Mailbag

By Maritime Union of Australia

Working Class Enemy

Comrades, the labour movement world wide is under enormous threat to its very existence. In Australia we have organisations with a straightforward agenda to crush the Union Movement. The HR Nicholls Society, Rio Tinto, P&O, National Farmers Federation, Chris Corrigan and Patricks and of course the federal government -just to name a few. In the U K they have the Mont Pelerin Society, made up of a few hundred billionaires of whom Queen Elizabeth is chairperson. This society wrote the draconian industrial relations laws for Thatcher to unleash on the English workforce. We all know what happened. They suffered badly, very badly, living on donations and hand outs. "They done it tough".

In Australia we have the HR Nicholls Society, full of power junkies implementing what they call industrial reform. Don't think for one minute it was Howard, Costello, Reith, Downer or any of the other puppets who wrote the new industrial relations legislation. No comrades, it was the directors and major shareholders of Rio Tinto, P&O, NFF and CRA. They're the bastards who wrote it because they are the same people who make up the HR Nicholls Society. Big business runs our country "Not little brown tongue Johnny".

Being a rank and file participant at the Mining and Maritime Conference in Long Beach California, I listened with great interest to a senator, commissioner, union leaders, labour leaders and rank and file members from around the world. It is happening everywhere - the giant multinationals and corporations in their almighty push for capital and power regardless of workers rights, conditions, health or the environment.

So it gave me heart to hear people such as Paddy Crumlin, John Maitland and Tony Maher, tell the conference "we are not going to cop it". The leaders of the MUA, CFMEU, ILWU, ITF, NZSU have gone to great lengths to build the bridges of solidarity. It is quite simple comrades, united we fight and survive, divided we're dead. We speak with one voice, we bargain as a collective, we look out for each other, we are the MUA. Think about the future of our kids, our grand kids. Don't let the union movement die.

Buster Russell

Union No: 2622

Get Organised!

We were among more than 900 trade unionists who met in Sydney for the third ACTU Organising Conference. The keynote speaker was Greg Combet ACTU Secretary and the key issue was tackling the workplace changes proposed by the government. Almost 20 MUA reps were involved. Wayne "Skip" Bowles (OHS Rep SPOT I), Kevin Bracken, Bobby Patchett, Rod Currie (Offshore Alliance) and I represented the Bass Strait.

Greg Combet talked to us about the need to organise our communities and workplace and stay united. He challenged us to create huge participation in the National Day of Action saying there had been many passionate calls for such a day and "the acid is on you to deliver". Greg recalled the inspiration and guidance from Tas Bull in the Waterside Workers' Federation. Tas always encouraged Greg to believe in people and the strength of workers. The message was that despite what happens to the current laws and institutions, we can sustain ourselves by keeping the faith in the resource and commitment of people. The 900 listeners gave him a standing ovation and chant, "The workers united will never be defeated". The overseas reps looked genuinely stunned that we hit the ground so hard, so early.

MUA Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman spoke at a workshop on union solidarity. The theme was "From Conflict to Co-operation". Mick argued the case that an unorganised workplace is a target for poor, unsafe workplace practices and that we have to get in and get the job done rather than fight over territory. Rosalie Webster from New Zealand explained how co-operation between her union and two others meant that more workers were unionised. The obstacles were immense and ranged from dodgy history to factionalism to individual egos and yellow unions. Finally Chris from Unions NSW showed us how co-operation led to thousands of new members during the Sydney Olympics.

Bronwynn Maxwell took us through the campaign to organise truckies in New Zealand. The Maritime Union of New Zealand worked with wharfies on the job talking one to one with truck drivers while they waited to roll on/off ships. Sometimes they had 30 to 40 minutes to talk with bored truckies. The results were 100 new members in the road transport industry. Even under the evil Employment Contracts Act that ripped apart legal and institutional power in NZ, people made organising work.

Thanks to Mick Doleman for encouraging us to participate in this conference. It was a great opportunity to thrash out some ideas for the future.

Plus, just in case Pommy John can't remember the Coogee Bay resolution - we eastern states comrades are heading your way to take up the offer of a Sunday session by your pool sooner rather than later mate!

