Maritime Mailbag

Border Protection

The High Court decision that Australian labour laws should apply to cargo ships plying our shores could be the first shot in the fight back against the excess of corporate globalisation.

This is the case of the Australian seafarers who barricaded themselves on board the CSL Yarra, a ship running freight between Australian ports, when their Canadian owners re-flagged the ship to the Bahamas and announced it would replace its workforce with Ukranians who would be paid Third World wages.

The High Court this week ruled that workers, employed directly and exclusively to service Australia, should have the benefit of Australian award wages and conditions.

In doing so, the High Court has blown the whistle on the creep of free trade, which has seen the jobs of Australian factory workers, clothing workers, IT workers and even call centre workers exported to nations where the absence of an award safety net makes their wages significantly lower.

If the maritime unions had lost this case, how long would it have been before hotels, building developments and resource companies were also seeking exemptions?

The decision should not be overstated but it is significant for a few things: (i) our highest court has found there are limits to the global labour market and (ii) our national government argued vehemently that this shouldn't be the case.

To those of us who were sickened by the base wedge politics of the last federal election it is a bitter irony that the Howard Government is such a champion of economic globalisation. Indeed, in bilateral talks with the US it has been Howard who has been blocking the Bush Administration's reluctant push for the incorporation of global labour standards.

During the last federal election campaign, the MUA ran some newspaper advertisements that asked the simple question: "why does John Howard want to keep one boat out and let all the others in?"

Like so much of that campaign, the message was swamped by the mass hysteria induced by the Howard Government's campaign to 'secure our borders'. He illegally blockaded the Tampa, fabricated the children overboard affair and lay doggo while more than 300 asylum seekers drowned.

But the words ring true long after the panic of northern invasion from terrorists evaporated into the whiff of political rhetoric that it always was.

The fraud of John Howard is that while he makes great play of keeping our borders protected from foreigners, he actively supports companies that want to export our jobs offshore.

He knows that the Australian people want a government to stand up against the global tide for them. He's just tricked them into thinking the enemy is a couple of thousand desperate refugees and not the corporate order that now rules the global markets.

While the debate over the benefits of free trade has its pros and cons, one thing is clear: core global labour standards need to be incorporated into all trade agreements. That is, only companies that do not use child labour, do not use slave labour and give their workers the basic right to organise should be allowed to trade with Australia.

It should not be contentious; that it is highlights the triumph of the Right in deifying the market.

It will be interesting to see how far the union movement is prepared to push labour's political wing to create a set of trade rules that give Australian workers what the High Court seems to recognise they deserve: a fighting chance.

Peter Lewis

NSW Labour Council

Long Battle Won

I congratulate you not just on the outcome of this long fought battle, but on the commitment of your members to stick with it. This is for you and us here in New Zealand a great result. I wish the MUA and all the lads who lost their jobs, all the best for the future.

Aly Baxter

NZ seafarer

You Bloody Beauty

Congratulations to ALL concerned over the fight over foreign vessels trading in Australian waters. What a victory for all concerned. It's great to see what solidarity can do when we know we are right. That should tell Howard and his fellow scum buckets that unionism isn't dead and is as strong as ever.

Kevin Adams

Union No: 8590

Victory

It is not always that you get such good news in the face of global capitalism and indeed, it is a victory, not only for the MUA, but also for the entire trade union movement in general and the ITF and its affiliates, in particular.

Our congratulations to MUA. We will certainly use the judgement as a good precedent!

Dlamini Thulani .

South Africa

Handy Precedent

Hello to you all: Congratulations on another great victory for the workers, this High Court ruling is a vindication for the crew of the former Yarra, and surely a handy precedent for the future.

Bad luck that Amrozi was on the front page, otherwise this news could have been there. Watch out now for little Johnny & Abbott.

Wilfred Melgar

wmelgar@vtown.com.au

Landmark

This is a landmark judgement on cabotage. Great news!! Congratulations!

Kees Marges

International Transport Workers' Federation

Great News

Our congratulations to all officials old and new, also to all MUA members whose persistence and principled stance has once again won the day against multinational ship owners and the right wing conservative Howard Government.

Vince Allport

a9.karratha@ships.teekay.com

Dubious Practices

Brothers and Sisters of the MUA, Congratulations on your victory over CSL.

So, why would a postal worker from the other side of the world be offering such congratulations? The former owner of CSL, Paul Martin Jr., is poised to step into the shoes of our retiring Prime Minister in early 2004, that's why. In fact, he has only just left his ownership position, in favour of his sons, in the last few weeks to avoid closer examination over his past rulings as Canada's Finance Minister, when he allowed certain dubious practices to continue which favoured CSL to continue to fly under flags of convenience and use foreign workers on his ships.

