Maritime Workers Journal, Summer 2024

QUBE WORKERS ORGANISE: Bosses on notice: "It's our turn" p10 SHIPPING REFORM: Strategic fleet progress defies cartels, p13 BLACK ARMADA: Forging the fraternal bonds of solidarity with Indonesia, p32 THE MARITIME WORKERS’ JOURNAL • SUMMER 2024

QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE: Important information for members, p37

Blythe Star found

CONTENTS 10 Qube workers unite

Bosses told, “It’s our turn!”

16 First Nations recognition

Where next after the referendum

24 Blythe Star

mystery solved Final resting place of lost cargo ship discovered

32 Black Armada

Our long history of Indonesian-Australian maritime solidarity

37 Quadrennial Conference

Everything you need to know about the MUA 2024 conference FRONT COVER: MV Blythe Star at Prince of Wales Bay, Hobart.

O’MAY COLLECTION, MARITIME MUSEUM OF TASMANIA.

INSIDE COVER: Sole living survivor of the Blythe Star tragedy, former MUA Deputy Secretary Mick Doleman.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Paddy Crumlin DESIGN Louise@Lx9Design.com PRINTER Planet Press

Maritime Workers’ Journal 365-375 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000 Contact: (02) 9267 9134 Fax: (02) 9261 3481 Email: journal@mua.org.au Website: http://www.mua.org.au MWJ reserves the right at all times to edit and/ or reduce any articles or letters to be published.

Publication No: 1235 For all story ideas, letters, obituaries, please email journal@mua.org.au

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LOGGING ON

LOGGING ON

National Conference

Our Union’s Quadrennial National Conference of members is taking place as you read this. The Conference plays an essential role in the democratic processes of our 151 year old organisation as the highest governance forum of the Union. It brings together rank and file members from all workplaces and committees including women, youth and indigenous representation and will involve the participation of many of leading international and Australian trade union leaders and their rank and file activists.

Throughout our more than 150 years, the MUA has prevailed against bad employers, international cartels, conservative governments, media tycoons and more recently antiworker technologies like Artificial Intelligence and automation. There have been attempts to deregister the Union, officials and members have been gaoled and prosecuted and activist members have on occasion been seriously injured and killed in the defence of their Union. We have met these challenges on every occasion with the courage, foresight and unity of generations of maritime workers and their families and with support of other working men and women in Australia and internationally. Throughout that rich and important history, our strategies, policies, political campaigns and resolutions have originated from National Conferences.

This conference will again determine the strategy and framework for tackling the great challenges facing our Union over the coming four years while realising the opportunities that the current environment provides

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us. Our Conferences have always been a participative, democratic and enormously respected process that engages in at times robust but always open and fulsome discussion about those challenges and opportunities we face.

Shipping Reform

The Albanese Government continues to implement their election promise to maritime workers. As a member of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce, I have worked closely with the Departmental, Defence and industry representatives including the Chair, John Mullen (formerly of Toll Logistics, the last Australian company to build and operate Australian flagged and crewed ships), on providing recommendations to government for a strategic fleet that is economically and commercially sustainable and which provides the underpinning of a growing and revitalised shipping sector to secure our supply chains during this growing security crisis.

The Recommendations also reinforce our recent experience of the importance of coastal shipping to secure our national supply chains during times of domestic crisis including flooding, fire, pandemic and other environmental and community crises. After decades of negligence and opposition to Australian shipping by consecutive conservative governments, the essential skills base required to meet our maritime needs has been undermined in a country where shipping is vital to our social and economic well-being; shipping moves 99 per cent of Australia’s goods traded by volume, and around 79 per cent by value.

The Committee’s Recommendations to government are made in a context where, as of December 2022, there are only 11 Australian-flagged and crewed vessels over 2,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) holding General Licences under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 that operate in Australia’s coastal trade.

This stands in stark contrast to the 504 foreign flagged vessels which undertook 2,309 voyages to, from or around Australia during 2021.