PS: MUA women have since attended the Unions Tasmania Workers Rights Convention at the Derwent Entertainment Centre Hobart in November. This was an event for union delegates, campaign activists and supporters of rights at work that want to take it to the next level. MUA members present were Cymone DeSchipper P&O Ports, Julie Ansell Spirit of Tasmania, Cindy O'Connor Spirit of Tasmania, Jodie Larkins Spirit of Tasmania & Graham Smith Hobart Ports. Paul Lennon Premier of Tasmania opened the convention He discussed how this was the worst attack on workers in over one hundred years. He told us that 50% of Tasmanian workers are employed by businesses with five or fewer employees. He also made a commitment to challenge the IR changes in the High Court of Australia if necessary. ACTU Secretary Greg Combet was one of the keynote speakers and also remarked on how good it was to see such a large contingent of MUA women (see photo)

In Solidarity

Cindy O'Connor

Union No. 9021125

Fair Go

Australia has always been a world leader in a fair go for its workers. But the Howard Government IR changes will mean benefits and working conditions that past generations have fought for and younger employees have been accustomed to, will be no more. With the removal of this protection, workers will be at the mercy of unprincipled employers who wish to dismiss them for any number of reasons and not necessarily work related.

Trade unions warn that changes will see unfair dismissal laws stripped, minimum wages set by a new commission and probation periods extended from three to six months. Howard claims the changes should not be seen in a win / lose framework; he is half right, we all know it is win / win all the way for big business.

This legislation will hand the bosses a very big stick, it has the power to overturn a century of tradition and improved living standards. It will also send us down the same road as the USA in creating a poor underclass of workers and we all know what social effects that has on the community and the nation.

If ever there is going to be a one way street - here it is. When you hear the servants of the Howard Government telling you this is the way forward, what they really mean is the worker makes all the sacrifices, so the bosses can have all the benefits. Then they claim this is how you get a strong economy. So we have to have an expanding poverty gap to get national prosperity? Something is dramatically wrong.

Yours in Unionism

Peter Mackerras

Retired MUA Member

Newcastle Branch

Showdown

I hold a great fear and mistrust towards John Howard and his proposed IR reforms. ("No GST Never Ever.") I have been both employer and employee and stood on both sides of Industrial Relations Courts. The present systems have served equally well no matter which side I stood on.

I would like to commend Greg Combet for his guts in declining Mr Howard's offer of a "meeting". A man who does not need to show the elected Parliament the "details" of his changes is going to do no more than pay lip service at any "consultations".

Mr Combet and Ms Burrow, this country needs a wake up call over the increasing inclination of all levels of government not to consult, merely to inform and proceed.

Thank You

Union supporters

Greg Harwood and Suzie Marston

Mangerton NSW

Being Australian

John Howard lives in the past. He used to say women should be bare-foot and pregnant in the kitchen. Now he is saying if your husband has a casual job of maybe three days a week - you can buy a house, you can feel good about the world - you are alright!

And it might be true. We might be okay! We might buy a house. We are good! John Howard is our Prime Minister. He is making decisions for us. We are alert - not afraid!

Are you kidding? John Howard does not know what it is like to make it right in 2005/2006! To just be ordinary - to play with the children, to read them stories, to discuss what they might be when they grow up. What has happened to Australia - a fair go ??

Brian Smith

Union No:

Going Bush

The three day Gunnedah AGQUIP is one of the largest agricultural shows in the world with more than 3000 exhibitions and around 100,000 visitors.

So Brett Murphy and I set off from Newcastle to get our message across to the rural community regarding the lack of government policy on Australian shipping, Flags of Convenience and the issuing of permits and port security.

Geoff Dunne, Paul Upton, Brad Barringer and Troy Burston, a Brisbane CFMEU official who handled the IR campaign, joined us the next day.

We set up the union stall in Gunnedah's main shopping arcade to distribute our 5000 leaflets on "Lack of Government Policy and Port Security."

Our delegation met with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Peter McGauran and told him his government was hurting his own constituents, pointing to the Conference lines doubling of freight rates in 2003. We also met with Liberal and Labor politicians and debated the issues.

The rural community is very aware and concerned about John Howard's IR legislation. People expressed their fear and lack of trust in governments many times during the three days. They were also concerned about Australian shipping and that almost everything these days is overseas controlled.

