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Full General News Archive by Date

May 2008

April 2008

    MUA welcomes new safety code for the waterfront
    The Maritime Union has welcomed yesterdays’ announcement by The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) that it will develop a nationally consistent approach for OH&S at Australian stevedoring ports.
    30 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Govt recognition for SA dockworkers arms ban
    Australian government responds to union request for recognition of SA workers Zimbabwe arms embargo.
    30 April 2008 [Full Story]

    SA/ITF arms ban gets international recognition
    South African dockworkers successful blockade of arms shipment to Zimbabwe has won world acclaim, with MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin personally congratulating SATAWU Randall Howard General Secretary, SATAWU for their courageous decision.
    29 April 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA supports SA workbans on Zimbabwe arms shipment
    ITF affiliates MUA and RTBU in solidarity with South African dockers and truck workers ban on arms to Zimbabwe as reports of voilence and repression under the Mugabe regime increase
    22 April 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA among visionaries at 20:20 Summit
    MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin flies to an executive board meeting of International Transport Workers' Federation in London after a weekend brainstorming big ideas with the likes of actors Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson, TV host Andrew Denton and ACTU President Sharan Burrow
    21 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Save Sydney Ferry Campaign goes international
    Alan Cote, National President of the Inlandboatmen's Union and an ILWU Executive Board member was one of the 30 strong ILWU delegation to last weeks Mining and Maritime Conference held in Sydney. SBU/ILWU covers US ferry and tug workers.
    20 April 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA puts rightwing writer warrior on notice
    When Australian Financial Review columnist and right wing opinion writer lashed out at the union and our members over the Patrick dispute this week, MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin pulled no punches. This is his right of reply published in AFR today:
    18 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Don't be conned by the spin about the Sydney Ferries sale
    Award winning journalist and film maker John Pilger joins the campaign to save Sydney Ferries. His letter featured in "First Word" in the Sydney Morning Herald today
    17 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Hungry Mile to Hollywood
    MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin backs ILWU and US workers on Hollywood to the Docks workers' rights campaign at Hungry Mile dedication: "We extend our solidarity to all the American working men and women," he said. "We are with you in heart, we are with you in spirit, we are walking shoulder to shoulder from Hollywood down the docks in LA." The ILWU Local 10 Drill Team kicked off the 28-mile march organised by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. The Federation organised the march to spotlight and support the 350,000 workers whose unions will be negotiating new contracts this year—including those in the ILWU Longshore Division. ILWU President Bob McEllrath speaks from the Hungry Mile, Sydney Australia, ILWU Secretary Treasurer Willie Adams returns to the USA on April 17th to address the rally in LA. Videos from the opening day of HOLLYWOOD TO THE DOCKS. http://www.hollywoodtothedocks.org/
    16 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Secret cabinet document on ferries a slap in the face
    The Maritime Union of Australia will meet with ferry workers at Circular Quay today following revelations of a secret cabinet document revealing a push within the NSW Transport Department for privatisation of Sydney ferries.
    15 April 2008 [Full Story]

    10 years on and the MUA must still defend Patrick workers
    This is the MUA's response to the SMH editorial damning the union and its workers for the 1998 Patrick dispute. The letter was published in the Heralds' "First Word" on April 11
    14 April 2008 [Full Story]