The work of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce last year was an overdue and essential step towards rebuilding a sustainable, secure future for Australian seafarers working on their own coastline. We remain resolute in our commitment to the long-term viability of our industry not just for the employment opportunities it delivers the maritime workers of today but the social and economic importance of shipping and seafaring for all Australians – something that will endure for generations to come.

The recent Robbery and Sea and Nowhere to Hide reports by the ITF highlighted that Australian supply chains are currently dominated by international Flag of Convenience shippers that operate with tax exemptions and are negligent of their human responsibilities to seafarers.

They have developed cartels; anticompetitive arrangements through which they gouge obscene profits from the Australian economic community.

The Recommendations of the Taskforce are wide-ranging and have been broadly endorsed and supported by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, and the Prime Minister, www.mua.org.au

Anthony Albanese. Together with key national and state officials, we have met continuously with Defence, Treasury and Training ministers, and other related industrial portfolios to ensure there is a sustainable and smooth transition back to Australian-flagged and crewed shipping.

The MUA and the ITF have continued to campaign for improved and expanded training and skills development for seafarers and young workers wanting to join the industry.

This has been in direct response to the decades long failures of state and federal governments, some employers and shipping companies (particularly in the offshore sector) to support and fund this essential national skills base. Much of the training has been performed

by METL through its continuous training structure even though this was undertaken during a time of high unemployment for Australian seafarers. METL and the MUA and some progressive employers recognised that there needed to be a long-term, structured and sustainably funded training framework that could not be undermined by companies opting out or riding on the backs of other companies to secure their training needs or to use the skills shortage to rely upon international FOC shipping.

Other important recommendations are designed to address the rorting of the Coastal Trading Act, the misuse of Temporary Licences, addressing the cost gap between Australian and international shipping, the composition of the Strategic Fleet, the establishment of a levy to fund the Fleet, and other legislative and regulatory changes to ensure vessels are registered on the Australian General Shipping Register, to give the power to government to requisition ships in a crisis and to boost the funding for compliance and enforcement activities by AMSA. There is much more work to be done in the implementation of these recommendations and we continue to strongly press for full implementation.

The issue will be a major focus for the Quadrennial National Conference.

Dubai Port(s) in a storm

The prevarication and misrepresentation of the facts by Dubai Ports again highlights the failure of port privatisation and regulation within the stevedoring industry.

www.mua.org.au

The company raised its prices by 52% in Australia while rejecting fair wage increases based on the impact of inflation.

MUA members have sought to negotiate in good faith at a time of immense fiscal pain for all working class people around the world, when their real wages have been undermined by inflation and in the face of profit gouging by DP World. The company raised its prices by 52% in Australia while rejecting fair wage increases based on the impact of inflation.

They have attacked their employees in the media and savaged a workforce that met the challenges of the pandemic with courage, consistency and professionalism.

The actions of DP World, who effectively pay zero tax in this country, are effectively holding to ransom small businesses, taxpayers and consumers while seeking to blame the MUA for their cynical and manipulative commercial practices.

It is clear that they are also seeking to undermine the changes to the Fair Work Act that have been legislated to give a fairer balance to workers in collective bargaining.

Our bargaining position is fair and reasonable and consistent with the maturity that we demonstrate in all that we do. We encourage the Australian managers of Dubai Ports to reengage with negotiations in a cooperative mindset to negotiate in a respectful manner towards a fair outcome.

I convened high level meetings of international dockworkers in Australia with representation from the UK, Türkiye, Poland and Canada to discuss the global network terminal operators’ treatment of workers in an international industry, including in Australia, and DP World was identified as falling short of consistently delivering on these expectations for freedom of association, occupational health and safety and collective bargaining. See Page 18 for more.

Ørsted busted

Ørsted are a Danish company operating in the offshore wind sector. Like some of the global network terminal operators, they have good industrial

relations in certain countries, but do not meet these standards consistently throughout the globe. The Danish transport union, 3F (affiliated with the ITF) and with the support of over 215 unions from 100 countries has signed an open letter to the CEO of Ørsted, calling on him and the company to give the US Dockers union ILA recognition in the construction and delivery of offshore wind facilities.