The delegation, with members from grain, stevedoring, seafaring, linesmen and vets, were all happy with the AGQUIP trip, putting forward the union policy on shipping with one voice.

I would like to express our appreciation for the financial assistance from the ships and shore sectors. We also made a presentation to Ross Whittaker, CFMEU Lodge Secretary, for his long term help with organising in the Gunnedah area. Thanks a lot Ross! Thanks also to Jim Boyle, Northern NSW Branch Secretary (Carol Jones is always there when we need her) and most of all to Tom Curphey for the leaflets, helping with research and his overall assistance.

Experience shows that a shipping committee set up in each port would give life to the union goal of securing a viable shipping policy for Australia.

Fred Krausert

Co-ordinator, Shipping Campaign

Newcastle

New Tanker

We have a new BP tanker named British Fidelity to replace the MT Juniper and I was one of the crew joining the ship in Kwinana.

After completing two days induction course were introduced BP's exacting safety matrix before joining the ship at anchor in Cockburn Sound on June 28.

The official hand over came at 1800 hrs with an announcement over the PA that the ship was now under ASP management and part of the Australian shipping fleet.

Then we realised what a responsibility running this vessel was going to be, for BP made it very clear that they will be keeping a close eye on the ship well into the future and will be keeping BP's own name - British Fidelity. The one year old ship, built in Korea at 47000dwt, is expected to mainly trade on the coast from BP's refinery in Kwinana.

We replaced the Indian crew who left the ship in a spotless condition and I have every confidence that MUA members will show BP that the ship is in good hands and we are up to the task of running their new vessel.

Expand the Australian fleet!

Mike Richardson

Delegate

British Fidelity

On behalf of members

LNG Alert

I have been following with interest Paddy Crumlin's comments regarding the safety and security of Australian LNG exports. In America we are grappling with these very same issues for the growing US - LNG import market. It is interesting to note that in both cases our respective governments do not seem to have the will to acknowledge the vital role that its national merchant marine must play in the carriage of LNG.

So far, not one American crew member is onboard an LNG tanker calling on a U.S. port today. And it is not because we lack the experience, skills or expertise. American crews are not employed on LNG tankers importing gas to the U.S. because of "cheaper foreign labour".

But "cheaper" may undermine safety and "foreign" may compromise security. This is due to the inherent flaws in the system. Governments have traditionally granted seafarers relatively liberal travel rights through non-immigrant crew list visas, or by simple, and lax, acceptance of their seafarer's identity documents. It is possible that individuals posing as seafarers may be accomplices or members of terrorist groups. It is important to realise that background and criminal record checks for foreign seafarers coming into the US are limited by international agreements to protect human rights, privacy and data.

The recently implemented 96-hour advance notification regulation, screens all seafarers entering the United States. Realistically, the constraints of time, resources and sheer volume of tonnage shipped make thorough checks very difficult. Currently, the most rigorous screening for a seafarer takes place when American mariners submit their applications for USCG document processing and that can take about 4 to 8 weeks.

These are legitimate points that touch on only a very few of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities with "cheaper foreign labour". LNG is a high consequence cargo and LNG tankers are known to be terrorist targets. We need to carefully examine and evaluate who will be crewing these vessels.

I feel that the MUA and the American Maritime Officers Union (AMO) are fighting similar battles. How do we get our government / policy makers to see the high stakes involved with LNG transportation and that a viable solution to mitigate risk is to engage its own national merchant marine. Perhaps it would be worthwhile from time to time to exchange views, ideas and strategies.

Captain Tom Laird

American Maritime Officers Union

China Boom

China's booming economy, subsidised labour and low seafarer wages have provided the Peoples Republic with a massive export advantage over western trading partners who have become desperate to reverse the current economic trend and lower their export costs.

The trend was the driving factor behind John Howard's failed attempt to smash the MUA in 1998 and the Bush administration's failed assault on the ILWU, which was basically postponed due to impending war with Afghanistan and the international power asserted by ITF associates.

The next assault on international seafarer and port worker rates is likely to come from a coalition of conservative western governments (led by Bush and Howard) backed by extreme conservatives such as Corrigan and Buckeridge and supported by major employer groups such as PMA.

Australia has a growing private debt and a massive trade deficit. The US has a trillion dollar deficit. Both nations have committed to increasing exports with the Free Trade Agreement, with a long term view to signing a similar agreement with China.