    The Hungry Mile Dedication
    With actor Jack Thompson, Peter Garrett, Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Frank Sartor, Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for the Arts, folksong and poetry in the park
    11 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Patrick conspiracy “sheer evil” : Beazley
    Kim Beazley's speech at the MUA dinner commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Patrick Dispute, Darling Harbour Convention Centre, Sydney, April 9
    11 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Gillard commits to freedom of information
    Acting PM Julia Gillard gets rousing welcome at MUA national conference, committing to real freedom of information laws as well as determining whether these new laws can be retrospective so secret Howard government documents linking Howard and Reith to the conspiracy to sack the MUA workforce in 1998 can finally surface. As well the acting PM committed to Australian shipping, training to overcome maritime skills shortage, union representation on AMSA and merchant mariners day.
    10 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Conference Highlights Day 2
    Play,paintings and photographs of the Patrick dispute on display for the opening of Laborfest. Dave Heindel, Seafarers' International Union of the USA address to conference alongside MUA national officers.
    09 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Wharfies' mural unveiled
    Maritime workers take close look at historic wharfies’ mural
    08 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Conference Day 1
    MUA National Conference commemorates Patrick Dispute 10th anniversary with one minutes silence, National Secretary's report and keynote international speakers Bob Crow, RMT UK Bob McEllrath, ILWU, USA and Ezrom Mabyana, SATAWU, South Africa
    08 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Wharves stop for a minutes silence to mark Patrick lockout
    National stoppage marks tenth anniversary of waterfront dispute. Waterfront workers in every dock in Australia will stop work for one minute today to mark the tenth anniversary of the iconic Patrick waterfront dispute.
    07 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Waterfront sculpture commemorates Patrick lockout
    Melbourne wharfies mark ten years since iconic waterfront dispute
    03 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Hundreds rally on tenth anniversary of waterfront dispute
    Today Stevedores on the Fremantle docks will stop work for two hours and march through the streets to mark the tenth anniversary of the iconic Patrick waterfront dispute.
    03 April 2008 [Full Story]

    Power in the Union

    02 April 2008 [Full Story]

March 2008

February 2008

    UK Govt backs union call to cover foreign crew
    A union call to have UK minimum wages for seafarers cover foreign crew employed in national waters on British-flagged vessels now has Govt backing.
    29 February 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA to address top level US meeting on maritime trade
    MUA National Secretary and ITF executive board member Paddy Crumlin will join the head of the US peak trade union organisation Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO at the US Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board meeting in California on February 28.
    25 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Media Alert
    Enough is enough: time to get on with Melbourne’s channel deepening project
    22 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Union campaign forces Coalition capitulation on IR
    The complete capitulation of the Coalition on industrial relations in parliament today is for the most part the outcome of the successful union campaign run over the past two years according to MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin. And MUA members can be proud for the prominent role they have played in firstly protecting their jobs on the wharves and ships and secondly in seeing out the Howard government and the remnants of the conservatives anti-union legislation.
    20 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Union condemns attack on democracy in Timor
    Correspondence condemning the attack on democracy in Timor Leste and reinforcing the union endevour to campaign for Timorese jobs in the offshore industry was sent yesterday to both the Timorese PM and president,following assassination attempts on both leaders.
    16 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Witness to history
    Union delegation to Canberra witness to historic apology by Parliament for atrocities against Aboriginal Australians.
    13 February 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA solidarity with Aboriginal Australians
    Maritime workers from Melbourne, Sydney and Port Kembla will converge on Canberra on Wednesday morning in solidarity with Aboriginal Australians and in support of the Prime Ministers’ apology. The delegation is led by Deputy MUA National Secretary Jim Tannock.
    12 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Triton11 Victory: MUA thanks the world
    MUA National Secretary and ITF executive board member Paddy Crumlin has personally thanked the International Transport Workers' Federation for their contribution to securing the jobs of our members under their existing agreement aboard the Triton with Gardline. "Through the combination of the determination of the crew and MUA officials and members generally, the support of the community picketline, Australian Trade Union movement and Federal Government, and the hard work of the ITF and Nautilus in particular we have delivered a remarkable achievment," he said. "The crew refused to leave the vessel in the face of massive individual penalties under the existing Workchoices anti worker legislation. This in itself we believe will help accelerate the process of legislative change in Australia in industrial relations as well as bringing into acute further focus the shortcomings of existing legislation in protecting shipping standards and the national flag. "Our officials with broad national and international support were in the front line of a dispute that has delivered back to all maritime workers in Australia the right to collectively bargain. "We look forward to an ongoing constructive relationship with Gardline, and again gratefully acknowledge the tremendous support by the ITF and Nautilus." And on YouTube Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman in Darwin, extends his thanks to the crew, the local community, unions and others.
    06 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Jnt MUA/Gardline statement on Triton 11
    Triton 11 dispute coming to a close as agreement reached in Sydney
    02 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Triton 11 message to members
    “We couldn’t be doing what we’re doing without you, comrades”
    01 February 2008 [Full Story]

