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           Shipping Stevedoring Port Services Hydrocarbons Diving  May-Jun 2008        |
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Full News Archive by DateRenewed call for solidarity with ILWUThe International Transport Workers’ Federation dockers' section today renewed calls for solidarity with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union as negotiations over their 2008 enter their final stages. Posted: 23 July 2008 [ Full Story ] Oil and Gas driving Australia's regional interests Australia’s Offshore Oil and Gas Industry is poised to play a leadership role in the Asia-Pacific by delivering the region secure energy and providing employment opportunities to our neighbours. Posted: 18 July 2008 [ Full Story ] Dive safety in Qld under the spotlight Safety and training in the Qld diving industry under the spotlight Posted: 10 July 2008 [ Full Story ] Russian fishing vessel in NZ wages row A Russian fishing vessel under arrest in the port of Lyttelton is at the centre of a wages row with crew for the second time in eighteen months. Posted: 04 July 2008 [ Full Story ] MUA backs US dock workers MUA national secretary and chair of ITF dockworkers Paddy Crumlin today pledged full support for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The pledge comes as the ILWU employment contract with Pacific Maritime Association expires before the parties finalising a new collective agreement. Posted: 03 July 2008 [ Full Story ] Urgent Action Needed to protect Australian shipping New figures exposing the impact of the Howard Government’s neglect of the Australian shipping industry highlights the importance of tightening rules for foreign vessels, the Maritime Union of Australia said today. Posted: 26 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Union leader faces prison The Maritime Union of Australia has joined the campaign to curb the draconian powers of Howard government Australian Building and Construction Commission. Noel Washington, CFMEU, has been charged by the Department of Public Prosecutions and is set to appear in the Magistrates Court in August for refusing to attend an interrogation by the ABCC. He will be addressing the CFMEU delegates meeting in Sydney this Friday, the 27th, at 10.45am. MUA members are invited to come along and show solidarity. The meeting will take place at Level 2, CFMEU, 10-12 Railway Street, Lidcombe. This is his story: Posted: 25 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Foreign ships pose terrorism risk Foreign ships working in Australian waters may increase terrorism risk Posted: 24 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Hungry Mile recognition extended After a concerted campaign by Sydney’s maritime workers and their union, the Hungry Mile is now set to be the official locality name around a stretch of Hickson Road in Sydney. Posted: 11 June 2008 [ Full Story ] French port workers strike against privatisation Port workers in France renew strike action against privatisation of cargo terminals Posted: 10 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Tripodi reforms will fail unless Harbour patrols are doubled The Maritime Union of Australia has warned that the Sydney Harbour Maritime reforms announced by Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi today will fail unless the Harbour is adequately patrolled. Posted: 04 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Patrick Terminals EBA endorsed Brisbane Patrick Terminal members yesterday endorsed their enterprise agreement.This concludes all four ports with Sydney, Melbourne,Fremantle and Brisbane members voting to endorse the agreement over the past fortnight. Posted: 04 June 2008 [ Full Story ] Pasha Bulker findings support ship review Pasha Bulker findings highlight need to review Australian shipping industry Posted: 23 May 2008 [ Full Story ] MUA submission to shipping inquiry The Maritime Union of Australia will today call on the Rudd Government to use part of the Building Australia Fund to support the revitalisation of Australian shipping. Posted: 16 May 2008 [ Full Story ] Zimbabwe arms embargo still in force Union campaign to prevent bloodshed in Zimbabwe by blocking arms delivery in African ports still has teeth Posted: 12 May 2008 [ Full Story ] Power to May Day Sydney took May Day back to its roots this year, with the rally timed for the State Labor Conference in Darling Harbour and the "Power to the People" campaign to stop privatisation of the states electricity on Saturday Posted: 03 May 2008 [ Full Story ] US wharfies shut down West Coast ports in anti-war protest MUA supports the couragous and principled stand this May Day by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Workers' Union and reports that the Port Workers Union of Iraq plan to shutdown ports for one hour in solidarity with US dock workers Posted: 02 May 2008 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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: Posted: 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 Posted: 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/ Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 09 April 2008 [ Full Story ] Wharfies' mural unveiled Maritime workers take close look at historic wharfies’ mural Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 07 April 2008 [ Full Story ] Waterfront sculpture commemorates Patrick lockout Melbourne wharfies mark ten years since iconic waterfront dispute Posted: 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. Posted: 03 April 2008 [ Full Story ] Power in the Union Posted: 02 April 2008 [ Full Story ] Captain