The democratic election of an Iraqi Government and Howard's absolute control of the Senate will provide conservatism with the opportunity to reinstate postponed reforms, undermining China's export advantage by initiating reforms in Australia and the US before signing a free trade agreement with China.

China may be convinced that an association with the ITF is in its strategic interest and may allow Chinese seafarers and port workers to form an industry association (Union) that would commit to bringing their seafarer and port worker rates up to international standards over a 20 year provisional period. The labour association should then be eligible to become an ITF associate and provide delegates to ITF conferences.

Bill Reed

Union No: 02118

Straddle Safety

The following letter was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on October 11) Ken Phillips is wrong to imply there has been no injury or suffering on the Port Botany wharves ("Legislation bites as interlopers play the prosecutor", Herald, October 5). Six injured workers were witnesses in the court cases that led to Patrick being convicted and fined. Many more were off work on compensation. Dozens suffered injuries from being forced to drive the giant straddle cranes, which necessitated twisting their necks 90 degrees to see where they were going for up to five hours straight at Patrick terminals between 1998 and 2001.

This wrong has now been partly righted both by the company being fined and agreeing to provide extra breaks, job rotation and improved driving arrangements.

As to the Maritime Union receiving part of the fine, Ken Phillips conveniently omitted to mention that we gave an undertaking to the court that the money would be used for occupational health and safety.

Robert Coombs

Sydney Branch Secretary

Maritime Union of Australia

Fantastic Effort

The MUA members on the Stolt Australia would like to acknowledge Warren Smith's fantastic effort in the way he looked after this vessel. In the short time he has been in office Warren has shown commitment and perseverance above and beyond the call of duty.

About 12 months ago, our EBA was up for renewal and Warren organised a meeting at the Sydney union rooms with Stolt management and the EBA Committee for early September.

Our proposals, along with the existing EBA, were on a big screen which allowed everyone to see clearly what we were asking for and encouraged much debate. This went on for several hours, with Warren emphasising to management that we didn't want negotiations to drag on and on.

When we resumed the meeting after a break, management dropped a bombshell - they agreed in principal to our EBA but needed more time to go over everything. Members present, Warren included, were wrapped at the outcome as it delivered everything we were after without trading off any other conditions. So after one day of talks we walked out of there with a 12 pre cent pay rise, day for day leave, door to door travel and a commitment from the company not to use riding gangs on the vessel. Not a bad day's work in anyone's eyes.

Things got interesting a couple of months later when out of the blue Stolt management pulled out of crewing the vessel and were sourcing various companies to take over. As the EBA was not yet ratified in the Commission, Warren inserted another clause regarding transferability and redundancies relating only to the Stolt Australia and crew on the vessel. That ensured that no matter who took over the Stolt our EBA was only for this vessel and members employed on it and couldn't be overridden. It also guaranteed that if the Stolt Australia was sold we would be offered any redundancies regardless of who we worked for. This bit of foresight was greatly appreciated on board as we are now employees of ASP, who have numerous ships and several hundred employees.

As far as this ship is concerned Warren has been a breath of fresh air.

John 'Madge' McGartland

Union No: 9902

Delegate 'Stolt Australia'

on behalf of all members

Wharfie Bashing

Hal Colebatch a rig 2 ruling author who had a phobia about wharfies in particular and trade unions in general has been at it again in the "Fishing for Union Workers" (The Australian, 25/11/04).

He is the grandson of Hal Colebatch the short haired WA Premium who ordered the troops onto the wharves in 1919 which led to the death of Tom Edwards.

Perhaps this is the reason for his obsession and also the reason he wrote a book about his grandfather earlier this year.

In the review of this book, the Australian let it be known that he was publishing another one at the end of this year and it would be about trade union strikes during WWII. No doubt it would fit in with Alexander Downer's meant revision of John Curtin and the 60th Anniversary of WWII.

In an earlier piece on the wharfies, Colebatch wrote of an incident in Townsville in 1943 which was denied by people who were there. I have a taped interview with a war hero Jim McIvenie who was there at the time.

But there will be other takes and if we are well positioned then we could not only turn the tables on Colebatch but also promote the shipping question.