    MUA Meets With Triton Owners
    Crisis talks in Sydney as Triton 11 blockade reaches seventh day.
    01 February 2008 [Full Story]

    Kiwi comrades lend support to Triton 11
    Maritime Union of New Zealand, Joe Fleetwood, Seafarers’ Secretary, and Gary Parsloe, National Vice President flew into Darwin to join the community assembly in solidarity with the Triton 11 today:
    01 February 2008 [Full Story]

January 2008

    Triton 11 crew statement
    We the crew of the RV Triton would like to put on record our disappointment at Gardline for sacking us because we are members of a union.
    31 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Triton 11 Speak out
    Give us back our jobs so we can look after Australia
    31 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Comrades support Triton 11
    Letters of solidarity are flooding into the union rooms from ships and ports around Australia
    31 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Triton crew will see it thru
    Australian crew taking a stand on board the Guardline vessel in Darwin are now on YouTube. The company this evening served unlawful occupation letters on all crew members. Guardline executive flying to Australia to meet with union representatives in Sydney tommorrow. Hear crew members tell their story http://www.youtube.com/maritimeUnion
    31 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Norwegian unions in solidarity with Triton crew
    Norwegians maritime unions have issued a strong warning to Gardline, owners of the Triton vessel in Darwin in dispute with its MUA crew.
    31 January 2008 [Full Story]

    ITF and UK seafarers back Aussie crew
    The maritime union Nautilus UK is urging the British shipping company Gardline to resolve a dispute over the crewing of an Australian-flagged ship patrolling the country's northern sea borders for the Customs service.
    30 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Triton 11 speak out on YouTube
    Australian seafarers on board Customs ship Triton take a stand against a move to sack them and bring in non union crew to patrol our borders. This video, filmed on board the ship, is their story for all the world to hear and see.
    30 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Border security at stake in Darwin layoffs
    Foreign seafarers unchecked by Australian security agencies could end up patrolling Australia¹s borders following the sacking of nine Australian seafarers in Darwin, the Maritime Union of Australia warned today.
    29 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Local MP seeks high ground with the MUA
    Damian Hale the Member for Solomon joins members of the community assembly at the gates of Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin in support of those workers who have been sacked from their jobs.
    29 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Border patrol vessel sacks union workforce
    A merchant vessel with a Federal Government contract to patrol northern Australian waters for illegal fishing has sacked its crew of unionised workers.
    28 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Two fatalities on Italian wharves
    Calls for major overhaul of safety regulations following the deaths of two stevedoring workers
    25 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Sydney Ferries - Day of Action
    Sydney Branch members will be gathering at Circular Quay on Saturday 26th January in an effort to raise community support for the maintenance of Sydney Ferries in public ownership.
    24 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Cancer shifts
    Shift work likely to increase cancer risk new report finds
    18 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Offshore Workers Voice
    Well 2007 has passed us and the campaign for rig workers to win the right to collectively bargain continues. A new government with a commitment to adopt new laws on workers rights is a welcome start to 2008.
    18 January 2008 [Full Story]

    International roundup
    Protestors and police clash in Greece over port privatisation plans, one dead and 11 missing after Foc sinking; $1m backpay for FoC crew in Indian ITF campaign and victory for Finnish seafarers
    17 January 2008 [Full Story]

    Rudd Govt announces shipping reform
    The newly elected Rudd Government has made good on its pledge to unions and local ship owners to reinvigerate Australian shipping and put a stop to rampant exploitation of third world crew by rogue shipping operators in Australian waters
    08 January 2008 [Full Story]

December 2007

    Christmas eve victory in New Zealand port
    Maritime workers celebrated this Xmas with an historic victory in the Port of Napier - a gift of international solidarity in which the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Transport Workers' Federation played a leading role
    26 December 2007 [Full Story]

    Revolt on the Waterways
    Today Sydney harbour workers at NSW Maritime voted to walk off the job in protest of the NSW Government’s 2.5% wage offer.
    21 December 2007 [Full Story]

    Global solidarity actions shut down NZ port
    MUA/ITF leads international action against port of convenience in major victory.
    20 December 2007 [Full Story]