There was a recent documentary broadcast on the CBC national television network, which mentioned the scandal in Australia -- how CSL had gotten away with not using domestic sailors when operating in Australian waters.

This ruling gives Canadians hope that we can shine a light on our corporate-oriented politicians and, in the not-too distant future, elect a government that is truly for the people.

Yours in solidarity,

Dean Shewring

Local 590, P.O. Box 535, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 6Z6

Watershed

The meeting of the Northern NSW branch committee would like to thank all those involved in pursuing CSL and others including the Federal Government who seek to destroy the Australian shipping industry.

Congratulations are in order and we hope that these decisions by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the High Court will prove to be a watershed in the political and industrial fight for Australia's maritime future and the employment opportunities of Australian seafarers.

Len Covell

NNSW

At the Forefront

This joint MUSAA - Wisse political school congratulates the Maritime Union of Australia on the victory in the high court in relation to the CSL Yarra.

Workers are under increasing and constant attack by corporates and their political cronies in an effort to increase their profits at the expense of the workers and their families.

Trade Unions, and in particular the MUA, are at the forefront of the ongoing struggle to protect the right of workers and provide a social conscience for the broader community.

We applaud your ongoing fight for our rights through the National Shipping Campaign, and we have absolute confidence that you will meet the reactionary attempts by the corporates and their parliamentarians to circumvent this achievement.

Once again, congratulations on your outstanding achievement which will have a positive effect on the growing campaign for Cabotage on the NZ Coast.

For and on behalf of all students.

Shannon Gleeson (MUSAA)

Just Cause

At its meeting held on August 13, the Pyrmont-Ultimo Branch of the ALP unanimously passed a motion of congratulations to the Maritime Union of Australia for a historic victory in the High Court of Australia on August . It was a great victory for Australian seafarers and for the union movement.

The fact that all seven judges on the court agreed with the MUA proved the justness of the cause.

Congratulations once again.

Rolly Smallacombe

Australian Labor Party

Historic Win

Dear Comrades, MUA members onboard the Northwest Snipe congratulate the union and its solicitors on the historic win in the High Court.

Once again you have justified the right for Australian seafarers to work on Australian ships. And again the Howard Government has been exposed for its treachery and deceit of the Australian people by backing foreign shipping interests at the expense of the Australian community.

Yours in Unity

MUA Delegates

MUA Members Northwest Snipe

Great Result

A great result for Aussie seafarers in the High Court.

Dave Perry

Brisbane

Sacred Circle

Congratulations on the High Court victory! This is an important decision for coastal shipping in Australia. Haven't heard a word about it in the news here in Canada! Because Paul Martin is running for PM there is this sacred circle around him now. It's like he has been pre-ordained to be PM, and I guess he has been pre-ordained by the wealthy Demarais family who have been grooming him for the job for years.

La luta continua,

Elaine Briere

Canada

All Aboard

The six of us set in the canteen scrutinising what our money had paid for. The morning assembly bell rang out, bodies began moving in from outside, the bustling canteen soon replaced with the silence of empty soft drink cans and food wrappers as everyone moved off to their respective rooms. I commented to the others that the price of food here seemed much the same as in the old canteen, when I'd been here last at age 12. Cheap!

In one of the rooms the head man struggled to maintain order as verbal insults, bellowing and laughter continually erupted from those seated before him. He issued stern reprimands and pleas for quiet to the perpetrators. However, such behaviour was tolerated if coming from his 'pets'.

We six certainly weren't impressed but I couldn't recall it being any different from when I'd been here as a boy. Nice new buildings though.

The above observations should relate to parents attending an open day at their children's high school. But, sadly, they are what six Newcastle MUA members saw in Parliament House Canberra; our nation's core as a school metaphor!

On June 19, Craig Brady, Shannon Gleeson, Mark Graham, Fred Krausert, Grant Christian and myself boarded the M.V. Stella Maris (Seaman's Mission mini-bus) under the comical command of Captain Krausert. We were on a training voyage to the nation's capital to learn the intricacies of talking with our elected members of Parliament. Our message to those willing to listen was simple - the retention of Australian shipping and its benefits to all facets of Australian life.

We arrived at Parliament House early the next morning and after clearing the obligatory security checks, were met by Paul O'Grady, secretary to MP Jill Hall. Special thanks must go to Jill for making her office available to us and Paul for his guidance, informative advice and overall hospitality. Jill has always been grateful for the footslogging and assistance the Branch has given around election time, showing her gratitude by taking a keen interest in the problems facing Australian shipping and voicing these concerns upon the hill.

