Shipshape

• Transport Unions Unite
• The Italian Job
• Training Protest
• Seacare
• Iron Ships
• Timor Rig
• Diving EBA

Transport Unions Unite

ACTU Secretary Greg Combet, MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin and Rail, Bus & Tram Union national secretary Roger Jowett addressed the Transport Workers' Union National Council in May to brainstorm joint campaigns covering the industry.

• the provision of decent amenities for truck drivers in ports
• drug and alcohol testing procedures that protect workers' rights
• a research program identifying the corporate connections between all transport companies in Australia

The Italian Job

ROME'S navigation act is something Australian unions are still fighting for - only Italians can crew Italian ships. But when it comes to the Bass Strait this is an issue. The Maritime Union has been pushing for Australian crew involvement in the power and communication cable laying between Victoria and Tasmania for 12 months. And has finally had limited success Bass Link contracted the work to tyre maker and cable installation firm Pirelli. Onshore work has gone to Seimens. Three ships are involved -- the Giulio Verne, trenching vessel Argo and a guard vessel to ensure the cable's security from dragging anchors or fishing nets. But Giulio Verne is a first registry Italian flag. Under Italian law the crew must be exclusively Italian - or, at least, a citizen of the European Union with a passport. After exhaustive talks with the ITF in London and our kindred unions in Italy, the union did reach agreement for six people, two from each maritime union, to be engaged on the vessel for its Australian operations Melbourne to Melbourne. ASP Ship Management has the crewing contract. Meanwhile the trenching operation had been subcontracted to the Greek company Assodivers using the Panamanian flagged vessel called Argo. Assodivers wanted to keep the full Greek crew on board. The fishing community in and around the Lakes Entrance in Victoria and Northern Tasmania who are unable to fish in the area where the cable would be laid, had been offered employment as guard vessels. So ACTU Industrial Officer Richard Watts contacted the Victorian Government who have taken a keen interest in the developments because of the impending winter and power demands. The final outcome was that the same crewing would apply on the other vessels as negotiated on the Giulio Verne: The company has also said it may put additional Australians on board in all classifications to satisfy their insurance provider. In addition its agreed to provide a large guard/standby vessel with crew rotating every four weeks.

Training Protest

THE union has met with employers to protest the lack of an industry-training program, which has resulted in a shortage of IRs. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin and Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman met with Australian Mines & Metals and the Australian Shipowners Association in May to raise the issue including problems with the proliferation of below standard private training centres and people having to pay for their own training. National Conference considered this issue very seriously. It resolved that unless an industry-training regime was developed, the Union would enforce a levy on employers during enterprise agreement negotiations. The parties have now agreed to organise an industry forum for both bluewater and offshore to look at the development of training.

Seacare

Seacare has issued a "Guidance of the Prohibition on the Use of Asbestos in the Australian Maritime Industry Workplaces" which has been forwarded to all branches and is available on the website. Delegates should either go to the MUA website which provides a link, or find it in the News section of the Seacare website www.seacare.gov.au Seacare has also announced the 2004 Seacare Authority Sea Safe-Work Awards. These awards aim to recognise and acknowledge seafarers' employers and operators who are leading the way in occupational health, safety and rehabilitation. Nominations are now being sought for the four award categories as follows;

• OHS Leadership Award
• Workplace OHS Consultation Award
• Best Solution to a Major OH&S Risk
• Best rehabilitation and Return to Work Program

Iron ships

BHP Billiton has reviewed its decision to sell the Iron Sturt and the vessel will continue in the trade until May 2005, Assistant National Secretary Rick Newlyn reports. The future of the ship after May 2005 will depend on the company's financial position, Zinifex operational requirements, the ship's physical condition and competition from other vessels. Meanwhile BHP continues to seek a time charter vessel to replace the Iron Carpenteria. BHP freight and Bluescope plan to replace the Carpentaria with an Australian crewed ship at the first opportunity a vessel that suits the trade is available.

Sydney Mooring

The jury is still out as to whether there is enough work to sustain two lines operations in the port of Sydney, Branch Secretary Robert Coombs reports. But in the meantime the branch has successfully negotiated with new operator Ausport Marine for wages and leave conditions on par with the current Adsteam service. In addition, the company which presently operating in Melbourne under the name of Melbourne Mooring, have reached an in principle agreement allowing for 15 permanent linesmen jobs and four permanent drivers. Lines delegate Peter Origlass took part in the negotiations, which have been under way since Christmas.

Timor Rig

The Bayu Undan project in the Timor Sea is under way with the dredging soon to be followed with delivery of pipes, rock dumpers, rig tenders and diving support vessels. Tidewater has the contract for vessel operations and the union has opened talks with the company on handling of pipe work and the rock-dumping vessel. Thiess are to meet with the Union about our involvement with the refinery wharf in Darwin. Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman and NT Honorary Secretary Andy Burford will ensure the work is carried out by MUA stevedoring labour.

Diving EBA up

The Offshore Diving Enterprise Agreement was put to the members for a ballot by mail with Phil Byrne, the National Returning Officer, reporting the majority of members endorsing the outcome. Assistant National Secretary Mick Doleman thanks Ian MacKinnon, Kevin Duck, John Kennedy, Marshall Hughes, Colin Cameron and Mike McGettigan (all rank and file divers) along with WA Branch Assistant Secretary Ian Bray for their contribution to a successful outcome.