Mailbag

Hail The Trade Unions

For too long now we have been inundated with statements that there is now no need for a trade union, its out lived its usefulness. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Workers entitlements without a union would be dispersed amongst the companies profits, as they go into liquidation changing the name of the company and sharing their profits with another not with the workers who would lose continuity of employment, money and finally their jobs etc.

Safety measures highly revered within the trade union movement would be practically non existent amd a dog eat dog approach would be the order of the day. Nobody can deny the rightful place in the working sphere of a trade union.

Let's relate a current issue -- only for the detailed effort by the ACTU Secretary Greg Combet in conjunction with the CFMEU, MUA and the AMWU along with the human face of Bernie Banton, there is no doubt that the long drawn out battle against James Hardie & Co. would have floundered. The company would have got away without paying correct compensation payments to all asbestos sufferers. They would have been railroaded without the backing of the trade union movement -- can anyone deny that?

It's pleasing to see that all decent people were determined to see the affected sufferers receive justifiable compensation payments which will now be made in a final agreement involving James Hardie & Co.

The federal government also showed a position of concern, but it was NSW Premier Bob Carr who carried the day along with the determination of the trade union movement. They were able to pothole James Hardie & Co. and left them nowhere to turn but to honestly assess their responsibility and pay up. Simple as that.

It was also a massive effort by rank and file workers along with the state secretary of the AMWU Paul Bastian, who from day one toed the line on behalf of all asbestos sufferers. Barry Robson, retired MUA union official, also gave up valuable time to work with rank and file workers in the battle against James Hardie & Co.

If ever there was a need for a union it is today, tomorrow and forever. The whole of the Australian workforce should become a trade unionist. Workers throughout Australia who for any reason worked with asbestos and who were not aware of the dangers now realise that certain people knew of the dangers as far back as the early 50's and said and did nothing. They cared little for the workers welfare. It was the trade union movement that alerted the people of Australia to the dangerous fibres that floated through the air once disturbed. It was the trade union movement that eventually was able to move to protect workers with proper protective clothing and it was the trade union movement that was able to eventually bring justice to the people affected. And it is the trade union movement that will continue to not only fight for that right, but every decent need that's required. It will be the trade union movement that gives it, not the employer.

Many families, including indigenous Australians, have been and will continue to be affected by the dreaded scourge of cancerous asbestos fibres and all are indebted to the trade union movement; it saw that justice was done and will prevail for the families who will now be financially secure as this dreaded disease takes away the capacity to earn and leaves the person incapable of providing for the family needs in one of the most disgraceful episodes of employer deceitfulness in Australian industrial history.

For far too long, this issue has gone on causing financial tension in the families. It's a lesson to be learned the great work of the trade union movement in fighting for justice and human rights has come to the fore and the workers of Australia should never forget that, for without that base you have nothing but yourself and in the long run that spells disaster.

Ken Rowsthorne

(retired member)

Great Victory

A great victory has been recorded against the powerful multi-national company James Hardie. Victims of the lethal commodity asbestos can now be assured of receiving compensation.

This has been achieved by many demonstrations on the street, and we note with pleasure the significant role played by Barry Robson, Bernie Banton and the AMWU's Paul Bastian. In particular we place on record the vital part played by the ACTU. Led by Secretary Greg Combet, his commitment and skill became the decisive factor in the campaigns success. Cynics have often stated that the ACTU is the grave yard of struggles, but on this historic occasion after a long and difficult campaign the ACTU has prevailed. We warmly congratulate Greg Combet and wish him all success for the future.

Harry Black

Secretary

Russel Gow

President

Sydney Branch

MUA Veterans Association

Hearty Congratulations

Comrades, Hearty congratulations to all who helped apply pressure to these capitalist pirates, James Hardie. Let's hope that employees everywhere can see the neccesity of united action in defence of all worker's rights.

Again... well done.

John (Whyalla Jack ) Denny

retired member

Brisbane

Anti-Red Rhetoric

Sydney Morning Herald feature writer Paul Sheehan's opinion piece "New-found Greens trot to an old beat", (13/12/04), provoked a wave of response to the outrageous claims that the Seamen's Union of Australia had raised money by questionable means to help the Australian Olympic team participate in the Moscow Olympics during a US led boycott in 1980. In fact the union support came from a voluntary members' levy. Here are some of the dozens of letters setting the record straight:

One could be mistaken for thinking Paul Sheehan's article was a re-run of the cold war anti-red rhetoric of never letting facts dilute a good fear. Nevertheless one of his assertions requires a response.