Yours In Unity

Wally Pritchard

Best Wishes from Liverpool

Many thanks for the generous hospitality the Maritime Union of Australia showed myself and Peter during our recent visit to Sydney.

It was evident from the time we spent in Sydney that a lot of hard work had gone into our visit and I appreciate the efforts on behalf of Joanne and Paddy to make us feel welcome.

Our best wishes to everyone that made our trip worthwhile.

Yours sincerely,

R. Crow,

General Secretary.

Crims in Canberra

We totally reject the claims of Warren Truss that there are thousands of criminals working on the docks. The last time we saw criminals on the waterfront they were wearing balaclavas and holding attack dogs on chains. That was 1998.

We'd like to point out that every workplace has had criminal activity in its past.

Consider activities in the national parliament since the coalition came to power. We've had the travel rorts and misuse of federal perks for personal use or gain - Peter Reith and phonegate. And let's not forget PM John Howard's core and none core promises or "we will never ever have a GST" and "no worker will be worse off under my Government". The list of lies and deceit just keeps getting longer.

The Howard Government seems to have a pathological hatred of any union that stands up for the rights of workers. Building workers, waterfront workers - we wonder who's next on the hate list?

We look forward to the next election when Howard's action against the workers of this country will see him voted out of power.

Werner Cohrs

Workplace Delegate

On behalf of the MUA crew

MV Lady Grace

Dampier, WA

Blinkers On

There is no doubt that the Minister for Transport who has recently taken up the portfolio would race in blinkers if he was a thoroughbred.

The Maritime Union of Australia has recently raised concerns about the highly volatile cargo of ammonium nitrate and the potential of this cargo to be utilised as a massive bomb. Mr Truss has made recent comments about alleged criminal activity on Australia's waterfront and the events associated with condemning of the ship's cranes on the Thor Hank in September are outrageous.

This vessel has been to the Australian Ports of Pt. Kembla, Newcastle and Gladstone. The Thor Hank loaded ammonium nitrate in Newcastle and snapped a hoist wire and was subsequently inspected by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

After AMSA had given the OK for work to proceed in Newcastle the union condemned the ship's cranes. At all Australian ports mobile cranes needed to be called in to load this vessel. Why then did AMSA not carry out a thorough inspection of that vessel at Gladstone. The ship's cranes were condemned because they did not comply with the Marine Orders Part 32 (Cargo Handling Equipment). The vessel's cranes were not up to Australian State laws provided through Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Regulations that state employers have to provide a safe workplace. Therefore it stands to reason that a vessel moored to a wharf whereby the state regulations are applicable should also be safe.

The question therefore, that we believe require answers, is how can this vessel carry a cargo of ammonium nitrate, put at risk the health and safety of lives of our members and more to the point the public as a whole without complying with Australian laws.

It stands to reason that an inspection regime in relation to all vessels needs to be adopted. If there is a threat to Australian lives because a vessel is not up to standard, why should that risk not be mitigated.

We remain concerned that a system should be put into place to circumvent a potential tragic event.

The crew of the Thor Hank consist of Danish Master and engineers and Filipino ratings and officers. It was also a concern that when this vessel took 30 tonnes of fuel in Gladstone that the Chief Engineer did not know how to connect the fuel hoses.

The time has come for appropriately trained seafarers on Australian owned and crewed vessels to be the appropriate people to ensure the security of our nation.

The issues was taken up by Labor shadow minister for transport, Kerry O'Brian and shadow defence and security minister Arch Bevis and debated in parliament. The ALP has pledged to it will close loopholes in the permit system and exclude foreign flagged vessels for the carriage of dangerous coastal cargoes when elected.

Dave Perry

Assistant Branch Secretary

Brisbane

My Shout Comrade

I joined our union in 1999 as a casual on board a passenger ferry. I liked going to sea, but there was something I liked much more. The drink. It was great after a shift to relax with my mates. It helped me socialise and feel like I belonged. But it progressed over the years to be my worst enemy. I knew I had a problem, but honestly thought I could 'control' it.

But it was never long before the next binge session and trouble. Things were soon out of control and the blackouts were frightening. I couldn't remember what I had said or done. I couldn't guarantee my behaviour after I started to drink and my personality changed.

Home life suffered along with work and I ended up with no job, no licence and no future.