    'Stop the Sell Off'
    Unions NSW and power industry delegates today launched their campaign to 'Stop the Sell Off' of the state's electricity industry proposed by the NSW Government. MUA members need to support this campaign to the fullest extent because if power privatisation succeeds it will be much easier to privatise Sydney Ferries. The privatisation fire sale must be stopped. Join the campiagn today.
    19 December 2007 [Full Story]

    MUA delegation to Napier picket
    Three ships turn away as a Maritime Union delegation joins a picket in Napier New Zealand
    16 December 2007 [Full Story]

    It ain't over yet
    The ACTU is continuing its Your Rights at Work campaign to seek changes to the ALP's policy, shame employers into not using AWAs, and pressure Coalition senators to support the government's IR transition bill - and the MUA is pledging to play a big part in the ongoing struggles
    06 December 2007 [Full Story]

    Pasha Bulker reports highlights FoC concerns
    The NSW Maritime report into the grounding of the Pasha Bulker will add weight to calls for a review of the spread of unregulated ‘Flag of Convenience’ foreign ships off our coast, the Maritime Union of Australia said today.
    05 December 2007 [Full Story]

    Crunch time in world shipping
    Leading industry figure warns of "crewing crunch" as skills shortage widens
    03 December 2007 [Full Story]

    Pay rise for world seafarers
    Crews on flag-of-convenience (FOC) ships covered by International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) agreements will get an 8 per cent pay rise, the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee determined in London last week in line with the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) outcome .
    03 December 2007 [Full Story]

November 2007

    MUA celebrates victory for Port Botany crane driver
    The Maritime Union Sydney Branch joined CFMEU comrades at Port Botany yesterday for the reinstatement celebrations in honour of sacked CFMEU delegate Barry Hemsworth.
    30 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Bert Nolan: Keep Labor on course!
    Bert Nolan was in hospital on the day the Melbourne union rooms were named after Geoff Swayn and the former Seamen's Union leader on the ACTU Day of Action against the Howard Government IR laws at the G on November 30 last year.
    30 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Sydney Branch News
    A sad chapter of Australia's political history has come to a happy ending with the overwhelming rejection of the Howard Government by the Australian people. Australia’s worst Government was trounced in this vital election that the union movement played a pivotal role within. There can be no doubt even amongst the most cynical of the electorate that WorkChoices was the core issue. The icing on the cake was seeing Howard unceremoniously tipped out of Bennelong. It was music to our ears. We can say loudly and proudly proclaim that our Your Rights at Work Campaign has been a resounding success. Read more by clicking on the link to the Sydney Branch News listed below.
    29 November 2007 [Full Story]

    MUA call for Govt to expose waterfront conspiracy
    As the union movement rejoices on the success of its campaign to oust the Howard industrial relations regime and restore democracy to the workplace, the Maritime Union is quick to remind Labor of some core promises. Not least is a commitment to obtain and release the internal government paperwork documenting the Howard Government’s role in the 1998 waterfront conspiracy.
    28 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Experts raise maritime security alarm
    Two leading terrorist experts have backed union warnings that Australia must close loopholes on our coastline and prevent foreign ships carrying volatile cargoes like ammonium nitrate
    28 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Election victory congratulations from ITF and SIU
    The International Transport Workers' Federation and the Seafarers' International Union of the USA have both written to congratulate Australian workers and the Maritime Union for Saturday's election victory.
    26 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Corporate greed
    Executive salaries now hit $30m plus
    13 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Three crew killed in Black Sea storms
    Three seafarers killed and eight missing as four ships go down in heavy seas
    13 November 2007 [Full Story]

    MUA Launches Australian Shipping Campaign -
    Australian seafarers will today call for a ban on unregulated foreign ships carrying dangerous cargoes into and around Australian ports cities.
    08 November 2007 [Full Story]

    NZ govt push for local shipping
    NZ Labor Govt sets goal for coastal shipping to carry 30 per cent of domestic freight by 2040
    06 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Defeat the Howard Government – Defeat WorkChoices
    The Maritime Union of Australia Sydney Branch Committee recognises the vital need to remove the Howard Government from office.
    02 November 2007 [Full Story]

