based farm to the vessel. The abalone stock will grow to 80-85mm, before being harvested and processed on board. They will then be sold live into the export market or canned for export to China.
A milestone for the MUA and maritime industry has been reached by the signing up of Husbandry team into the Union and talks are under way to include the shore based Husbandry crew.
It is important to note that the company, new as it is to commercial shipping, has a longer term plan to utilise this or a similar vessel as a training venue for seamanship as well as the obvious aquaculture training benefits it will afford.
The members of the MUA from officials to all rank and file members who have played a part to lift this venture to a positive outcome, are to be commended for their far sightedness, patience and many times innovative action taken to meet the many daily challenges.
On behalf of MUA Crew
M.V. Destiny Queen
J. Lawrence
Union No.1427
Enlightening
We, the comrades of Port Kembla and Newcastle attending the MUA union@work Delegates Course in August, wish to say thanks for the opportunity to participate. We encourage the maintaining of this course as a regular and ongoing component of the education and empowerment of delegates and the workforce.
Thanks to Dean Summers for his informative and stirring report on ITF awareness and on the shipping campaign, to Bill Giddins for his invaluable guidance through the legal aspects and history of the Industrial Relations Act, Garry Keane and Mark Armstrong for their assistance, and last but definitely not least, to Eddie Seymour, Graham Young and Sean Mountford for the first rate job they have done in assembling this tremendously educational course and making so enlightening and enjoyable.
The facilities at the St. Georges Basin MUA School are excellent and really promote a sense of camaraderie between members from different sections of our union. We feel this course has definitely helped us have a better understanding of our role as delegates and encouraged us to better assist the membership. We advise any member that has the opportunity to attend future MUA unions@work Delegates Courses to jump at the chance."Proud to be Union"
Pt Kembla & Newcastle Delegates
Time is Money
On August 10, my son and I left home together, travelled to Melbourne to work at Appleton Dock and travelled home again.
Nothing unusual about that except I work for P&O Ports and he works for Toll Ports. I'm a full time employee with 29 years service. He is a supplementary employee of three years. He was paid two hours travel time. I was paid nothing!
How can the union allow this? Surely we are all entitled to the award conditions regardless of which company we work for. As Senior Vice President and a branch official for more than 20 years, I fought for the rank and file. I call on the officials of the MUA to do the same for the Geelong members who work for P&O Ports.
Jim Carter
Geelong Branch
Farewell Franklin
After 17 years of working for CSIRO the National Facility RV Franklin will be put up for sale. She tied up in Hobart on April 26, 2002 for the last time.
In recent years the ships management has been handled by PO Maritime (Polar) Hobart. Many of the crew have been with the vessel for a very long time and this shows in the way they go about their duties in such a caring and professional manner. The sad facts are that many of these people who have become part of a family will not see each other again. Some like long serving Greaser (Lube Tech) Danny Davies will retire out of the industry and we take this moment to wish him and his lovely wife many happy years of retirement together.
There have been many interesting stories told over this last trip to sea, some funny, some sad and some "well we just can't talk about." I thought the best thing to do would be to grab a couple of people that have been here a while and let them put their feelings and experiences to paper for you. I hope you enjoy them and for those who have had the pleasure of sailing on the Franklin they just may bring back some pleasant memories.
The Vessel
The Franklin is (55 metres, 1218 tonnes Summer Dwt) Australia's oceanographic research vessel was built at NQEA Cairns to a design by the German Schiffco company. The vessel was owned by the CSIRO and run as a National Facility funded by the Federal Government available at nominal costs to Universities and other institutions for marine science.
The maiden voyage was in March 1985 and since that time the Franklin has been engaged in marine science work all around Australia, PNG, Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Chatham Islands, N.Z., Christmas Island, Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal.
Many of the crew stayed with the vessel for up to ten years including Jannick Hansen Bosun, Wayne Browning, Kris Hallen, Bluey Hughes AB/IR, Ron Culliney C/Steward, Gary Hall C/Cook, John Scott 9 years and the current C/Eng John Morton 5 years. In recent times the use of the ship has shifted away from oceanography towards marine geology and for this type of work Franklin is less suited as there is no sufficient aft deck space, the winches are a bit light and it does not have a full DP system for the precision operations. The intention is to transfer the Nation Facility funding to the larger but older Southern Surveyor and put the Franklin up for sale.
