Maritime Mailbag

PHOTO courtesy the Port Pirie Reporter

DEMOCRATS CONGRATULATE YARRA CREW

To employees aboard the Yarra, and their families, congratulations on your efforts, and the efforts of your families and community, in drawing the attention of all Australians to the issue of working conditions aboard ships that conduct shipping in and around Australia.

Job insecurity is a growing issue for many Australians, and your activities have highlighted the importance of improving working conditions for all those who work on ships around the world, and meeting international labour standards.

I wish you and your families good luck as you continue your work.

Yours sincerely,

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja

VICTORY OVER GREED & GLOBALISATION

To the Crew of The Yarra, congratulations on a courageous and victorious stand. All Australian unions recognise the significance of your actions in protecting Australian jobs. It is only on the back of your determination that we have been able to secure a framework to ensure Australian flagged and crewed ships remain in coastal trade.

I know that you have a few voyages left to ensure that the Yarra is seen out of the country and that this is a huge request in the face of the provocation from CSL. It is however the best way of making sure that your victory is complete.

Your actions have also highlighted the outrageous attitude of our Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, who is prepared to sign away Australian jobs with no regret. Rest assured the campaign against not only FOC but our Government's complicity in support of these companies is not over yet.

I would like to draw to your attention the support of Canadian comrades, who, thanks to the President of the CLC, Ken Georghetti, have embarrassed the owner of this company -- Finance Minister Paul Martin. Their solidarity has drawn fire from the Canadian Government and I have no doubt provided significant influence in the negotiation process.

On the national front the AWU played a major role and will remain critical to the outcome of the work required to guarantee that the cement industry lives up to its stated preference for Australian flagged and crewed ships. I thank them for their solidarity and know that you share this sentiment.

The UTLC with South Australian unions and the Mayor and community of Port Pirie deserve our thanks and appreciation as do the unions and the TLC in Victoria. The community picket played a significant role here in Victoria.

But above all it is the maritime unions and the crew who deserve full credit for taking a stand. This dispute has been a challenge we needed to win in the national interest. I salute the members of the crew as working heroes. I am proud to know and have worked with you in the interests of all working Australians. I am delighted that your courage and commitment has enabled your unions to gain a significant victory against the greed and exploitation of globalisation at its worst.

Once again congratulations and thank you. In solidarity

Sharon Burrow

President ACTU

LIGHTHOUSE UNION

Congratulations to the MUA and the Yarra stay-puts for your campaign against flag-of-convenience shipping and the Howard Government's attempt to destroy the Australian seafaring industry. The MUA is a lighthouse union.

Rowan Cahill,

Historian.

GOOD ONYA

Our hearts and minds are uplifted by the good news of the negotiated resolution to the Yarra sit-in. We offer our congratulations to all those involved in extracting such a victory, but especially members aboard who have borne the brunt of the physical and emotional commitment and to ensuring future employment of Australian seafarers.

Good principled struggles like the recent Australian Enterprise dispute and ongoing Yarra issues prove that "dare to struggle - dare to win" can produce the practical outcome that goes with well thought out commitments to retain Australian seafarers on Australian ships.

Good onya lads, take a bow, take the accolades, but take a rest too.

Your valiant struggle has been on behalf of us all

MUA crew

Ray, Scott, Adam, Luke, Peter, Mike, Danny, Tom, Mike Barber

Veritas Searcher

Sailors' Solidarity

The Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP) is in solidarity with the Maritime Union of Australia with its fight to maintain Australian cabotage.

Wishing you victory in court.

In solidarity,

Gunnar Lundeberg,

SUP President,

San Francisco, California

CONGRATULATIONS!

I am the Grievance Officer of the Fraser Valley West Local ( 739 ) of the Canadian postal workers.

I have been watching this event unfold. Congratulations to all the crew for their Solidarity under such difficult conditions.