Our first meeting was with Michael Organ, Green member for Wollongong. Michael was well informed on the decline in Australian shipping and very aware of the increased threat posed to our delicate reef and coastal ecosystems by the use of FOC's in Australian waters.

We then meet with representatives of Labor's shipping committee, chaired by Jenny George. A fertile discussion on our plight ensued, all of us relating our passion for the retention of Australian flagged ships. Our candour and emotive concern definitely impressed. The committee was soon asking questions about the Transport Minister's total disregard for the ailing Aussie flag. Their degree of interest and request for more statistics on the increasing use of FoC's in our domestic trade left us all feeling that our journey had been fruitful. With hearty farewells and thanks from us for allotting us time despite their busy schedules, it was off for a taxpayer subsidised lunch while Shannon and Grant met with Mark Latham to voice some concerns over the effects new anti-terrorist legislation will have on waterside workers.

I never cease to be amazed when the Coalition accuse the Labor Party of being directed by the union movement, a movement comprised of working, tax-paying, voting Australians with the betterment of societies living conditions at heart. Despite some within Labor wishing to distance themselves from unions, I think most folk would prefer a party that listens to those who vote and work for it over a bunch that listens only to the directions of elite multinationals and big business leaders whose only concern is how much money they can extract from society.

We all concurred on the journey home that a future delegation would further push our cause up on the hill and inspire those sensible politicians that understand the need for an Australian merchant navy to continue pursuing those forces wishing our extinction.

Yours in unity,

On behalf of the Newcastle Delegation to Canberra

Solidarity

On behalf of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and our members employed at Morris McMahon, I would like to convey our thanks for the support and solidarity provided during the sustained dispute at Morris McMahon.

The fight for decent rights and conditions of work will remain an on-going challenge for all Unions under the present Liberal government and it is the comradeship in times like these that keeps the union movement alive.

Once again, our thanks.

Yours in unity,

Doug Cameron,

National Secretary AMWU

The Arncliffe Affair

I have noted with profound interest your support of the "Arncliffe Affair", a truly sorry affair indeed.

I have written to Doug Cameron of the AMWU and Frank Belan of the NUW on this matter over a period of time.

David Ricardo observed that "labour is the sole source of value in the market." So much for 'defrocked Monk' Tony Abbott and his "The Iron Law of Wages" .

Bruce Harkness

Cammeray 2062

MUA Women on the Picket

May 29, and a day of action for Port Botany Terminal and MUA women. Following the pledged support of the MUA to the struggling AMWU Morris McMahon workers who were unfairly locked out of their workplace for over 12 weeks.

More than 70 workers from MUA industries like stevedores, seafarers and Sydney ferries joined forces to show their support, giving the struggling workers a $10,000.

From about 3pm the MUA women attended the picket line and from Patrick at Port Botany, Mich-Elle and Marlene were a force to be reckoned with. Lorraine from Sydney Ferries did the ferry girls proud and combined with a fair showing from the women of P&O Port Botany: Nicole, Wendy, Tarome (T), Sheree , Katherine and Gabby. Along with Sue Virago from the MUA offices we had a gang of women who along with other MUA comrades showed their support for workers rights.

A good couple of hours of successful action and by 7pm we had shown the management at Morris McMahon that unions are strong and proud.

Gabrielle

Patrick, Port Botany

Truly Australian

On behalf of the MUA members employed by Australian Maritime Services (Brisbane), we would like to congratulate SBS TV and their team who produced this Insight Program on the Arncliffe dispute (10/07/2003).

It was refreshing to see an impartial, open and transparent report regarding the struggles of the working class.

We contend this is what it means to be truly Australian.

Regards,

MUA Members

AMS - Brisbane

Tampa 2

Approximately 1000 hours on July 1, a 50-ft refugee boat entered dredges channel approximately 1 nautical mile off the Port Hedland spoil bank.

I reported what I smelt as another Tampa incident, but only on my front door step this time. Fifty-four desperate refugees making for land, and but for a 60,000-tonne bulk carrier and two 4-man tugs, they would have made land. They decided to stand off the channel and be of no hazard to shipping or themselves and some hours later awaited apprehension.

Minister Ruddock had the HMAS Canberra there within 10 hours and was going to ship them out to Christmas Island to teach the buggers a lesson for getting under their guard!

I rang ITF Australia Dean Summers and he referred me to MP Louise Pratt. My actual version of the story time and distances was then referred to journo's. The pricks were at it again!!!