The US arm of Ørsted has failed to negotiate in good faith, having broken promises to workers and union members represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in New London, Connecticut.

With new offshore renewable projects on foot around the world, including in Australia, the MUA is paying close attention and is committed to the solidarity campaign to ensure what is happening in the US will not be tolerated.

See Page 12 for more on this company’s antics.

Nowhere to Hide

The ITF’s redoubtable efforts alongside dozens of MUA activists, delegates and HSRs at ports throughout Australia has delivered an overwhelming outcome for wages recovery around our coast.

Through two separate Week of Action blitzes and over 700 inspections nationwide, the ITF has recovered more than US$16 million in stolen wages for vulnerable seafarers working aboard Flag of Convenience ships in Australia.

We were proud to welcome two Labor Senators and long-time friends of the MUA, Senator Tony Sheldon and Senator Glenn Sterle, who both undertook the Australian Inspectorate’s training programme to become ITF volunteers, and went up the gangways of ships in Melbourne during November to check records of payment, living conditions aboard, and ensure medical care and shore leave is being provided to crews. •

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UPDATES

Ban on using work cages with ships’ cranes For some time, the Union and MUA members have been concerned about the use of work cages being used on ships cranes in bulk and general stevedoring operations.

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hip cranes on general cargo vessels are notoriously unreliable and prone to failure.

There have been many instances of free-falling blocks, of booms crashing to the deck and even cranes breaking from the bullring of the crane.

We would never want see workers falling, trapped in a cage when any of these malfunctions occur.

A recent meeting convened by the MUA with AMSA representatives and SafeWork NSW explored the use of work cages on these types of cranes.

Agreement was reached that work cages on these types of ships cranes in bulk and general stevedoring operations should not occur except in an emergency situation.

In container terminals we agree that Quay Cranes (Portainers) are well equipped to utilise a workcage as quay cranes comply with all crane regulations.

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Quay cranes are not in question in this instance.

Ship cranes, however, do not comply with the National Stevedoring Code of Practice or the various regulations and guidance from State safety regulators.

Why are we being asked to use work cages?

The most common reason workers are being told to use work cages in bulk and general stevedoring operations is to get around what amounts to a breach of the Federal Marine Orders in the first place.

Poor stows which cause inadequate access are the excuse, but that is not a good enough reason to resort to putting our lives at risk in work cages on ship’s cranes.

Cargo access blocked by a poor stow is also a breach of the Marine Orders. A work cage is not the fix to this, so an engineering solution to gain safe hold access is required.

This may require shipwrights to install staging or other solutions for workers down below to gain access.

Ship cranes are dangerous No one should have to risk their life on a gamble that a ship’s crane will not fail. It happens too often.

All workers are reminded of the role we all play in maintaining a safe work space; including near a working crane.

Follow safe work procedures at all times, and always be vigilant to ensure your work area is free from hazards.

All workers are reminded to keep all persons including the crew away from transverse walkway impact areas whilst cargo operations are underway.

Be aware. Know where the hook is.

• Stay clear of suspended loads.

• Stay clear of impact zones.

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• If a ships’ gear is not fit for purpose, including fittings, condemn them.

www.mua.org.au

Right: Life saving helmet and the airborne twistlock that almost killed MUA member Lee White.

Falling dislodged auto twistlock struck deck foreman In November, one of our members – Lee White from Patricks Port Botany – was struck on the helmet from a dislodged fitting whilst loading a blind cell, five high, on the Kota Laris.

The incident occurred at roughly 11.30 pm and Lee was comforted and attended to by his workmates and First Aid officers prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Lee has asked the Union to share his story with members to draw attention to the significant risks and dangers which are a fact of life for all wharfies.

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hilst emergency services were stabilising Lee, the crane gang was discharging containers from the adjacent wharf side bay as to get access for the work cage and safely egress off the ship to the waiting ambulance.

