The Maritime Union of Australia today backed calls from the Minister for Transport Anthony Albanese for the shipping industry to "get real" about reforming and revitalising the Australian shipping industry.

Addressing industry heavyweights at the Natship09 conference at the Sydney Hilton today, Mr Albanese spoke of the crucial need to revitalise the industry: "Its real and you all know it's real....We have to get real, act with maturity and act in a collaborative fashion".

Filipino crew on board the Singapore flag of convenience bulk carrier Grand Victoria loading coal in the port of Newcastle have won US$170,000 in back pay owing after intervention from the ITF Australia.

The cash payment of US $100,000 was personally made to 19 crew members, with confirmation that a further $70,000 owing in family allotments has been paid into their home bank accounts.  The company also signed an ITF agreement giving the crew a pay rise and better working conditions on board. 

“The prediction is that post 2020 coastal shipping will experience significant coastal shipping growth with the need for  greater use of efficient and low-carbon methods of transport but the establishment of a competitive Australian shipping industry must begin right now”, said Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. 

Speaking at the Natship09 conference in Sydney, this morning, Mr Crumlin launched a new platform for the revitalisation of shipping, Time for a Sea Change in Australian Shipping, calling for the  Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive package of regulatory reforms and fiscal support without delay. 

Australian transport unions stopped traffic at the busiest intersection in Brisbane’s travel district late yesterday afternoon in support of EPMU Zeal 320 members who are in dispute with Air New Zealand. The protest was eventually stopped by police.
 
The solidarity protest by the Transport Workers Union, Maritime Union of Australia and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Congress came against the backdrop of the triennial Australian Council of Trade Unions congress and shows anger over Air New Zealand’s behaviour toward workers in its subsidiary is spreading across the Tasman.

His death was announced at ACTU Congress today. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin addressed the Congress, paying tribute to Greg's union work and his support of the Transport workers union alliance with TWU MUA and RTBU. The national secretary extended the MUA's condolences to Greg's family and union. Congress stood for one minute's silence.

"Greg, was fighting cancer for some time," National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said in a circular to councillors. 
 "He faced his illness with great courage and character. He was an inspiration to all who worked with him and knew him."

The officers, staff and members pass on our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Liz and his family and the officers, staff and members of the RTBU.

Waterside workers at West Swanson Dock, Melbourne, refused to load a container of Pacific Brands plant equipment on May 31, in sympathy with worker and community outrage over the company's behaviour.

Workers on all three shifts, day, twilight and midnight - around 200 men and women - unanimously voted to endorse the following statement:

A community assembly was set up outside West Swanson Dock in Melbourne over night after word got out that Pacific Brands, manufacturers of the iconic Bonds label, was attempting to ship tax payer funded equipment out of the country.

The Federal Government is in the process of introducing new labour laws that will provide the opportunity for workers to collectively bargain your employment agreements.

The campaign for fairer and more balanced workplace drug and alcohol testing methods received a boost recently when the AIRC supported a union case for saliva over urine testing.

Voices from the Ships, Australian Seafarers and their union, a history commissioned by the MUA, is now available from all branch union rooms.

The history, by Diane Kirkby, focuses on the last two decades of the union before its amalgamation with the Waterside Workers' Federation to become the Maritime Union of today.