Another smell of Tampa. What an insult to the average thinking seafarer! There are international laws to adhere to. Don't these landlubbing pollies understand?

Anyway comrades, Ruddock was shafting himself with visas for money!

Tim Kinnear

Port Hedland

StickFast

I am a rank and file member from Patrick, Melbourne. It is about time it doesn't matter if you come from Webb or the Terminal. All management is about is divide and conquer. We as a collective must realise that it is us against them. Don't think for one minute that you will get anything. Together we can support the newly elected officials and move into a new era of strength by solidarity. Stick fast and we can achieve. We hold the productivity.

Brett Membrey

Melbourne

Valuable Insight

The TWU Federal Council moved a vote of thanks to Padraig Crumlin, National Secretary of the MUA for his attendance at the 2003 Federal Council in Darwin and Council looks forward to creating stronger ties with the MUA by working together on local organising campaigns and the ITF's Global Solidarity Campaign.

John Allan

Transport Workers Union

Historic Alliance

We, the Maritime Union of Australia members, present at the Port Kembla Branch Stop Work Meeting, wish to congratulate you on your historic alliance with the AWU in offshore, showing true leadership and unity which will create a strong, unified workforce all working as one.

Well done comrades,

MUA Members

Port Kembla Branch

Not Forgotten

I would like to thank Dick Ryan for his many years of service and commitment to the many hundreds of stewards who have worked on the Bass Strait Ferries. There has never been a day he went to work without him assisting a comrade along the way. His time and efforts will not be forgotten. Thanks again and good health and good punting.

Greg Doughty

Union Book No: 6003444

Qantas Condemned

The MUA members of the North West Sandpiper condemn the actions taken by Qantas against their workers by trying to employ non-union labour. We fully support any action that is taken by our union and the TWU members against this fascist act towards Australian workers.

Yours in unity,

MUA Members

North West Sandpiper

Slick Campaign

Once again the Tweed Coast Long Boards had their carnival at Coolangatta Beach in June. The MUA/ITF are major sponsors and we had very good exposure during the day with the MUA tent depicting "Save the Beaches Campaign" facing the main road in and out of Coolangatta. The day was well attended and we had good feedback from the public.

That night the Longboards had their presentation night. I was asked to hand out the trophies and give a speech. When introduced the MC made a very strong point that without MUA/ITF support this event now and for the past seven years would not have been possible. The response from the audience was magic. In return I made the point that saving our beaches from rust buckets was a community, as well as political battle. Also, I made the point that our sponsors' dollars came from seafarer and wharfie pockets and were not corporate tax write offs.

The evening went well, but the major point for the MUA was the start of the Springsun Festival the following week. This is a yearly event which attracts thousands to Coolangatta.

With the help of the Malibu Club we had prime site on the beach. First we got the MUA trailer down from the Brisbane Branch done out with all 'Save our Beaches' posters.

Everybody put in 100 percent effort. Thank you Mark Shane and Warren Spike (Brisbane), the Tweed Connection as well Lockie, John C. and Rick. Young Scott rates a special thanks. He was our surfer in oil model.

The day was magic. No wonder they have it at the start of Spring. Here on The Tweed it's summer all year round. The public response was just great. From overseas to locals, everyone had a word or two about our campaign. We handed out over 2000 pamphlets. At mid day we coated Young Scott in oil (molasses). The one major point to come out was people really were interested and when it was pointed out our beaches are in danger solely because of Howard's ideology of hate towards organised labour, nearly all were right behind us. The two weeks were very rewarding comrades - in the feedback from the public, to the feelings of camaraderie from the Longboard Club.

Many thanks to those who pitched in, in all sorts of ways. Dave Perry from Brisbane, Sean Chaffer from Sydney supplying pamphlets, Zoe Reynolds for slick, Brisbane wharfies for their donation from their special purpose fund (wharfies rolling fund), Dean Summers from the ITF for his support and donation, the crew of Griffin Venture for their donation.

To finish off comrades, all this was put together eight years ago by Comrade Bruce Doleman and Neil and Peter from the old boys surf club. It gives us an opening to the public to put our counter to Howard's fascism. Thank you Comrade Doleman. Thank you comrades. Next year it can only get better.

Yours in unity,

Charlie Gray

Union No. 3995

An Honour

I would like to thank the MUA especially the officials, committees and rank & file members of the Southern Qld Branch for the opportunity to attend the funeral of Tas Bull in Sydney; it was an honour and very much appreciated.

