I'm in the union

Kaz with Kimberley and Karri. PHOTO: Chris Gossfield

"I love being a union member. I love being a seafarer, and I love being a woman doing what I'm doing."

Meet Karen Wheatland, MUA national councillor, pearl diver, prawn boat deckhand and cook, IR, women's committee member and mother of Kimberley,2 1/2 years and Karri, 1.

"I've always been a bit of a pioneer, I did prawning for 3-4 year ending up one of the few women divers in the industry. It was fantastic. Diving 20 metres under the water took my breath away. Unbelievable! It's a beautiful environment."

But there was no union, conditions were hard and work was tough. Karen applied and got into the last round of IR trainees down at the Maritime College in Tasmania.

Karen graduated to her first ship, The Ormiston, in Melbourne in 1998 - the day after the lock out on Webb Dock. So it was straight on the picket line. The following year Kaz was the Fremantle branch delegate to the women's conference: "I remember my second child was born on the day of our first teleconference. I had to give my apologies and leave early."

This July conference elected Kaz as women's representative to National Council.

"I want women to stand with guys and have their say and be stronger unionists. I aim to keep active on women's issues, get more women involved, support my local branch and help out with the pearling industry."

Karen is now relieving on the tugs and enjoys being able to both work and have a family. "A family friendly workplace is very important for men as well. All blokes I've come across are supportive. I've had unfaltering support from all WA branch officials and activists and members welcoming women into the industry. Al, my partner, is an MUA man and he is 120 per cent behind me."