As you know CSL is owned by Paul Martin, our Minister of Finance, and probably next prime minister, so I am especially happy to see his 'cheap labour, pit worker against worker' strategy has failed. Poor, poor Paul Martin, his whole world seems to be crashing around him.

Keep up the good work Brothers and Sisters.

Once again, Congratulations to the crew and all those who stood with them.

OnYa Mates!

Peace, Love & Solidarity

Ed Nicholles

Grievance Officer

Canadian Union of Postal Workers

ISLAND NATION

Australia, like England, is an island nation and as such we should have a large navy to protect our coast. The size of our navy should be of a size which is proportionate to the amount of coastline we have to protect.

Let's put our unemployed to work and build our own ships. We have the natural resources, we have the technology; what we need is the political will.

In one swoop we could solve both our defence and unemployment problems.

Stan van Eyck

email: sonofwacatac@aol.com

WA, Australia

UNITED WE STAND

Comrades, The CSL Yarra crew would like to thank the officials, activists, branches and office staff for the continuing support afforded to us during the CSL Yarra dispute to maintain an Australian presence in the coastal trade.

The morale of the crew has remained high courtesy of the messages of support and financial assistance passed on through the branches. Without the assistance of the branches the crew's morale may have been diminished.

The solidarity displayed by all branches and MUA areas will remind us forever of the importance of belonging to Australia's best union.

Yours in solidarity

John Smith, Andy Gardiner, Dianne Kelly, Shane Holmes, Kevin Furlong, Carl Bell, Adam Jones, Peter Ryan, Ryan Styles

From the Picket

Comrades, it was our privilege to be on the wharf at Pt Pirie to provide support to our courageous brothers and sisters as they strove to fight against the biggest threat to Australian seafarers since the infamous Patrick dispute.

What a fight and what a victory!! And all the better when we remember that the CSL Yarra arrived in Pt Pirie on May 1.

To us, this episode shows what union activists in a small outport can do to support those fighting at the frontline of the dispute.

Within minutes of the Yarra arriving in Pt Pirie our peaceful picket line began. A few phone calls and we soon had a line made up of retired members, local residents and of course MUA, AIMPE & AMOU members. Negotiations with the local police soon established that there would not be the need for any police presence. We also moved to ensure our site was clean and tidy, alcohol free and would be manned at all designated times.

Communications were established with the Yarra via a 2-way radio, the mobile phone soon became an essential item and by a stroke of good luck the Teachers Union [AEU] had opened an office that morning within 50 metres of the picket and they offered us free use of their fax service.

So good was the support locally for our cause, that the overwhelming majority of people who needed to pass through the picket line stopped and got permission before proceeding. [The word has quickly got around about who to support and who not to support when you shop as a result.]

One of the things that really sustained those on the picket line was the number of visitors who came to the site and indicated support for the cause. In fact, we did not receive one single negative or abusive comment.

Visitors who made the trip especially came from Port Pirie, nearby towns and Adelaide, while many others from all over Australia came to see us because they were staying in Pt Pirie or were passing by and wanted to call in. We had them from as far north as Darwin, as far south as Launceston and as far west as Carnavon. There was no doubt that the people of Australia knew about our fight and wanted to support it!!

Union support was also fantastic. We had organisers from different unions call in and union rank and file members from Adelaide, Pt Augusta, Whyalla and Wallaroo called to give encouragement. One of our retired members even came from Newcastle to spend time on the line. Well done Fred.

A special thanks to the LHMU, AEU, the AMWU, the CFMEU , the CPSU, the South Australian United Trades and Labour Council and the ACTU who all provided support to the ship and/or the picket line in one way or the other.

Thanks to the fax machine, we were able to pass on messages of support from ships all over the coast and many rang us up each night for the latest update. Well done comrades, it was really heartening to know we weren't alone in the fight to stop this vicious attack upon our union.