The SUA raised funds to send young Australian athletes to the Olympics in 1980 for reasons related solely to the spirit of the Olympics. The levy was raised, not by "questionable origins" but by voluntary donations of the membership that were audited and published by the union. Every team that competed received a donation, largely replacing the withdrawal of corporate donations from companies like Shell and the Commonwealth Bank.

The same union membership raised further voluntary donations for the 1984 Olympics boycotted by the Soviet Union, demonstrating the issue was about putting a healthy distance between sport and politics.

The head of the rowing team in 1980 has consistently said this support was essential to the continuity and success of Australia's sporting leadership in the Olympics, something most in the Australian Olympic movement agree with. His name is John Coates. But then again Paul, maybe they are in on the conspiracy too. It's enough to keep you awake at night.

Padraig Crumlin

National Secretary

Maritime Union of Australia

Published in SMH ( 6/1/05)

Not Forgotten

I read with interest your letter to the editor in the SMH in response to Paul Sheehan's article. Just wanted to let you know that no-one at the Australian Olympics Committee has forgotten the support your members gave to the Olympic Team in 1980 and 1984. It is part of folklore in this organisation and is often talked about especially by John Coates and Peter Montgomery who were involved at the time. Peter is now the AOC vice-president.

I have made a point over the five years I have been with the AOC of explaining to many journalists about the amazing generosity of your members in getting our team to Moscow. We believe we made the right choice to go. History proves that.

We are proud of our ties with your organisation and will never forget your help in a time of need.

Kindest regards

Mike Tancred

Media Director

Australian Olympic Committee

Thanks, Mike

It's also an episode in our history that all of our members and retired members take great pride in. Particularly Pat Geraghty who was our national secretary at the time, and who formed very warm friendships with John, Peter and others.

It really did exemplify the true characteristics of what not only makes us a great sporting nation, but one with genuine insight and consistency in the values that are essential to sport. I think this is something that remains an important asset in terms of international perception of Australians and our priorities.

My daughter won the world junior rowing title in the pairs a few years ago, and I often reflected with John Coates on our wonderful tradition of sporting access for young Australians that allows sporting ability to develop regardless of social or economic background (and politics!). I think our collective approach to circumstances like those prevailing in 1980 (and of course 1984) greatly nurtured that environment.

Thanks again, we are equally as proud as you of your organisation and your achievements.

Warm regards

Paddy Crumlin

MUA National Secretary

Poison Tongued

The only thing questionable about the SMH quote about the Seamens' Union 1980 contributions to keep our remarkable Olympic history intact, is the writer's integrity.

Did Paul Sheehan investigate how those monies came into being?

It came into being as $10 stamps put into our union books and every one was a member's voluntary contribution.

And the money flooded in. This was a measure of a member's income circumstances and belief in both the Olympics and our reaction to the Fraser Government playing politics with an institution that should forever stand above the slip and slide of grubby politics.

That 5000 rank and filers put $52000 of 1980 value money into the very skinny coffers of rowers, water polo and numerous other sporting groups, was a marvellous contribution to keep our almost unique Olympic history alive. My SUA book has $200 in stamps proudly displayed. That 'questionable' amount had come from doing some 30 odd years at sea.

I would not be surprised if our members' contributions, harbour sports days and marches, and general publicity had a decisive effect on the Olympic organisation's decision against enormous political and commercial pressures, to push on and win.

We did similar to help the Los Angeles Olympics survive with similar 'questionable' money!

It makes my blood boil to have great Australian sporting history Poison Tongued. Next time Paul Sheehan should try out doing research before he writes!

Alan William Oliver

retired seafarer

E-mail ollyerko@tpg.com.au

Spot Crew Knee Deep

Well done to the crews on the Spirits of Tasmania. Despite a metre of water on the bridge of SPOT I, the electrics failing and half a metre of water through the cabins on decks 7 and 8, the solidarity between all departments onboard ensured that passengers and crew sailed back to Melbourne and disembarked without injury-- just exhausted!

It takes a great deal of courage and dedication to work 20 hours straight to keep a vessel on the run when cabins are out, you are up to your knees in salt and water and the portholes are blown out.

To top it off SPOT III crew were awoken at 3am when nearly all the mooring lines broke.

Again an amazing level of steely nerves and hard work meant that we kept to schedule and picked up our record number of passengers (all cabins booked out) in Sydney the very next day.

Cindy O'Connor

Union no. 9021125

Shabby Employer

The sacking of David Swales was grossly unfair. Examples given below of the treatment of other employees by this management are unacceptable.

Hard working people should not be treated in such a shabby manner in Australia in 2005. The company should be taken to task on some of these issues. As a minimum David Swales should be reinstated.

Management may need to be reminded that harsh working conditions affect morale. Bad morale and unacceptable working conditions affect productivity and increase staff turnover.

