Notices

ILO minimum wage

The ILO has raised the minimum wage for the world's seafarers to US$515 per month as of January 2007, with two further increases scheduled for January 2008 (US$530) and January 2009 (US$545).

The new standards also provide 2.5 days leave per month, 104 hours overtime and 8 hours compensatory leave for public holidays, bringing the total wage to US$905.12.

The ILO minimum wage for able seafarers is reviewed bi-annually.

Collect your British pension!

If you have worked in the UK for as little as three years, you could be entitled to a British pension.

That's the message from Jim Tilley, chair of the British Pension in Australia organisation.

Five years ago, Jim, a chartered accountant who migrated to Australia in 1971, was looking into his retirement.

"I discovered that my 15 years of work in the UK meant I was entitled to a part payment of a British pension," he said.

He checked with Centrelink and found that while some of his Australian pension would be reduced, he was still overwhelmingly better off claiming both.

All MUA members who have worked in the UK for three or more years and want to know more can call BPA on 13000 308 353. They will assist you for a nominal annual subscription.

Indonesia Calling

Independent documentary maker Leslie Holden is researching a documentary on Australian Indonesian relations, including the solidarity actions taken by wharfies and seafarers in support of the independence struggle after WWII. Any retired members who were around at the time or can recall or were involved in the blockade against Dutch ships just after WWII (between 1945-47) or had some association with the former Indonesian POWs or Indonesian trade unions or were involved with the production of the film Indonesia Calling should call the producer tel 02 9319 6695, mobile 0408 736 409 email lholden@ozemail.com.au

Visit Vietnam

It was one of the union's finest acts of humanitarin internationalism - 5000 rank and file seafarers donating from ships rolling funds all chipping in to help build a kindergarten after the bombing of Vietnam. MUA veterans Alan Alport and George Murray visited the kindergarten and now they want others to join them in their upcoming return trip. Anyone who wishes to travel, learn, enjoy and take pride in our maritime history and discover Vietnam should contact Alan - Tel 02 951 6 3148, email ollyerko@tpg.com.au. Full story next MWJ