And then when the word was out that our blokes were refusing to get off the Yarra, the support got even stronger. Our local Mayor Ken Madigan (below with Keith Ridgeway) issued an appeal for perishable supplies and contacted us to see what else he could do. We were flooded with offers--cakes, chickens, 'wet rations', soup, water and some fresh home made pies that the boys on board still rave about. There was so much support that within a couple of days we had to ask people to wait a bit and contact us later. But you know you are really fighting the good fight when youngsters turn up to help--one five year old turned up with chocolates and a bunch of grapes because of what he had seen on the local TV news. Imagine how that made us all feel.

Talking of TV, we need to acknowledge the part played by the media. Often we get beaten about the head by the media when a dispute is on, but this time we had great coverage locally. So good, in fact, that we gave one reporter one of our Yarra T shirts in recognition of the support.

Our picket lasted from the time the ship arrived on May 1 until the gangway was lowered two weeks later and was, we think, a great success. Everybody who took part in it feels real pride in being able to help, in some small way, those MUA members on the Yarra who said 'United, we will never be defeated'.

Andy Thomas

Union No: 3346

On behalf of all picket members.

EYE IN THE SKY

I could not believe the recent Federal Court decision allowing Flag of Convenience vessels to travel around this country with sub standard crews & conditions which will ultimately lead to disaster on an enormous scale!

We must not forget the loss of seafarers jobs and the environmental impact this will have on our waterways.

As a proud member, I will be doing my part in monitoring ships at East Swanson Dock so that ballast water dumping cannot ruin an already fragile environment.

Known at my workplace as "the eye in the sky"! by my supervisors, I'll continue to be on the lookout for this vandalism each shift I'm employed!

There are many other issues I feel strongly about, which I will raise with the delegates on the job.

Dean Briggs

East Swanson Dock

Union No: 5007602

GUEST POLLIES

Letter to the minister for transport John Anderson: We, the MUA members on board the Iron Monarch, strongly condemn you and your government for its anti Australian attitude.

A rethink on your policy towards single voyage permits (SVPs) and the CSL Yarra is recommended, as Australians should work together for a stronger and better Australia.

With our own strong merchant fleet, we would not be put at the whim of foreign governments dictating tariffs and shipping rates around Australia - our home.

It is highly likely that the Philippines or Malaysia could happily supply us with a transport minister. One, who quite competently could do your job at half the cost, all the while having enough common sense to realise that an island nation needs its own merchant fleet.

But then again, it is doubtful that he would sing "I still call Australia home".

Save our ships

MUA Members

MV Iron Monarch

DEFINING POINT

First of all congratulations on the MUA's stand on the issue of CSL Australia replacing Australian crews with cheap foreign workers from the Ukraine.

For many years, the Australian community has been lulled into a sense of false security on the effects of free trade and globalisation. The blatant attack on Australian workers' job security, wages and conditions under the guise of globalisation is a warning to all workers that unless there are regulations in place to moderate the worst aspects of free trade, all Australian workers' security will be under threat.

In this context, the struggle by the crew of the CSL Yarra is another defining point for Australian unionism.

Doug Cameron

AMWU National Secretary

SALUTE

The MUA members on board M.T. Flinders en route to the Arabian Gulf applaud your just stand against the theft of the Australian nations maritime ships and jobs by the Howard Government backed foreign ship owners. You are the vanguard of our resistance today.

Stand firm comrades, we salute you.

MUA Delegates

John Graham, 2799

Gary Campbell, 4140

& Crew, M.T. Flinders

CONGRATULATIONS

Labor Council resolved to forward congratulations on to the MUA for its victory in the dispute regarding the CSL Yarra and their ongoing campaign to retain the jobs of Australian seafarers.

We ask that you forward our congratulations onto the membership.

Mark Lennon

Assistant Secretary -

NSW Labor Council

MONUMENTAL VICTORY

Just as I am about to write pledging our full and unqualified support for the CSL Yarra struggle, I learn through the Lloyds List of the MUA's monumental victory.