caught out underpaying workers The Captain of the DD Vanguard, a foreign unregulated ship operating on an Australian Government permit, has been caught out underpaying workers by more than $1000 a month while working in the domestic shipping trade. Posted: 20 March 2008 [ Full Story ] ILWU call for walkout in protest of US war in Iraq US West Coast longshore workers plan protest against imperialist war in Iraq, Afghanistan on May 1 Posted: 17 March 2008 [ Full Story ] ITF boards the Destiny Queen ITF inspector Matt Purcell boarded the Destiny Queen on Saturday voicing concerns over crew conditions and welfare aboard the flag of convenience "slave ship" Posted: 17 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Floating protest against dangerous ship MUA members and community activists will stage a floating community protest at 1:00pm on Saturday 15 March against Destiny Queen, an unregulated foreign ship attempting a dangerous re-fuel off the Semaphore beach, Adelaide – the second such attempt in as many days. Posted: 15 March 2008 [ Full Story ] MUA condemn slave ship operating off Semaphore Coast The Destiny Queen, an unregulated foreign ship operating in South Australian waters is now operating off the Semaphore beach. Posted: 14 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Review of shipping policy and regulation The House of Representatives Infrastructure and Transport Committee is to conduct a review of coastal shipping policy and regulation. Posted: 14 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Shipping Review A Last Chance to Save Australian Shipping The Maritime Union of Australia today welcomed the Federal Government’s parliamentary review of shipping as a last chance to safeguard Australia’s maritime future. Posted: 12 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Timor Govt to require oil majors provide jobs and training Joint Australian/Timorese union plan that global companies provide jobs and training for Timorese nationals to become law Posted: 11 March 2008 [ Full Story ] International Womens Day -March 8 2008 MUA Women and Men marched proudly under MUA flags Posted: 11 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Free Osanloo Filmclip Australian ITF affiliates MUA and RTBU join Amnesty International and Iranian Australians to call for trade union rights in Iran. The protest held in more than 40 centres around the world was attended by the entire MUA national council and staff. Posted: 06 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Aust Govt backs call for union rights in Iran As Australian transport workers today protest against the imprisonment of Iranian trade unionists _ one of many actions planned in 34 countries around the world by the International Transport Workers' Federation, the Australian government has backed the call with the following statement: Posted: 06 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Australian workers push for union rights in Iran Australian transport workers in Sydney will today lead global protests over the imprisonment of senior Iranian trade union leaders. Posted: 06 March 2008 [ Full Story ] International Women's Day highlights equal pay MUA National officials will join maritime workers from the wharves and ships in the march for pay equity and equality for women this Saturday Posted: 05 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Divers' protest- NSW Govt must enforce contractors code Unions NSW will today seek an end to the stoppage at the construction site of Sydney’s desalination plant by calling on the State Government to enforce its own contractors code. Posted: 04 March 2008 [ Full Story ] Desal Project Safety breaches risk lives Construction of the NSW Government’s desalination plant is riddled with safety breaches that are putting lives at risk, striking divers warned today. Posted: 04 March 2008 [ Full Story ] MUA divers protest sacking at Desalination Plant The construction of the Kurnell Desalination Plant faces delays because a contractor is flouting the NSW Government’s guidelines on workers rights, the Maritime Union of Australia warned today. Posted: 03 March 2008 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 25 February 2008 [ Full Story ] Media Alert Enough is enough: time to get on with Melbourne’s channel deepening project Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 16 February 2008 [ Full Story ] Witness to history Union delegation to Canberra witness to historic apology by Parliament for atrocities against Aboriginal Australians. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 06 February 2008 [ Full Story ] Jnt MUA/Gardline statement on Triton 11 Triton 11 dispute coming to a close as agreement reached in Sydney Posted: 02 February 2008 [ Full Story ] Triton 11 message to members “We couldn’t be doing what we’re doing without you, comrades” Posted: 01 February 2008 [ Full Story ] MUA Meets With Triton Owners Crisis talks in Sydney as Triton 11 blockade reaches seventh day. Posted: 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: Posted: 01 February 2008 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 31 January 2008 [ Full Story ] Triton 11 Speak out Give us back our jobs so we can look after Australia Posted: 31 January 2008 [ Full Story ] Comrades support Triton 11 Letters of solidarity are flooding into the union rooms from ships and ports around Australia Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 28 January 2008 [ Full Story ] Two fatalities on Italian wharves Calls for major overhaul of safety regulations following the deaths of two stevedoring workers Posted: 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. Posted: 24 January 2008 [ Full Story ] Cancer shifts Shift work likely to increase cancer risk new report finds Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 08 January 2008 [ Full Story ] 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 21 December 2007 [ Full Story ] Global solidarity actions shut down NZ port MUA/ITF leads international action against port of convenience in major victory. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 05 December 2007 [ Full Story ] Crunch time in world shipping Leading industry figure warns of "crewing crunch" as skills shortage widens Posted: 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 . Posted: 03 December 2007 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 26 November 2007 [ Full Story ] Corporate greed Executive salaries now hit $30m plus Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 02 November 2007 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 29 October 2007 [ Full Story ] ELECTION 07 News MUA Election page up and running Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 04 October 2007 [ Full Story ] Victory for Indian workers ITF Maersk network wins jobs back for sacked Indian truck drivers Posted: 04 October 2007 [ Full Story ] Auckland strike Day 2 The picket of Auckland terminal continues. Union defends attacks on workers wages Posted: 03 October 2007 [ Full Story ] Auckland wharfies strike Maritime workers stand strong on Ports of Auckland picket Posted: 02 October 2007 [ Full Story ] US wharfies shut down port after workers' death Longshore worker in the Port of Oakland crushed to death by shipping container Posted: 30 September 2007 [ Full Story ] The last ship to work the Hungry Mile When the container ship the Southern Moana discharges her last cargo tomorrow night (Friday 28th September) Darling Harbour will cease to be a working berth. Posted: 27 September 2007 [ Full Story ] Our unrecognised maritime history Maritime Day is a time to reflect on our collective and individual roles in the very noble industry of seafaring. It is also time to reflect on the largely unrecognised role seafaring has played in our history, our economic development, the defence of our nation, national security and the environment Posted: 27 September 2007 [ Full Story ] Union to investigate ship over lost cadet Australian union officials will tomorrow attempt to board the Tongan-flagged ‘Capitaine Tasman’ in a bid to gather details about the disappearance at sea of a 23-year-old officer cadet. Posted: 20 September 2007 [ Full Story ] Former Labor leader takes a stand for unions Kim Beazley today hailed unions for the important role they play in a democracy. Posted: 20 September 2007 [ Full Story ] French crew poised to strike Seafaring unions in France are ready to strike in defence of their super schemes now under threat of new right-wing government Posted: 14 September 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA joins peaceful APEC protest Sydney branch officials, members, veterans and families marched alongside fire fighters to protest APEC in Sydney on Saturday Posted: 08 September 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA comes to the support of young dive tourist workers Recent media in Australia identified the plight of young workers working in the dive tourist industry in NQ. Brooke O’Mara was contracted by her employer (Down Under Dive) on $3 an hour, alleging it was a traineeship. Her 11 hour day resulted in $30 pay and no structured training at all. Posted: 06 September 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA calls for urgent action to eliminate terror threat The Federal Government must take urgent action to regulate the transport of 'terrorist weapon of choice' Ammonium Nitrate by foreign ships or risk a major national security incident, said Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia today. Posted: 05 September 2007 [ Full Story ] Iraq vet speaks out against war crimes Visiting US Iraq veteran Matt Howard calls on Australians to pull out of illegal war Posted: 04 September 2007 [ Full Story ] Ports play vital role in Australia's security In his speech to the Royal United Service Institution of NSW on the eve of Merchant Marine Day the national secretary exposes gaping holes in Australian port security Posted: 28 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Union calls for tourism taskforce to protect yg workers The Maritime Union of Australia is calling for the establishment of a North Queensland Tourism Industry Development Committee to ensure better outcomes for tour operators and improve standards and opportunities for young workers in the industry. Posted: 28 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Outgoing ACTU leader pays tribute to MUA Greg Combet pays tribute to former union leader Tas Bull and the Maritime Union of Australia as he bows out of the Australian Council of Trade Unions to stand for federal parliament. Posted: 21 August 2007 [ Full Story ] US wharfies and teachers unite against war In May this year the teachers in Oakland set up a picket outside the port gates blocking shipments to the Iraq war. The wharfies refused to cross the picket. This film documents their struggle Posted: 17 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Women’s wages drop under Howard Not one but three reports highlighting the growing wage gender gap under the Howard IR regime were released in the past week. Posted: 17 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Inquiry recommends tax breaks for Australian crew The Senate Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Committee inquiry into workforce challenges in the