I first became aquainted with Tas during a stopwork meeting in Melbourne, where a very valuable lesson was learnt. That being, do your homework thoroughly if you sought to challenge him from the floor on a particular issue.

As the state secretary of the WWF Tas & I worked closely together prior to our amalgamation with the SUA & his subsequent retirement. During this time I developed great respect for the man and his leadership and am proud to have been a comrade.

Tas was not only a great leader, he was also a great humanitarian who loved people. This, Faye & myself can attest to after spending a few days with Carmen & Tas after a dockworkers conference in Fiji.

I attended the funeral along with branch secretary Mick Carr, deputy secretary Trevor Munday, Steve Cumberlidge and Barney Sanders. Along with hundreds of other comrades and mourners we walked the Hungry Mile behind the hearse carrying one of our most respected and inspirational leaders.

This, along with the service, where friends and colleagues related Tassies influence on society and themselves, and the Trade Union Choir and all of us present singing Solidarity Forever, was a fitting farewell for a much-loved Comrade and will remain with those present,forever.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Carmen, Peter, Anders and families.

Col Davies

Life member MUA Brisbane.

Appreciation

MUA Members MV Japonica wish to put on record their appreciation for what SA Branch Official, Keith Ridgeway, has given to this Union.

Comrade Ridgeway's contribution and willingness to come aboard this vessel at anytime (weekends included) and report on the Union's activities and problems is testimony of his character.

That commitment by Comrade Ridgeway shows that he will always be respected as a true unionist by all members of the MV Japonica and we wish Comrade Ridgeway the very best for the future.

Delegates

Union No: 4871

Victimisation

The meetings of MUA labour of Patrick Stevedores and CTAL (P&O Ports) Stevedores fully support the National Secretary of the Construction Division of the CFMEU, John Sutton, in his actions to protect the rights of striking workers during the Morris McMahon dispute.

We see the victimisation of John Sutton as a reactionary attack by the violently anti-worker Howard Government against the rights of Australian workers. We call upon the union to participate fully in activities to remove the Howard Government from office and bring about a more fair and equitable industrial relations systems in Australia."

Moved: B. Lee

seconded: P. McAleer

Welcome Onboard

Crew on the MT Barrington would like to express our gratitude for the outstanding work and endless commitment shown by our union officials over the years, some of whom recently lost their positions during recent elections.

Once again we thank you and would like to wish you the best for the future.

Also, we would like to welcome onboard the new front line defence team of our organisation taking up the charge with fresh ideas across the board, along with experience in fighting for the rights and conditions of workers around the world within and outside of the maritime industry.

Peter Esser

a16.barrington@ships.teekay.com

MateShip

I wish to convey my many thanks to the members of the SUA/MUA who I have spent the last decade or so with, learning from laughing with and living alongside.

I recently gained my 2nd mates ticket and sailed on the Iron Kembla as a first tripper and was afforded the warmest welcome from all on board.

Of course there are many I owe a great deal of gratitude to, but it would be remiss of me not to make special mention of the late great George Patek. For those that knew him, it goes without saying. Also officials (past and present) Doleman, Chaffer, Higgins for their unwavering commitment to the Australian Tanker Campaign; the Canopus Crew involved in the jelly-brand wharf dispute.

The support from the "Big Spender Swing" on the Pacific Triangle and the encouragement and unconditional support from the deck officers was greatly appreciated.

Sail Sailing.

Peter Tomkins

Union No. 5338

Proud Comrades

The Port Kembla Branch of MUSAA wishes all deposed officials the very best for the future and thank them for the commitment, leadership and passion they have shown over many years. These comrades have been at the forefront of our many industrial battles and could be proud knowing they had given it their best. We wish you well and hope you all stay in the union family.

To the re-elected and newly elected officials, we say congratulations and we are looking forward to working together combating this environment of continual attacks on the unions and maritime industry and furthering our cause.

We face an uncertain and difficult future, but we feel confident that if the officials and all members are united and are all pulling in the same direction and trying to achieve the same goals that we have the will, the power and the ability to meet challenges ahead head on and regain the union pride and unity that has been lacking somewhat lately. All the best comrades. Yours in unity,

Port Kembla

MUSAA Executive

New Team

Comrades the MUA crowd on board M.T. Scottish Wizard congratulate all elected officials and thank you very much departing officials. As per our history we shall as always remain on course.

MUA Crew

Scottish Wizard

On Course

The members onboard the Cossack Pioneer would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the returned officials and the newly elected officials in all the branches and look forward to working with you in the future. Keep on course.

Geoffrey G Stutsel,

MUA members Cossack Pioneer.