I would have assumed the company is aware of the most basic management strategy. That is, good staff morale and staff relations is an integral part of ensuring productivity which, in this case, ultimately affects the comfort and safety of their passengers.

Perhaps it is about time Captain Cook be publicly embarrassed by more rallies outside their office.

Regards

Sue Lynch

Keynote Address

The Seacare Authority has asked me to write to the MUA to thank Paddy Crumlin for delivering a keynote address at our OHS Conference 2004, thereby contributing to its success.

From comments made to the Authority members and to staff, and from the conference evaluations, your presentation was very well received.

We certainly valued the perspective and context you brought to the conference.

I trust you found the experience a rewarding and informative one.

Once again, many thanks.

Rod Pickette

Manager

Seacare

ITF Promotion

Congratulations to Paddy Crumlin on his appointment as the First Vice-Chair of the Dockers' Section of the ITF.

Ameer Hamzah

Singapore port workers union

Compo Win

I wish to inform you of the successful conclusion of my compensation case regarding exposure to asbestos. The terms are confidential but prove seamen may have been in contact with asbestos in not only their working hours but also during their leisure time.

I was deeply shocked when the doctor at St George Hospital informed me on Saturday August 14, 1999 my lungs were covered with pleural plaque due to asbestos contamination. As I was entirely ignorant about this complaint, to relieve my nervous anxiety I decided to glean as much information as possible.

I felt research into asbestos related diseases was comparatively recent and was surprised to read in a pamphlet from the Australian Lung Foundation the following: "In the early 1900's doctors in Europe knew that asbestos workers were dying from respiratory ailments. In 1924 Dr Cooke reported in the British Medical Journal cases of pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis) in workers employed in the asbestos industry. Unfortunately it took many years for this information to be acted on".

Armed with all the evidence I contacted Barry Robson. Barry felt all the facts were relevant and referred me to Spiro, who realized although the matter was unique, there may be a chance of a successful result.

Thanks to Spiro's diligence I was assessed with a ten percent disability. Further conferences ensued until finality was reached on December 1, 2004.

I take this opportunity to thank you for your continual interest and support in my struggle. Please convey my thanks to the friendly and competent office personnel who assisted me with photocopying etc.

Yours in Unity,

Bill Heath

Retired secretary

Cooks

BHP's Broken Promises

We all wrote to the company CEOs regarding BHP Billiton's decision to sell the Iron Kembla.

While the company eventually made good on its promise to replace the Kembla with another Australian crewed vessel shortly after her sale, we had grave concerns that BHP Billiton and Bluescope Steel would not honour their commitment.

Recently, assurances were given to the three maritime unions that the disposal of the Iron Carpentaria would see that vessel replaced with an Australian crewed vessel. It is our understanding that BHP Billiton and Bluescope Steel have broken that commitment and that now there will be no replacement for the Iron Carpentaria.

The proud history of BHP as the Big Australian seems to be rapidly disappearing.

In the past, due to the number of Australian workers employed by BHP and the ensuing flow-on effects to the Australian economy BHP had built a reputation of honouring their word.

What has happened to BHP, the company originally founded in Australia? Has the addition of the word 'Billiton' taken away the commercial responsibility of your companies, BHP Billiton and Bluescope Steel to stand by a commitment once given?

Do not forget the Australian seafarers who lost their lives on BHP ships during WWII. Do you wish their families' loss to be in vain?

Even allowing for the internationalism of BHP Billiton your main social, economic, and financial commitments should remain Australian.

BHP/Billiton and Bluescope Steel should never forget their origins and the debt owed to all Australians. Without the Australian people and resources what they are today would never have been.

Peter Esser

MUA delegate

M.T. Delos

On behalf of MUA members

Record Pipeline

Well Comrades, the longest pipeline in the Southern Hemisphere has finished -- 502 kilometres.

From Darwin to Bayu-Undan field, the halfway mark was reached. Once again the MUA have proven that its members are the most efficient, safe, willing to adapt and willing to step-up for a challenge. The level of multi-skilling around our members is a credit on its own. Once again the MUA is at the coalface, from seismic, trenching and rock dumping, anchor handling, four pipe carryings PSV's, the Seamac and 3 other vessels.

The other vessels are the Thor Wave, Thor Jupiter and Thor Champion which are all under the Thai flag, with Thai Nationals as the marine crew. There's been a lot of teething problems along the way, inadequate machinery, cranes stopping without notice, cutouts failing, bits falling off, black outs, air conditioners packing up in crane cabs, to name but a few. Section 127's being put on members, and in the same breath, favours being asked outside the MOU. It's been one battle to the next just to attain conditions and retain safety, and the goalposts keep getting shifted. Plenty of finger pointing towards cr/ops, time keepers being flown in from overseas to see if we are on a go-slow, then seeing what we've been up against, getting photos for his own report and having his camera confiscated by the ship's Master.