    Ferry Sell Off a Sell Out to the Public
    The MUA today committed to working to develop Sydney Ferries into a world class public transportation system and welcomed some aspects of the Walker Report especially those that provide a role for public ownership and control.
    02 November 2007 [Full Story]

October 2007

    Workers Support Reform, But Privatisation no Silver Bullet
    The Maritime Union of Australia will meet with the Minister of Transport John Watkins today to pledge it support for changes to ensure Sydney Ferries remain a world-class service.
    29 October 2007 [Full Story]

    ELECTION 07 News
    MUA Election page up and running
    27 October 2007 [Full Story]

    FPSO Conference
    The MUA-AWU Offshore Alliance is holding a conference in Fremantle on the 20th November for all workers on floaters.
    26 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Keating defends unions
    Former PM Paul Keating hit out at Govt attacks on unions as 'despicable' in launching Greg Combet's election campaign this morning
    25 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Drill Rig Workers Deprived of Rights
    Workers employed on drill rigs and production platforms in the oil and gas industry on the North West Shelf and off Darwin in the Timor Sea are at a disadvantage to others working in the industry.
    24 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Global seafarers' deal creates Australian jobs
    Australian seafarers will have greater opportunity to work in Australia’s international trade thanks to a special levy placed on shipowners in a groundbreaking new global agreement.
    15 October 2007 [Full Story]

    We must win this election!
    The Sydney Branch Executive calls all members to action in the forthcoming Federal Election. We must all participate and give whatever assistance we can in the efforts of the labour movement to defeat the Howard Government. This battle is for us… for our kids… for our families and communities. This is our only chance for years to come to turn around the attack on our awards, our penalty rates, our wages and our conditions. Sydney Branch will publish an election update each week leading up to the coming election. The first branch news is available by following the link below.
    15 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Carbon pricing would take trucks off our roads: new report
    A national carbon-pricing scheme would result in fewer freight trucks on the nation’s roads, an independent report into the greenhouse impact of Australian transport has found.
    09 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Workers exposed to asbestos ship
    More than 50 seamen and wharfies have been exposed to the deadly asbestos material on board a deregulated foreign ship docked in Townsville, tests confirmed today.
    04 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Victory for Indian workers
    ITF Maersk network wins jobs back for sacked Indian truck drivers
    04 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Auckland strike Day 2
    The picket of Auckland terminal continues. Union defends attacks on workers wages
    03 October 2007 [Full Story]

    Auckland wharfies strike
    Maritime workers stand strong on Ports of Auckland picket
    02 October 2007 [Full Story]

September 2007

August 2007

July 2007

    Union/Community concern over Sydney Ferries Future
    Combined Ferries Unions Respond To Community Concerns On Future Of Sydney Ferries
    20 July 2007 [Full Story]

    Sydney Ferries - Not For Sale!
    The NSW State Government is refusing to rule out the privatisation of Sydney Ferries. Privatisation will not fix Sydney Ferries or create more services. Privatisation will not make Sydney Ferries safer. Privatisation is undemocratic,unaccountable and flawed. Download the Sydney Branch leaflet below - available from the Branch now. The postcard to the right is available from the Sydney Branch and all members are urged to get a hold of one and send it off to NSW Premier Morris Iemma telling him that privatisation of public assets is not on.
    20 July 2007 [Full Story]

    From Hungry Mile to Hungry Jacks
    Artist Paints the End of an Industrial Era
    19 July 2007 [Full Story]

    Vale Bernard Ellis
    Barney Ellis a warrior of the working class passed away on Monday the 10 July after a long illness.
    12 July 2007 [Full Story]

    Foreign flagged fertiliser ships pose lethal threat
    Poor safety standards on a foreign flagged ship carrying ammonium nitrate have lead this morning to a potentially dangerous incident in a Newcastle port.
    11 July 2007 [Full Story]

    Union films show at San Fransciso film festival
    The Hungry Miles, Hola Australia and the Stolt Stand will screen at the the Laborfest international workers' film festival being held in San Fransciso this month.
    09 July 2007 [Full Story]