The issue is a vital one for seafarers and the dispute was being watched closely by New Zealand shipowners because of its potential, particularly as it established as case law many seafarers' jobs in New Zealand were in jeopardy also.

Our warmest congratulations and thanks for your struggle and your success.

Dave Morgan

National President

NZ Seafarers' Union

BLOOD STIRRING

I'd first like to express my solidarity with the workers on the ship in Port Pirie and their union.

I hope you realise that there are plenty of people like me who would be willing to take part in action in support of those workers and their jobs.

I've been following the effect of globalisation on the jobs of Australian workers for some time and my guess is that the sit-in on the ship and the principle involved is one of those rare issues that stirs the blood of many people -- just as Reith's action did a couple of years ago.

For what it is worth -- can I suggest that you try to tap the latent public support that exists for the principle of keeping Australian jobs. This is a symbolic issue -- it's not just about MUA jobs, but about much bigger issues.

As one of your officers suggested recently-- "if they can do this to the shipping industry-- what will they do next? Fly in guest workers for GMH?"

A lot of people can see the justness of that claim.

Dr David McKnight

Humanities Faculty,

University of Technology,

Sydney

HEROIC STAND

We supported our seafarer brothers on the CSL Yarra for taking a heroic and working class principled stand against the Federal Government's national shipping policy of destroying our domestic shipping industry in favour of cheap foreign flag of convenience rust bucket ships.

As major developed nations, the United States and the European Union reserve their domestic sea transport service for their own shipping because of sensitive security reasons and important financial and employment benefits that flow from shipping. While the US, Europe, Canada and Singapore are enforcing stricter security measures on visiting ships, the Australian government is doing the very opposite by allowing cheap foreign shipping easy access into Australian waters.

As an island nation this makes the situation all the more dangerous. I recently read that in both world wars merchant shipping was a decisive factor in defence of Australia.

In 1916 the conservative Prime Minister Billy Hughes was forced to buy 15 ships at highly inflated prices in order to defeat the economic policies of the ruthless British shipping magnates.

Then in 1928, another conservative Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce, sold (but really gave away) our Commonwealth shipping line to the British White Star Line company for a meagre £231,900,000.

Now the Howard Government is making exactly the same terrible blunders. It now appears that the Liberal National Party politicians are immune from the lessons of the past. The Federal Government is now encouraging shipping companies to introduce cheap and exploited labour into Australia at the expense of our seafaring brothers.

But this anti-working class policy does not just stop at MUA members. It has serious implications in the domino effect. Already, interstate rail operators are losing business to cheap foreign vessels and railway workers are losing their jobs. In April this year, 55 full time jobs disappeared while 11,600 casual jobs were created.

Is this enough proof that we must strongly address the problem of economic management and globalisation with the pressures and problems it is placing on all Australian workers?

These members on the CSL Yarra are not only fighting for their own jobs, but fighting for all Australians to have security and a decent standard of living in our own country.

We are so proud of you. MUA here to stay.

Christian Mackerras

Chairman of Tolls Stevedoring Committee,

Port Kembla

STRONG & PRINCIPLED

The MUA members on board the Cossack Pioneer would like to send our congratulations on your very strong and principled stand. By sitting in for 16 long days on board the CSL Yarra, your stand has now brought this issue of foreign labour taking Australian jobs to the forefront of Australian minds.

This is going to be the only way that we can protect our rights and our jobs, by following on with the way you all carried out this very serious fight for our rights. If the courts are going to favour foreign labour over Australian labour, then this fight will intensify until we can throw this Liberal Howard Bastard of a government out of office.

We also thank the AWU union members and supporters who set up the picket line outside the gate, which was a big part of the battle. We will not give up our right as Australian Seafarers and citizens to be employed in our own country. We do not pay taxes to politicians and the courts so that they can give our jobs to foreigners and sack us. This fight will intensify if need be.