We've had our fair share of industrial disputes on this project so far. We have gone ahead in leaps and bounds since the T-SEP project off Dampier, as MUA members are now in the seat pulling the levers. That alone is a major victory for the union as foreigners were driving cranes before.

Darwin's Mick Killick, the West's Secretary Chris Cain, Assistant Deputy Secretary Ian Bray and Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman took this on and steered through turbulent waters, hundreds of phone calls to and from each other. The outcome the union officials achieved for us was a superb result. Cr/ops get $65 a day hard lying and $29.40 shared cabin allowance all backdated to start of the project. On completion of the project there is a bonus for everyone involved, on all ships, across the board. The date the company gave for the bonus was unachievable, but will be renegotiated.

Hopefully now on all new projects something similar will flow on, and the union has Mick Killick, Chris Cain, Ian Bray and Mick Doleman to thank. So hold your heads high comrades for what you have achieved is being noticed right around the country and abroad.

What started out on the mother ships was to be 4 cr/ops on, 4 cr/ops off. Its now 8 cr/ops on 8 cr/ops off, with a cook each swing and extra IR's for the anchor handlers and PSV's so the pipe can be loaded 24 hours a day. 2 PSV's either side of the mother vessel, loaded simultaneously.

It's different being a guest on a fellow seafarer's home, you have to interpret for tenders tying up and discussing load plans, you have to be patient. We're doing 4 weeks on a 12 hours on 12 hours off system. 2 gangs of 4 cr/ops each shift, one drives the other dogs the crane, and you share it about.

The mother vessels are like the old Iron Barron, Capricorn and Dampier. So what we are driving are ships cranes, not offshore cranes, and the vessels are anchored at Bathurst Island. The ships roll around a bit on the tide change and when the swell picks up. We get a launch out for crew changes, it takes about four hours.

Down in the hatches it's the Thai's hooking up the pipes; these guys are experienced and make it look easy, guiding the slings into place with the big block swinging. We still have to have a duty of care and no risks are taken, as safety is our priority. The Dogman guides you out of the hatches (with only a couple of inches at each end of the pipe to spare) and over the side to MUA crew on the PSV's, Edda Frigg, Burch Williams, Russell Tide and Sam Allgood. The dogman and two IR's don't shy away either, doing a superb job landing out these big pipes into place. These guys are very experienced seafarers and doing a great job under challenging conditions. The 1st boat must have thought it was a rock concert with all the crash boom banging going on, until we got our eye on it.

When we finish emptying a mother vessel, it sails back to Kuantan Port, Malaysia for another load; it's about a 21 day, round trip. For us it's down one gangway and straight up the next. The cook usually goes over the day before to prepare the ship for the oncoming cr/ops. The cook usually has to share the galley with up to 3 other Thai cooks. Paul does 7am to 7pm, and there was a Thai cook for the night meals. You sometimes wonder what you're going to get put in front of you.

But for us AB's, greasers and IR's this is a perfect ship, no skipper, mate or engineers to chase you up for being five minutes late turning to. Although we had a couple of skippers and mates on the PSV's who tried sticking their bibs in, being control freaks, once we read them their horoscope, they took a back seat and let us get on with our jobs.

We thought we were crane driver/dogman but rigging was a big part of it too, and do you think we could get any tools off the Thai's? Not one of them had a deck knife and they were using broken hacksaw blades to cut the taglines and protective coatings off the slings.

Comrades it's an experience we'll never forget and we are here doing it in a safe and productive manner, across the whole scope of the project. It's a big feather in the cap for the MUA.

Yours in Unity,

Peter David

Union no: 1392

Mick Sarich

Union no: 377

Frank Rochford

Union No: 1741s

Paper Boy

Port Adelaide Branch and its Veterans' Association recently made a special presentation to veteran seafarer Keith Le Leu.

Members of the MUA Veterans' Association felt that recognition was long overdue to Keith whose entire working life has been devoted to his union and his fellow workers.

Keith is well known around the coast and also to many New Zealand seafarers as the "Paper Boy", because of his dedication to providing them with up-to-date reading matter as soon as they hit port.

The presentation took the form of a framed photo of Keith which appeared in the local paper The Messenger above a plaque which outlined his working life. Keith is responsible for one of the finest collections of maritime memorabilia in Australia, having seen in advance the loss of many of the items associated with shipping and stevedoring.

This collection is to be left to the Port Adelaide Historical Society.

Rex Munn

SA Branch President

MUA Veterans' Association