Although Franklin was primarily for deep water physical oceanography, she has been asked to carry out almost all aspects of marine research, apart from fishing. Scientists have come from all Australian marine research institutions and from overseas. She has participated in international climate and ocean circulation studies, such as TOGA COARE and WOVE, made a number of visits to PNG, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu searching for mineralised vent fields associated with active submarine volcanoes. Add to these, the myriad oceanographic, biological and geological voyages around the Australian Coast and in the Tasman and Coral Seas, and she has an impressive record of achievement. That she has performed such a wide variety of roles and been able to perform them well, is a tribute to both the ship and her crew.
The crew have always taken pride in getting the most out of the ship, and it would be a rare Chief Scientists who hasn't expressed unreserved praise for their efforts. The emphasis has always been on safety. As far as I can recall, there has never been a serious injury during deck operations on Franklin.
I've been associated with Franklin since her maiden voyage. She's given me the opportunity to meet some great people, be involved in exciting projects and to visit places that the normal person could never get to see. I'll miss her.
Remember
The work that has been carried out on Franklin has been, still and will continue to be used in universities and schools around the globe. Many findings have been world firsts; some would and could say that they were history making. The vessel has been a vital part of the scientific research world and all those associated should be proud of their efforts. So farewell old girl and as they say in the classics "Thanks for the Memories".
Finally, to all the crew may I wish you all the best in the future for whatever endeavours you may take on especially those that are heading into a life of so called retirement. To the scientists may your work continue to be as successful in the future as it has been on the Franklin.
Frank Soutter
Union No: 6209
Stricken Vessel
In August last year the on coming crew of Pacific Conqueror were mobilised on short notice to race to a stricken vessel that had engine failure and was dragging it's anchor in treacherous seas and was in danger of going aground on the Hogan Group, southeast of Wilsons' Promontory.
We arrived at the Maersk Tacoma just before sundown. Jim Wallis, the Mate and I were nearly washed overboard while setting up the J hook. I was on the port tugger winch when a wave smashed me into the tugger winch and then nearly washed me over the side. I was unhurt, just bruised. The same wave carried down the deck knocking the mate and Jim Wallis over. It was only sheer luck that they weren't washed overboard.
We then towed the fully laden container vessel to safe anchorage.
Swire Pacific Offshore Services (Singapore) sent cheques to crew members for the sum of $12,342.00 and asked us to sign an Acknowledgement Slip saying that it was full payment of settlement.
Deputy Managing Director in Singapore. Brian Townsley said they only got $1.3million for the salvage and that Swires had paid us more than we were entitled to. As a employee of Swire Pacific, I have never known them to pay anyone more than their entitlement. You have to check your payslip constantly to make sure they haven't short changed you.
Acting Manager for Swires in Fremantle told me that it was being settled at Lloyds of London, that the salvage was worth a lot of money and to expect a cheque in the mail shortly. So I have sent an acknowledgement to Swires in Singapore accepting it as part payment and a request that they notify me when full payment is due.
For the last 10 months I've searched Commonwealth & State Law databases and the World Wide Web in vain trying to I've been trying to find out about Crew Entitlement to Salvage.
Hopefully someone in our union knows something about Salvage Entitlements and can email me on kdietz@flatrate.net.au
Yours in Unity
Ken Dietz (delo)
Pacific Conqueror
Challenge
We the crew members of the MT Broadwater challenge the Workplace Relations Minister Mr. Tony Abbott to actually come aboard our Australian flagged vessel. You will see a first class, hard working, well-trained and safe Australian crew in action. Our multi-national parent company recognises this. They continue to employ us for these reasons and we enjoy a good working relationship with them.
As for " restrictive work practices such as the notorious six weeks on six weeks off rule..." a seafarer works seven days a week and is captive for 24hrs a day. This is comparable to most OECD leave systems.
It is not true that we are unwilling to do maintenance, nor do Australian crew cost double the cost of comparable OECD crews". Australian politicians are probably 5 times more expensive than that of their honest third world counterparts.
There is no comparison with Australian crews to that of third world labour. We are internationally recognised as the best-trained seafarers in the world.
We and the companies we work for care for our coastline and environment because we live here. We and the companies we work for pay taxes in Australia (unlike flag of convenience ships and guest labour crews). In times of war we support our military as shown by the loss of life of merchantmen in WWI and WWII.
Don't you think, Mr Abbott, that after so long as Workplace Relations Minister you should actually set foot on an Australian flagged vessel? You claim to be well informed on the subject but we doubt that you have ever set foot on an Australian ship.
Your arrogance and ignorance confirms this. You are a gutless coward hiding behind your parliamentary privilege, as every seafarer in Australia and you know that you will never take up this challenge. EVER!
MUA Members
MT Broadwater
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