    Working Ships Not Warships
    A fully laden cargo vessel entering and working in our glorious harbour is a much better sight than a fully laden weapon of mass destruction that is represented by the USS Kitty Hawk and the three vessels following it the USS Cowpens, USS Juneau and USS Tortuga said Maritime Union of Australia Sydney Branch Secretary Warren Smith.
    05 July 2007 [Full Story]

    High hopes for Pasha come high tide
    Len Covell, MUA deputy branch secretary, reports from the tug Wickham as tonights attempt to free the Panamanian flag of convenience vessel Pasha Bulker from the reef off Nobbys Beach, Newcastle gets under way.
    02 July 2007 [Full Story]

    High tide raises hopes for Pasha refloat
    Len Covell, MUA deputy branch Secretary reports from on board the tug Wickham off Nobby’s , Newcastle
    01 July 2007 [Full Story]

June 2007

    Canberra puts maritime security at risk
    While the Howard Government is deregulating our shipping industry, even handing out potential explosives to foreign ships and crew on our coast, both China and Russia are protecting their shipping industry and coastlines
    28 June 2007 [Full Story]

    Offshore unions crack down on safety and AWAs
    Concerns that workers on individual contracts in the offshore industry are being intimidated into accepting unsafe work practices will be addressed by a joint offshore union alliance at a meeting hosted by the WA branch of the MUA in Fremantle tomorrow.
    25 June 2007 [Full Story]

    Vale Pincher Martin: Valued comrade
    Letter of condolence to our comrades at the Maritime Union of New Zealand over the passing of Bill "Pincher" Martin, past president of the New Zealand Seafarers' Union
    15 June 2007 [Full Story]

    MUA tug workers lead ship salvage mission
    Australian seafarers are leading the effort to prevent an environmental disaster on Nobby’s Beach – one that may have been prevented had MUA warnings regarding the regulation of Flag of Convenience ships been heeded.
    13 June 2007 [Full Story]

    Flag of Convenience concerns ignored
    Concerns about the conditions of Flag of Convenience ships off the port of Newcastle have been consistently ignored in recent years, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) said today.
    08 June 2007 [Full Story]

    Union action keeps cement ships flying Australian flag
    Last-minute negotiations between the maritime unions, Cement Australia's shipping arm Cementco Shipping and CSL Australia, have averted a dispute and secured the jobs of Australian workers aboard the ships, Cementco, Alcem Calaca and Goliath, Lloyds List/DCN reports
    07 June 2007 [Full Story]

    CSL backs down in Port Kembla
    The ACTU, MUA, ITF and CSL brokered an agreement yesterday evening to settle the Capo Noli dispute in Port Kembla. Central to the agreement is recognition by CSL to abide by the IBF agreement that all stevedoring work, including work on the ship's cranes is done by local wharfies.
    02 June 2007 [Full Story]

    Community rally in support of Australian shipping and jobs
    Unions expect up to 100 members of the local Port Kembla and Illawarra community will today rally in support of jobs in Australia's shipping industry and to protest against the use of overseas workers to unload the cargo of the Philippines-crewed 'Capo Noli' bulk cargo ship.
    01 June 2007 [Full Story]

