We're in the Union

WOMEN of the MUA were among 30 delegates attending the WIMDOI 2005 in Fremantle in August. The conference is a national get-together of Australian and New Zealand women working on building sites, ships, wharves, mines and other traditionally men's jobs.

Carol Martin, the first indigenous woman to be voted into parliament officially opened the conference. She told of her struggles in the early days and how she spoke for her communities from the back of a ute.

"We heard many stories over the three days of the women's struggles to achieve the goals they had set themselves and the struggle to get over the walls placed in front of them," said Cymone De Schipper, P&O wharfie, Devonport. "Then we got down to the nuts and bolts of how women cope in male dominated industries."

Women still only earn 89 per cent of male earnings and 80 per cent of women are part time or casual. Under the new Howard Government IR regime and individual contracts it can only get worse.

"We all know industrial relation reforms are a big issue for all workers," said Ellen Smith, IR, TT-Line. We spent a full morning with Jenny Evans from the ACTU discussing the IR agenda."

Ellen and Cymone thank hosts Chris Cain, Ian Bray and everyone at the WA branch, convenors Max Adlam (CFMEU) and Karen Leavy (MUA) as well as all the other women who attended and shared their experiences.

Others in the MUA Women's Delegation were: Maryanne Walker TT Line Steward,Sue Virago Wharfie & joint Women's Officer Sydney, Gabby Condon P&O Warfie Sydney, Lucy Nieman Patrick Warfie SA Branch.