Comrades in unity,

Rod Allshorn & Mark Marson

MUA Delegates on behalf of

MUA Crew Members - Cossack Pioneer

PLEDGE

Members on board the Iron Kembla commend your stand on board CSL Yarra to protect Australian seafarers' right to work in the Australian maritime industry and to leave an opening for young Australians who wish to make a career at sea in the future.

The Howard Coalition Government professes to reducing unemployment, creating jobs and opportunities for the young in this country. Yet it fully supports the actions of overseas corporate bodies, in this case CSL, which aims to carry cargoes around the Australian coast and increase their huge profits by replacing the Australian crew and exploiting labour from overseas. It does this with the help of an Australian Government.

We pledge our full support morally and financially.

MUA Members

Iron Kembla

MORAL RIGHT

To the "Port Pirie Pirates", This is a note of support and thanks for your actions on behalf of all Australians.

Australia needs a 'level playing field' where companies have the same tax relief as foreign 'visitors', not our present lopsided playing field where the ball bounces downhill to the opposition's advantage.

To fight for our own jobs is a moral right - we should be allowed to do this. You are also saving lives of foreign seamen who are "used up and spat out" - dead or disabled - with little support, as shown by the accidents (eg crushed pelvis etc) on the ex Australian "River Torrens"/CSL Pacific.

CSL's case is not about reducing costs for the Australian consumer but about maximising profits for a wealthy business which sends that money overseas to a Canadian politician. A lesson our Government has not learned from the New Zealand or British Industries.

This government's case is not about revitalising the economy but making it unviable for companies to employ tax paying Australians by not giving these companies the same tax and charges relief as foreign companies from their own governments as well as our own.

We have too many hospitality/tourism staff in OZ and not enough trades people and other such workers. This makes Australia the "hospitable country" and not the lucky one (unless you are a foreign company).

This is OUR country, WE live here, WE pay the taxes, our competitors don't.

You know all this and have had the guts to try to do something about it. Your efforts do NOT go unnoticed.

Our thanks and support to you all.

Margaret Creighton,MUA,

Troy Collis,AMOU,

S. Nelson,AIMPE

Searoad Mersey

MILESTONE

Any hard won milestone deserves at least a memo. And Duke Energy penned a most eloquent version on the notice board thanking everybody on board for their good work in reaching one third of the way to Victoria from where we started in Bell Bay in mid December 2001.

Watching a gem crew of welders, riggers, spacers and other metal tradesmen do the business is an experience not to be missed.

Laying 3 km of pipe a day in choppy weather is considered good going in pipeline world.

Sparks fly when the weather's calm and 4.2 km is fairly zooming along...4 point 2 km a day!!! It's almost a case of hang on to your hat and get a grip of the handrail!

We will come ashore just south of lakes entrance some time mid year or sooner if the Bass Strait weather is kind.

Listening to the gossip and stories at smoko's gives good insight that these guys have been doing this a long time and they are good at it, they've laid pipe all over Australia and some of them all over the world; they yarn about past jobs and what ever happened to so and so... like we remember old ships and shipmates.

The Dutch Skipper, mates and engineers (the "cloggies") as they are known, are easy to get along with and speak the best English on board, they all look young enough to be straight out of college and the bloke I took for 2 swings to be a mid term apprentice turned out to be the skipper!

Something tells me the fountain of youth must be hidden in Holland. The half a dozen or so Americans on board have been with the boat for a long time and what they don't know about the forelay "ain't worth knowing". Their approach to the job sets the benchmark for us to follow.

The multinational list goes on to include Chile, Spain, Croatia and Canada, with these countries represented in the technical aspects of the job and picked out by spotless white overalls or go ashore gear.

The large gang of riggers swam everywhere and while their various versions of the rolling hitch may not be to every sailor's taste, their enthusiasm cannot be denied and their propensity to slash away any offending rope with some very nasty looking cutlery makes them just the sort of lads you'd want in your boarding party.