May 2007

April 2007

March 2007

February 2007

January 2007

    Filipino military admit to extrajudicial killings
    Unionists on hit list
    31 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Delegation flies to Guatemala murder site to demand justice
    A high level delegation from Europe, the US and Latin America have gone to Guatemala to demand justice for trade unionist Pedro Zamora, gunned down 15 days ago, and to help protect his colleagues, who are also under threat of death.
    29 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Workers' Radio podcasts
    Workers Radio Sydney is in the process of upgrading it's website and podcasting stories so that workers can hear them at a convenient time from anywhere on earth. WRS has been running for over 12 months and is financially supported by Unions NSW as well as a range of unions including the Maritime Union
    29 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Toxic fumes kill Filipino wharfies
    Death of two waterside workers highlights dangers of working below deck without ventilation hatches.
    26 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Union to take port safety to the world arena after 2nd death
    Anger mounts among nation’s wharfies in lead up to tomorrow’s funeral of waterside worker killed on the Melbourne waterfront.
    24 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Wharf union leader murdered
    The ITF has expressed outrage over the execution-style murder of Pedro Zamora, General Secretary of the Guatemalan STEPQ dockers’ union. He was shot 20 times by multiple assailants who ambushed him as he collected his sons from a hospital appointment at 19:00 on Monday (January 15).
    18 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Fatigue a danger to ships crew - new report
    Latest fatigue report underlines overwork problem A new report from Cardiff University’s Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology has added to the worrying portrait of a maritime industry where fatigue is endangering crews, vessels and the environment.
    18 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Australian Company Uses Malawian Police against Critics
    Two Malawian non government organisation (NGO) members allege that they were ordered to Karonga Police Station by the Chief of Police in northern Malawi on Thursday 4th January and then threatened with arrest for taking an Australian photojournalist sponsored by the MUA and the CFMEU (mining) to photograph and interview community members at the controversial Australian uranium mine site.
    15 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Happy New Year for Divers
    Deep sea divers working in the offshore oil and gas industry are celebrating the new year with large pay hikes negotiated by the MUA.
    05 January 2007 [Full Story]

    MUA Seeks Merger Job Guarantees
    The Maritime Union of Australia has welcomed indications waterfront jobs and working conditions will be maintained after today’s announced merger between DP World and the private equity consortium Kaplan Equity Limited, headed by former Patrick boss Chris Corrigan.
    04 January 2007 [Full Story]

    Container of Hope Bound for Africa
    Twenty thousands pens and pencils, 55 computers and hundreds of boxes of books, clothing and toys collected by MUA members and officials began their journey from Tasmania to South Africa today.
    04 January 2007 [Full Story]

December 2006

    Resolution of Sydney Branch Committee
    The MUA’s Sydney Branch Committee wholeheartedly congratulates Robert Coombs on his ALP pre-selection to the seat of Swansea in NSW. We express our total support to Robert and are completely confident that Robert will be an excellent ambassador for the MUA and all working and disadvantaged people within the NSW parliament.
    23 December 2006 [Full Story]

    100 Day Anniversary Botany Cranes Picket
    Barry Hemsworth the sacked Botany Cranes delegate celebrated his 100th day on the picket line with friends and comrades from the union movement last Thursday (14/12/2006). Representatives from Unions NSW, CFMEU, NSWTF, AMWU and the MUA joined to congratulate Barry on his outstanding effort and encourage him as he has encouraged many workers and members of the community for the need to stand up and fight the Howard Government’s IR laws.
    18 December 2006 [Full Story]

    Greek wharfies stage go slow
    Stevedoring workers in Greek ports go slow enters fourth week
    07 December 2006 [Full Story]

    Advice on how to rescue 'boat people'
    The International Maritime Organisation and the United Nations has published advice for those undertaking rescue of refugees at sea.
    06 December 2006 [Full Story]

    Unions protest Fiji coup
    The MUA has joined the Australian and New Zealand labour movements in condemning coup in Fiji.
    05 December 2006 [Full Story]

    MUA a hit at "the G"
    National Secretary Paddy Crumlin joined Victorian branch members at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday to the tune of We cannot by Beaten by Angry Anderson and fighting images of mining and maritime workers
    01 December 2006 [Full Story]

November 2006

    MUA rallies against trade union repression in Iran
    Maritime Union of Australia joins chorus of worldwide protest against repression of labour rights in Iran
    22 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Safe Roof Campaign
    The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia is launching a major campaign to warn residents of a growing, invisible danger in their midst.
    20 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Paddy Crumlins White Ribbon Day Address
    It is essential that the issue of violence against women is prioritised throughout our communities and the national society. There must be an acceptance by men that this campaign is essential to the health of our lives, individually and collectively. White Ribbon Day in my view is the most important Day in the Nations political and social calendar. We can no longer either serve ignorance or accept silence on an issue that degrades us as a civilised and advanced nation.
    18 November 2006 [Full Story]