The style of fitting on the Kota Laris (auto-auto) is a flawed design, as when bumped they have a tendency to dislodge.

As well as Lee’s workmates, Patrick management have to be commended for their initial and ongoing support for Lee. Patrick & other stevedoring operators need to work with the Union to audit this style of fitting and take a cooperative and united position to representatives at the Shipping Australia lobby group, which represents international shipping companies in Australia.

The MUA, its members and the employer in this example all agree that these fittings must be removed from international ships that visit our ports.

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he MUA met with the International Dockers Council (IDC) to discuss the issue and get an international alert out.

Lee’s hard hat definitely saved his life.

All members, including deck foremen and team leaders, should always wear all of their PPE at a working crane.

Members: Control your work area, follow all procedures, wear all PPE and keep all persons –including crew – away from potential impact zones.

Members should report any/all incidents where a fitting dislodges to management.

Furthermore, talk to HSRs and your Union about control measures and Workplace Safety regulator intervention.

UA National Safety Officer Justin Timmins visited Lee in hospital and reported that, despite his significant injuries, he was in good spirits while awaiting further surgery.

“He is a tough bugger who’s had two surgeries so far and the major one to go this afternoon where they will be inserting a metal plate in his forehead,” Timmins said in late November.

As the photos illustrate there are a number of fractures to Lee’s his skull, but as bad as it looks, this would certainly have been a much worse and probably lethal if Lee had not been wearing his hard hat.

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orking the deck of a ship is an extremely dangerous job and is no place for complacency. Always “take 5” and assess your area.

If fittings are dislodging on the top of containers, get in your work cage to retrieve them. Do not try to flick them off with the flippers or use your unlocking pole – the risk to your life or the life of a workmate is not worth the time you might save by doing it unsafely.

Lee has two young children and a wife, Ashlee, who eagerly welcomed him home from hospital after his surgery.

Along with them, the MUA and all of our members and associated unions wish Lee all the very best for a speedy recovery. •

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OFFSHORE OIL & GAS

End of life offshore oil & gas

timetable for decommissioning and recycling set down

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ith Australia on the cusp of a $60 billion opportunity in the task of removing and recycling our retired oil and gas infrastructure, at an event in Parliament House in Canberra the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) launched a major piece of academic work produced alongside Macquarie University’s Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Innovation and Transformation. The report calls for a major shakeup of government policy and regulation of the dismantling, processing, recycling and disposal of offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

For many years, the MUA has been building the case for a new industry around the Australian coastline to decommission, remove and recycle offshore oil and gas infrastructure to unfold alongside the investment in and development of offshore renewable energy projects.

The MUA, through its long standing commitment to Net Zero and our support of the COP processes held by the United Nations, supports the responsible, ethical and comprehensive clean up of offshore oil and gas infrastructure as older installations come offline. “This is essential to return seafloor and aquatic environments to their original condition once oil and gas fields cease production,” said the MUA’s National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin.

The report, authored by Professor Tina SolimanHunter, focuses on the dismantling, processing, recycling and disposal of offshore oil and gas infrastructure – the necessary next step after structures are removed and come ashore.

“High standards onshore are essential to achieving excellent safety, economic and environmental outcomes offshore,” explained Prof Soliman-Hunter at the report’s launch.

With offshore oil and gas installations often beyond the horizon and therefore invisible to the community, many oil and gas companies with offshore projects at or near their end of life have spent many years trying to avoid their legal and ethical obligation to safely, cleanly and thoroughly remove their underwater and floating equipment – including well-heads, pipelines and riser turret moorings (RTMs).

“Every year we catch major oil and gas companies trying to abandon their offshore, underwater and floating infrastructure, often after deliberately ignoring routine maintenance tasks so that it becomes uneconomical or unsafe to properly remove them,” Assistant National Secretary Mich-Elle Myers said.