Karl Avis

Union No: 6000644

WHAT'S WRONG?

Over the past few years I have sailed on many different vessels. The common factor on these vessels were our members asking each other - what is wrong with the Union? It is something that has really gotten under my skin and I would ask these people to answer the following questions.

Who will go to fight for you when you are injured or lose your job?

Who will canvas Canberra for new tonnage with Australian manning?

Does your company want a second register?

Are you a name or a number?

When you have answered the above, you will have discovered just some of the reasons why we need our union! If you attend the monthly meetings you can ask any question you like and yes you will receive an answer, just another great thing about our union. Our union strength is you and I "the members" and the more who attend monthly meetings and become involved, the better off and stronger the union will be.

Company employment does not mean F.....the union! You can be a strong minded unionist and still be a bloody good company employee at the same time.

So back to were we started. "What's Wrong with The Union"?

Answer: "Nothing" We just need you all to remember who and what you are. We need you to come to your monthly meetings and to keep yourselves informed. Even better, get involved in some of the activities at your branch. Put forward your ideas - it just may be the one we are all after.

We are the MUA and we are Here to Stay!!!

Yours in unity

Frank Soutter

Union No: 8209

WEB ACCOLADES

Besides the problems I'm having, I like the look of the new site and can see the value to the members of being able to stay informed and communicate in this way. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned for the work involved in getting the thing up and running.

Gavan Swayn

Westernport

It's great to get the news over the MUA webpage. Keep it up. It's a pity the papers aren't as on the ball although with the fightback they seem to be coming on line. Keep up the good work and solidarity to the Yarra members on the front line

Brian Carpenter

Union No: 3961

Badge of Honour

The proudest day of my life was when I received life membership of the Waterside Workers' Federation in 1992. I wore my badge with pride to work and on Labor Day marches. But about 1995 I lost it at Hamilton Wharf.

I was told recently that it had been found and that subsequent enquiries failed to find the owner.

So this message is sent in the hope that if your read this and it's lying at the back of your junk drawer, I might again be reunited with my most cherished possession.

I guess it's something of a long shot, but it will mean a great deal to a proud comrade of now more than almost 40 years.

Incidentally, I visit the MUA website with great interest very regularly. A great achievement. Well done.

John (Whyalla Jack) Denny

Brisbane

Email:johnthesailor_99@yahoo.com.au

LOOKING BACK

I resigned from the industry and union late December 2001. Looking back over the years, I would not have changed anything. Going to sea and being part of a great organisation has been an education for me. I am, so to speak, a graduate of the University of SUA and MUA.

I have sailed with some great people during my years at sea. The industry has been good to me through the good and bad years.

I was proud to carry the union book of the only organisation I have belonged to. I had the occasional disagreement with some of our officials over the years, but it is the only industry I know of where you can speak your mind. We have stop-work meetings and the MUA journal to debate in.

Our leadership changed throughout my years at sea but there was always someone to help and guide us where necessary. As I always told our members when I was a delegate, the members are the union because union officials are elected by us.

My first ship was the Miller's Canopus and my last was the Flinders. So I started in a tanker and ended in a tanker, with a few ships in between.

I wish you and all our officials the best in our ongoing struggles to stay afloat. I know you will succeed. Our officials and union are respected throughout the world for what we have achieved for our own members, fellow unionists and organisations.

Wishing you all the best for the years ahead. As I mentioned earlier I would not have changed a thing. Going to sea and being in a great Union such as ours has been such an important part of my life.

Michael Power

Union No: 4173

Tasmania

QUALITY ACTIVIST

It is with both sorrow and pride that we write regarding the resignation of Mick O'Leary from the helm of our great Union. The membership here is in no confusion concerning the commitment, passion and tenacity with which you served the union movement and the working class, worldwide. This is not something unique to our membership or officials, but you are as good an example as can be found of the quality activist this union produces.