The union had made available over the years some counseling, but there was always that part of me that said 'I will beat this, I just need more will power". I continued to blame them, those and others for my anguish.

You see I suffer from a common ailment called alcoholism. It's progressive. Once I crossed over that line of heavy drinker to alcoholic I could never again drink like a normal drinker. It became a mental obsession coupled with a physical addiction.

I am now 12 months sober and I wanted to share my story with other comrades in the hope it may save someone else form suffering . I have a life now, not just an existence. To me it means freedom.

I'm back at sea thanks to Mick Doleman, Mick Wickam and Mick Killick working with a great bunch of supportive crew. Once I realised I could not cure myself I finally began to seek the help I so much needed. I had to be prepared to go to any lengths to get sober and I did, boots and all, with the help of a recovery program.

It's not what you drink, how much, or the time of day your start drinking that makes you an alcoholic, it's what it does to you mentally, emotionally and spiritually. There are thousands of us, young and old, male and female who have this illness, but too few are being helped.

If you are wondering if you may be an alcohol then ask yourself this: Has the drink ever cost you more than a drink? I am just someone who could not accept life on life's terms and was always looking for a quick feel good. That's what most addictions are. We struggle living life on life's' terms and use any excuse for a drink. Alcohol, gambling, drugs are all an illness of the emotions we use to make us feel good. Then it usually starts to whip us into the ground. These are the great removers of everything in life.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired you don't have to carry that monkey on your back forever.

Thank you MUA for being an important part of my road to recovery.

Tracy Parker

Union No: 602 5024

Devonport

Fond Farewell

After 19 years on the Australian coast, it was time for the single-hulled Teekay manned tanker MV Broadwater to change hands to a Greek Shipping Company in Singapore on September 30.

After many long journeys around the Australian coast and throughout the world, we bid a fond farewell to all those who have crewed her.

We cannot disregard the past and present efforts of the SUA/MUA rank and file who have poured their energies into making the conditions, rosters, duties and characters, and not by company orientated standards amidst such political and industrial adversity.

We wish you all our kindest regards in your future endeavours.

MUA crew

MV BROADWATER.

Like Father Like Son

Just a short note to thank the crew on board the Pioneer for their support, both moral and financial, during the recent life-threatening illness of my 10 year old son, Zane, who has visited the ship a number of times whilst it was discharging in Sydney.

Someone asked him what he wants to do for work when he gets older and he replied "I want to do what dad does."

I hope he gets to sail with the calibre of some of the shipmates I've had over the years, especially the ones I currently sail with, who were there for us when times were hard.

Thanks also to TK's Adrienne Murphy for relaying his progress to the boys, when the ship was overseas, for getting me home from Dili, quickly, and for her support to us during our time at Randwick Children's Hospital.

Zane is almost back to his cheeky self again, no worse from his two month ordeal.

Rick Ryan, Reta and Zane

Union N0:8724

Big Brother

Congratulations Tim Brunero and the Maritime Union, the real winners of BB05. What a fantastic representative you have here, a real drawcard that had me watching commercial television almost every night for 100 days!

I think it was inexcusable to allow one of the Logans to leave the BB house and start voting for his $400,000 share of the prize. Self-interest wins out again. But our hearts and minds were captured by Tim. He was able to teach everyone (almost!) in the house something about themselves, and taught Australia that having a brain doesn't mean you can't have brawn and a tan and look bloody fantastic.

Tim, Australia needs you. You should contact all student unions right now to ask for guest appearances. Start with Griffith and while you're up here, I'll help if I can. We'd love to see your kindred spirit in action. Good on you.

Dr Regina Ganter

Senior Lecturer

School of Arts Media and Culture (AMC)

Griffith University

Nathan, Queensland

Tortured

The highly publicised reparation plan by the new Chilean democratic government is a smack in the face of all victims. We ask for your support in the following:

Condemnation of the life-long monthly allowance, equivalent to $250 Australian, for victims to reconstruct their existences. Many victims are already dead and others have had their lives shattered in exile.

Exhort the Chilean government to provide for tortured and former prisoners to re-occupy the places from where they were taken.

Call for a public debate on this matter in Australia.

Association of Chilean Former Political Prisoners

Coordinating Secretaries

Alfredo Flores

Lucila Flores