transport industry has recommended tax breaks for Australian seafarers on international trades. Posted: 16 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Expand our coastal highways New report calls for ships to relieve crippling road freight load and land transport bottlenecks Posted: 14 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Overtime keeping Sydney ferries afloat Sydney Ferry workers are being forced to work up to 70 hours per week to keep the service operating as management refuses to fill vacancies, the Maritime Union of Australia said today. Posted: 07 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Govt ads scandal exposed A boss who illegally exploited young workers he employed hired to act the good guy on government workplace ads Posted: 07 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Peaceful protests – Violent World Leaders The Sydney Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia rejects entirely any suggested implication that demonstrating against the injustices of globalisation and war means support for violence. Posted: 03 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Union warns of price hike if ferries go private The Maritime Union of Australia will today warn that ticket prices would double if the NSW Government were to privatise Sydney Ferries. Posted: 02 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Rough Reds go online Posted: 01 August 2007 [ Full Story ] Union/Community concern over Sydney Ferries Future Combined Ferries Unions Respond To Community Concerns On Future Of Sydney Ferries Posted: 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. Posted: 20 July 2007 [ Full Story ] From Hungry Mile to Hungry Jacks Artist Paints the End of an Industrial Era Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 01 July 2007 [ Full Story ] 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 01 June 2007 [ Full Story ] Dock work is dockers' work Leave it to the professionals, dock-work is dockers work! Posted: 31 May 2007 [ Full Story ] NZ wharfies blackban CSL ship Maritime Union of New Zealand says it will stop work on blacklisted ship in Australian dispute Posted: 31 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Global union backs MUA in Port Kembla dispute The ITF has expressed outrage at the use of seafarers to carry out specialised dock work, following an incident in Port Kembla, Australia, on Tuesday 29th May. Posted: 31 May 2007 [ Full Story ] WA members support Port Kembla comrades Further to the Port Kembla dispute the following resolution was endorsed by members from the following areas. Posted: 30 May 2007 [ Full Story ] New Attack on Australian Shipping – Foreign Ship Orders Filipino Seafarers to Unload Cargo Posted: 29 May 2007 [ Full Story ] The truth hurts How the Oz censured our letter to the editor. Posted: 25 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Australia/US seafarers strike deal Australian and American seafarers will today mount a push to reserve all jobs in the growing Australia-US LNG trade for Australian and US crew. Posted: 24 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Labor pledge to review cabotage The Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads and Tourism, Martin Ferguson, renews pledge to review cabotage in line with the findings of the Independent Review of Australian Shipping (2003). The media release follows: Posted: 23 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Most Australians want protection for Australian shipping The Maritime Union of Australia today called on the Howard Government to model Australian shipping laws on those enacted by US President George W Bush. Posted: 22 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Labor policy commits to strong Aust shipping industry The Australian Labor Party’s clear commitment to a system of cabotage in its party policy would be a bedrock for the Australian shipping industry into the future, the Maritime Union of Australia said today. Posted: 22 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Shipowners go around Workchoices to strike global deal Shipowners go around WorkChoices to strike global collective agreement with unions Posted: 21 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Coombs calls for state leadership in ports and shipping Former Sydney Branch Secretary and seafarer Robert Coombs inaugural speech in NSW Parliament on May 9 (abridged) pays tribute to communities, unions and union leaders, the importance of human rights, workers rights, Australian shipping and ports. Posted: 11 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Costello budget misses the boat Govt fails to invest in clean, green shipping Posted: 09 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Rig Workers Conference A conference is being held in Fremantle on June 26 for workers in the offshore oil and gas industry to talk about how workers in the industry can protect their rights. Posted: 04 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Chinese set wages for seafarers China's 1.5m seafarers to get minimum wages and conditions with companies flouting the regulations to face fines and cancellation of their licenses. Posted: 04 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Combet to stand for parliament ACTU Secretary and former officer of the Waterside Workers Federation Greg Combet formally announced he is standing for parliament in the upcoming federal elections Posted: 04 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Labor Govt to refloat Australian shipping ALP National Conference commits to cabotage and Australian jobs in shipping and offshore industry Posted: 03 