Those of us in the seagoing branch of the organisation also appreciate the value of a spouse, with the understanding and patience that Sue has, not only with you but also with us. Thank you Sue for all those years -- particularly during the Patrick fiasco -- when the old man stayed on that picket line day after day.

There are reactionaries in the right wing of Australia's political process, who are trying to kid the punters out there that the MUA is on the wane. It is thanks to people like you Mick who have laid the foundations for our continued existence. The new breed who follow the likes of the O'Leary's onto the helm WILL keep us on course despite the fact that some are under the hook. Well Brother, good luck, good health and calm seas to you and yours.

MUA Delegates -

Cossack Pioneer

DEDICATED OFFICIAL

The resignation of Michael O'Leary from the position of Deputy National Secretary of our union came as a shock and, from a personal perspective, caused regret and some concern. As a union we can ill-afford to lose officials of Mick's calibre and commitment and whoever is chosen to fill the temporary vacancy until the next election of officers will find they have large shoes to fill.

I'm aware that the views of other MUA members may not match my own, such is the nature of the job of a union official, particularly at the national level. No direction taken, or decision made, will ever please everyone. But no one can question his work ethic, dedication, belief in the WWF and later the MUA, or his commitment to the cause, above and ahead of personal considerations.

In my 20 years in various port committee positions I have known and worked with Mick O'Leary for 15 of them. While not always in agreement over every issue, I learned that in Mick, dealings were with an honest man, committed but realistic and always willing to listen and discuss ideas.

I personally thank Mick for his support and input during numerous negotiations with the employer, both in my time in Whyalla and also in Westernport. I also take the liberty of thanking Mick on behalf of members in those ports, both past and present, for his concern and efforts on their behalf.

Over the years the pressures of the job on our national and state officials endure have taken their toll on the health and families of too many of our brightest minds and most committed comrades. While sorry to see Mick O'Leary go, I respect his decision as one of the hardest he's ever had to make and wish him and his family well for the future. To commit the time and effort I know Mick did during his years in national office is something most of us would be unwilling to do, or be incapable of sustaining, but Mick's ethics and character would never have allowed him to do it any other way.

Mick O'Leary lived for this union for much of his life to date, but had the courage to be honest and say it was time to leave when he could no longer give the level of commitment to the job he believed was necessary. He could have cut back his work load, coasted along, stopped returning calls at 6am in the morning and at 11pm at night, but Mick would never have settled for that.

While it's a term cheapened by slick politicians, in Mick's case I believe we have lost a true believer from our ranks.

Best of luck for the future Mick, best wishes to your family and...thank you comrade.

Rob Smith

Westernport

A PLEASURE

The 15th of March 2002 is a day I'll never forget - it was Mick O'Leary's official last day and my third year anniversary with the MUA. His resignation, of course, came as a shock to me. He typed his own resignation letter!! His reason, though, for resigning from the MUA was, I think, quite noble.

It was indeed such a pleasure working with Mick who I find professional, considerate, tactful, reasonable and confident - and he really did boost my confidence especially during my first year with the MUA. He is the type of boss who would never put his secretary under pressure (like many bosses in the corporate world), even under time constraint, and that helps his secretary complete the work comfortably in a timely fashion - a sign of showing his secretary the confidence he has in her.

Most of all, I just couldn't complain about his handwriting which I found very pleasing to the eyeballs - that if I make a mistake in typing, it would have been truly "my fault" and an embarrassment to myself.

Mick, all the best for the future to your family and to you, in your new found job and your new adopted home in the beautiful Thessaloniki in Greece. And remember, keep smiling - and laughing!!!

Cecilia Magno

MUA National Office

KEEP UP THE FIGHT

On behalf of my wife Sue and my daughters Emma and Sarah I wish to thank all of the branches and members who have contacted us either by letter, telephone or e-mail wishing us the best for the future and expressing some truly humbling thoughts about my career as an Official of the WWF and the MUA.