    City of Canada Bay
    Your Rights At Work Committee

    Since the Howard Government’s radical new workplace laws were introduced many unscrupulous employers have attacked the rights of workers. Tens of thousands of workers have been forced onto AWA individual contracts, with most losing pay and basic conditions. Workers from companies with less than 100 employees have been sacked unfairly, but have no legal recourse.
    15 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Maritime Unity
    The Sydney Branch has taken a decision to mail out the Branch newspaper "Maritime Unity" to all financial Sydney Branch members.
    14 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Transport Unions Protest
    Rally against IR laws outside Electoral Office of Liberal MP and Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta. 69 Clara Street, Wynnum 11.40am TODAY
    14 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Terrorists infiltrate shipping companies
    Terrorists are floating front firms in the shipping industry, Fairplay shipping magazine reports, with commercial ships being increasingly used to carry arms, ammunition and explosives from Northeast and Southeast Asia to South Asia and the Middle East
    10 November 2006 [Full Story]

    Xmas Carols with a difference
    Another extension has been given to Hardies NOVEMBER 14TH is the new date for the deal to be finalised, well we shall see if this is once again a stalling tactic from the company, If the deal is not finalised before xmas we at adfa will organise a xmas CAROL SINGALONG at the home of the chairperson, with new words to some old carols plus a BBQ we will fill UP her whole street with adfa members, victims and their families unionists, politicians and supporters of adfa .
    08 November 2006 [Full Story]

    North Sea divers’ strike ‘100 per cent solid’ says RMT
    MORE THAN 900 RMT diving personnel in the North Sea oil and gas industry have responded to the union’s instruction to take action on pay with complete determination and an absolutely rock-solid strike, the union said today.
    02 November 2006 [Full Story]

October 2006

September 2006

    World Maritime Day
    Seafarers honour their fallen
    29 September 2006 [Full Story]

    ITF backs Costa Rica dockers
    The ITF has signalled its support for the dockers of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, who began a go slow on Monday (25 September) in protest at government plans to sell off the ports of Limon and Moín, and to demand the payment of 450 million Colones (approx US$ 1million) of labour benefits owed by the state.
    29 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Sackings spark dispute at Adelaide grain terminal

    29 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Workers Bank supports unionists under attack
    Members Equity Bank is offering help to 16 Radio Rental staff locked out of their Adelaide employer’s premises and any other unionists suffering financial hardships due to lock outs and disputes.
    28 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Hungry Mile - Here to Stay!
    MUA veterans Harry Black and Alan Oliver were guests of honour at the official government announcement on The Hungry Mile, this morning. Joining our veterans, the Premier and the Minister for Planning Frank Sartor to address the media were National Secretary Paddy Crumlin and Assistant Sydney Branch Secretary Warren Smith. The joint NSW Government, MUA media release follows:
    26 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Call for trade union rights in Colombia
    The MUA lends its weight to the international day of action in support of trade union rights in Colombia
    25 September 2006 [Full Story]

    NZ workers victorious
    Australian solidarity delegation does its bit towards ending the four week lockout in New Zealand
    22 September 2006 [Full Story]

    MUA protests brutal attack on Zimbabwe unionists
    National Secretary Paddy Crumlin has called for the immediate dropping of charges against unionists in Zimbabwe after harrowing first hand reports of union repression from an Australian union delegation.
    22 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Invincible Tide support NZ comrades
    We MUA members of the Tidewater Vessel Invincible Tidec fully support and applaud the MUA stand in support of the distribution workers at Progressive Enterprises in New Zealand.
    19 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Thank you MUA
    My name is Sonia Walker and I'm one of the many that have been locked out by " YOU KNOW WHO".
    19 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Australian workers join NZ picket
    Australian transport unions send delegation and dollars in solidarity with comrades across the Tasman
    17 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Sydney's Hungry Mile
    Sydney Morning Herald tells it as it is Blotting out the memory of Sydney's Hungry Mile Former wharfies feel the memory of their hardship will be betrayed, writes Justin Norrie.
    16 September 2006 [Full Story]

    ITF Dockers’ Section

    14 September 2006 [Full Story]

    Asian Workers Solidarity Rallies
    For decades the CFMEU and MUA have been in the forefront of international solidarity campaigns. In Asia, and in particular in the Philippines, Japan and South Korea, there are vicious attacks on workers rights. Big multinationals with the support of repressive governments ha