May 2007 [ Full Story ] Port Botany wharfie re-elected ITF womens vice chair Sue Virago, MUA womens liaison officer and Port Botany wharfie has been re-elected as vice chair of the womens committee of the International Transport Workers Federation at its London meeting this week. Posted: 27 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Ship and offshore skills shortage looms Union push at ALP conference for training and people investment Posted: 27 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Important Election Notice for all Sydney Branch Members Posted: 27 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Anzac Day: Merchant marine remembered One in eight merchant marine died in WWII and the quest to have a day set aside in their honour continues Posted: 25 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Unions aim for global labour standards MUA officials are among 24 trade union leaders from 32 unions in 22 countries meeting with executives of international stevedoring giant Maersk in Copenhagen, Denmark, today. Posted: 24 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Death in Seattle Yet another waterside worker killed on the world's wharves Posted: 24 April 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA rocks and rallies Maritime workers joined a contingent of an estimated 30,000 at the Sydney Cricket ground for the Rockin for Rights Live Concert yesterday. Posted: 23 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Hutchison favoured for Port of Brisbane The Qld State Govt has ignored union submissions against the introduction of a third operator in the port, but the battle is far from over ... Posted: 20 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Italian wharfies strike over death of a comrade Waterside workers in Italy shut down the nation's ports for 24 hours after the death of a workmate Posted: 19 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Rockin' for Rights Rally this Sunday to demonstrate for Your Rights at Work and join in one of the best Rock concerts seen in Sydney for a long time. Join with the MUA and march behind the Transport Unions Federation banner from Hyde Park to the SCG. Assemble Hyde Park at 11am. Posted: 18 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Labor landslide? Renowned Australian pollster Malcolm MacKerras is not only predicting a Labor landslide in this years’ federal election, he is predicting that PM John Howard will lose his seat of Bennelong. Posted: 07 April 2007 [ Full Story ] Transnationals fear IR instablility John Buchanan, Sydney University's WOrkplace Research Centre, raises concern over government IR policy, Workplace Express reports Posted: 03 April 2007 [ Full Story ] War on the Waterfront - Coming soon to ABC TV Maritime workers will be among the stars on tele in coming weeks as the hard hitting ABC doco drama on the 1998 waterfront conspiracy goes to air Posted: 28 March 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA official elected to NSW parliament MUA Sydney branch secretary and former seafarer Robert Coombs, MP Posted: 26 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Adelaide Memorial for Fallen Comrades Posted: 26 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Wharves fall silent as wharfies honour fallen comrades The giant cranes and straddles that feed international trade on our waterfront stand idle this afternoon, as waterside workers around the nation’s ports stop work to honour fallen comrades. Posted: 23 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Fallen Comrade: Bobby Cumberlidge Posted: 22 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Fallen comrades Posted: 21 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Fallen comrades - Roscoe Posted: 21 March 2007 [ Full Story ] 2nd death on the wharves sparks union anger The second workplace death on the Australian waterfront this year - the fourth in four years - has angered waterside workers and sparked a further round of union demands for urgent government action. Posted: 19 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Second fatality on Australian waterfront It’s with a heavy heart the Victorian Branch report of another death in the workplace, Bobby Cumberlidge. Posted: 19 March 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA refuses to leave Darling Harbour before time The union has made a strong stand against rumoured redundancies and relocations for MUA members at Darling Harbour, demanding the NSW government negotiate with the union over outstanding issues such as the third operator and jobs Posted: 15 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Union poll says IR is top concern in marginals A new poll shows swinging voters in the marginal seat of Bowman rank Howard Government IR laws the no 1 reason they will not vote for the Coalition. Posted: 14 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Battling aids in the transport industry Global union federation the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) today unveiled Agenda, a free new magazine in five languages for those working in transport or the field of HIV/Aids worldwide. Posted: 13 March 2007 [ Full Story ] Union highlights international womens day MUA Deputy National Secretary Jim Tannock and Port Botany wharfies Sue Virago and Gab Condon joined women construction, teaching and nursing workers rallying for International Womens Day in Sydney on Saturday Posted: 10 March 2007 [ Full Story ] New Sunrise for Timorese Workers Timor Sea Treaty: MUA calls on government and industry for worker participation and ILO standards in Timor Sea oil and gas industry Posted: 27 