In the short time since my departure I have followed the CSL Yarra dispute with great interest and I have great admiration for the individuals who showed the determination not to give in when confronted by overwhelming pressure that has stamped the MUA as a great National and International Union.

To Paddy, Jim, Mick, Rick and all the Branch Officers ,Staff and rank and file members thank you again for your best wishes and keep up the good fight.

Mick,Sue,Emma and Sarah O'Leary

THE CANDIDATE

Sincere thanks to all rank and file members of the union movement and the MUA in particular, who supported my bid to become the Member for Flinders at the last Federal Election. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my comrades. The Westernport Branch of the MUA worked tirelessly on my behalf. Thank you Bruce Paris and crew. Thanks also to the MUA officials, who encouraged me in my bid and who kept me down to earth with some good hearted humour.

My bid was unsuccessful but the one good thing to come out of it all was that Reith had to go. He was on the nose in our electorate and he knew that he could not win.

The Liberal Party made much of my membership of this great Union. They painted me as the MUA candidate not the ALP candidate. What they failed to understand is that I am very proud to be an MUA member. I am not ashamed of caring for better wages and conditions for working men and women. I am not ashamed of my social conscience. I am proud of our history.

The campaign was the most amazing experience of my life. I met people from all walks of life and from all political persuasions. I heard stories that would break your heart and some born of enormous courage. I was able to help many people and organisations, just by being a candidate. This has given me enormous satisfaction.

Unfortunately, world events and racial prejudices won the day. Liberal Party sources now confirm that Howard had been planning his campaign tactics for at least nine months.

How sad for this nation. How sad for our people, that in the 21st Century we fell for the same catch cries that allowed Pig Iron Bob Menzies to rule. Now, instead of "reds under the bed", we use the terrorised and desperate people of the Middle East.

We were once a proud nation, who welcomed those who fled oppression, who opened their hearts and wallets to those in need. Now we shoot at unarmed fishing boats, carrying women and children, ignore the Rules of the Sea and destroy our hard won international reputation. I am proud of the stance; we in the MUA have taken on these issues. Once again, we are at the forefront of social conscience.

One last thing, that all ex AB's will recognise, beware of greasers bearing gifts.

Wayne Finch

Union Number: 2299

SOLD

The BHP Billiton sale of its stevedoring operation and adjoining infrastructure has concluded.

BHP had operated a discreet stevedoring operation at Kwinana since the mid sixties. On adjoining land the company had receival, despatch of cargoes, generally steel and iron operations, up to the early nineties when they decided to cease steel manufacture, relying solely on stevedoring bulk commodities.

During the life of the previous Court Coalition Government, BHP determined to sell off its Kwinana operations. A tendering process commenced in 2000 with up to eight known bidders.

Following the election of the Gallop Labor Government in February 2001, the port authority bought the stevedoring operations. And the government agency Landcorp purchased a huge tract of adjoining land to provide value added product and infrastructure for HYSMELT, a Rio Tinto operation.

This project will add jobs and business opportunities in the Kwinana - Rockingham region which has among the highest youth unemployment figures in the state.

The Port Authority, having been successful in the tender process, met with the MUA in January. But it has posed some difficulties in these proposed new operations by attempting to have the stevedoring operation integrated with the Ports operations group.

They are not amenable to having the stevedoring members employed as stevedores. Rather, they wish to have a cheaper operation by using these members as general port workers in periods of non shipping.

The FPA is adamant that the SIA will not be the underpinning award. They want an FPA specific award.

They attempted to deny these long standing members of SERF access to their super in the future. They demanded that all employees including the MUA members undertake a medical prior to being offered work. Failure of the medical would deny them a future job.

Talks have been ongoing on all matters with the current position being that the award coverage and specific discreet operations are yet to be agreed by the Authority.

Terry Buck

WA Branch Secretary