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Log ship poses safety concerns Another log ship puts worker safety in question Posted: 23 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Ship barricade A dramatic ITF dispute has unfolded over several days off the UK coast, after the crew of the Jamican flag of convenience vessel Merchant Brilliant and ITF inspectors barricaded themselves on board. Posted: 22 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Howard IR laws 'trample on democracy' Visiting American IR professor says workers and unions should have rights to information about company operations and that Australian IR laws violate democratic principles Posted: 21 February 2007 [ Full Story ] MUA sceptical of Opposition policy on working harbour The Maritime Union of Australia views with great scepticism today’s announcement by NSW opposition leader Peter Debnam in support of a working harbour. Posted: 09 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Ship with explosive cargo under tow Engine room fire on FoC vessel loaded with ammonium nitrate off Newcastle Posted: 09 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Sea Road shipping takes over from Toll New owners for Toll Bass Strait shipping, Tasmanian transport company Chas Kelly have pledged that the jobs of all 350 employees (including around 40 MUA members) of the Toll/Patrick shipping and freight operations are not under threat. Posted: 08 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Union at odds with Tripodi over 3rd operator MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin yesterday welcomed the call by NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi for greater national coordination of Australia’s port development, at the same time opposing the minister’s policy of new stevedoring entrants. Posted: 01 February 2007 [ Full Story ] Filipino military admit to extrajudicial killings Unionists on hit list Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 29 January 2007 [ Full Story ] Toxic fumes kill Filipino wharfies Death of two waterside workers highlights dangers of working below deck without ventilation hatches. Posted: 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. Posted: 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). Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 04 January 2007 [ Full Story ] 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 18 December 2006 [ Full Story ] Greek wharfies stage go slow Stevedoring workers in Greek ports go slow enters fourth week Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 01 December 2006 [ Full Story ] MUA rallies against trade union repression in Iran Maritime Union of Australia joins chorus of worldwide protest against repression of labour rights in Iran Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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. Posted: 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 Posted: 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 Posted: 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 . Posted: 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. Posted: 02 November 2006 [ Full Story ] Maritime Unions ridicule Manly ferry report The maritime unions have slammed a report into the Manly Ferries by the NSW Office of Transport & Safety Investigations as “inflammatory”. The unions emphatically reject a criticism in the report that the Sydney Ferries Corporation has had difficulty implementing changes in the past because of its “highly unionised workforce”. Posted: 30 October 2006 [ Full Story ] ITF dock unions back Latin American colleagues Dock union leaders meeting in London last week vowed to provide solidarity to colleagues in Guatemala and Costa Rica, after hearing how the governments of both countries militarized their ports in response to union protests about restructuring. Posted: 24 October 2006 [ Full Story ] On the picket in San Francisco Melbourne wharfie flies into a major dispute in the US Posted: 22 October 2006 [ Full Story ] We want our Boomerang to come back This meeting of MUA members on the Boomerang I berthed at Darling Harbour No.3 on the 18/10/2006 condemns the Howard Government for its shameful neglect of Australian shipping and for its policies which have contributed, more than any other factor, to the demise of the Boomerang I and to PAN Shipping. Posted: 19 October 2006 [ Full Story ] No MUA official charged or questioned Allegations irresponsible at best, libelous at worst Posted: 19 October 2006 [ Full Story ] MUA solidarity with ILWU ferry workers MUA in solidarity with San Francisco ferry workers Posted: 16 October 2006 [ Full Story ] Foreign crew strike AWB wheat shipment Posted: 11 October 2006 [ Full Story ] Australia last port of call for doomed ship One seafarer has been confirmed dead with nine others missing as the search for survivors of a maritime tragedy off the Japanese coast this weekend continues. Posted: 10 October 2006 [ Full Story ] TB threat to Australia from FoC ship A PNG crewman has been taken off the 17 year old “Flag of Convenience” ship the “Kokopo Chief” on Sunday in Brisbane suffering from Tuberculosis which again highlights the dangers of cheap FOC shipping. Posted: 06 October 2006 [ Full Story ] Security forces break Costa Rica port protest Security forces, police and intellegence have locked out dock workers on a go slow in Costa Rica over plans to privatise ports Posted: 03 October 2006 [ Full Story ] World Maritime Day Seafarers honour their fallen Posted: 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. Posted: 29 September 2006 [ Full Story ] Sackings spark dispute at Adelaide grain terminal |