The MUA and the Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Innovation and Transformation have examined Australia’s international legal obligations and domestic law pertaining to dismantling, processing, recycling and disposal of offshore oil and gas infrastructure, have identified gaps

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in the existing legal framework, analysed best practice in mature jurisdictions and international legal instruments, and provided a series of high-level recommendations for the development of effective government policy in Australia.

“Offshore energy projects have provided generations of members with rewarding and fulfilling work building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our economy.

That’s not going to change with the shift to offshore renewable projects, and as older oil and gas projects wind down and come offline we have a collective obligation to remove and dispose of these installations thoroughly and sustainably,” said MUA Assistant National Secretary, MichElle Myers at the report launch.

Already on the job!

Members onboard the Skandi Darwin (DOF Subsea multipurpose support vessel) are working on Esso’s Gippsland Basin decommissioning campaign.

Esso recently informed us that DOF is engaged for 3 years of Esso’s decommissioning work.

This ship is part of a growing fleet that needs our seafarers to support it, including Rig 22, and the HWT600, being joined at the end of 2023 by the Helix Q7000.

Oilfield contractor Petrofac is using the Skandi Atlantic right now for an initial 12 month contract to support its decommissioning and disconnecting work for the Northern Endeavour floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel located in the Timor Sea. Off the Victorian coast (Otway Basin) scheduled for a mid-2024 start, is Woodside’s removal of their Minvera field infrastructure. This will need a semi-submersible Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU), a multipurpose ship, several offshore support and supply vessels.

Woodside’s current oil and gas decommissioning projects at Enfield (Nganhurra RTM), Griffin, Stybarrow, and Echo/Yodel will be the largest of its kind undertaken on Australia’s coast.

During 2023, Woodside Energy awarded major contracts with the expectation they will get the go ahead from NOPSEMA to start by the end of 2023. A range of contractors are in the mix including Heerema, McDermott, Fugro, DOF and McMahon and will include an array of vessels such as supply, anchor handling tugs, construction support vessels, and a heavy lift to be operating in the field.

Technip FMC’s Deep Orient is set to work the Griffin Field (8-months) and Transocean has the contract to undertake the permanent plug and abandonment of wells in the Stybarrow field (14 months). The operations will cover removal and disposal of riser and turret moorings, umbilicals, flowlines, and other subsea infrastructure. www.mua.org.au

Esso aren’t being strait

Esso upped the ante with a recent (and third) attempt at applying for permission to dump eight subsea platform structures in the Bass Straight. The company responded to the Union’s objections by dismissing all concerns out of hand. Esso’s published reply stated that on meeting with the MUA, the Union’s queries were fully addressed, but this is complete fantasy.

Despite this obstruction, the Union will continue to engage with Esso and share the workforce’s valuable industry insights to get them to commit to a comprehensive decommissioning campaign.

The last edition of MWJ highlighted a lack of transparency in the evidence provided by Esso which claimed that marine life would enjoy using their dumping ground as artificial reefs.

The source for that claim was research they themselves had paid for and has still not been publicly released for review or assessment by the Union or other experts.

The company remains adamant that there was no obligation on them to publicly share their data. This position from the company is totally unreasonable and

MUA and CFMEU national representatives alongside Professor Tina Soliman-Hunter at the launch of the Decommissioning report in Parliament House, Canberra

proves that even companies like Esso, who are decommissioning some of their infrastructure responsibly, will try to minimise or avoid their full responsibilities to clean up disused equipment on our seafloor. •

“Every year we catch major oil and gas companies trying to abandon their offshore, underwater and floating infrastructure...”

www.mua.org.au

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OFFSHORE RENEWABLES

MUA backs burgeoning offshore wind industry

in the face of conservative opposition

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arlier this year Australian seafarers joined a specialist offshore vessel – the Fugro Mariner – that had arrived in Australia to participate in the development of the Star of the South offshore wind installation, near Gippsland, Victoria.

The Fugro Mariner was crewed

by Australian seafarers employed

by Australian Offshore Solutions (AOS) on a union agreement while performing geotechnical work in the Bass Strait to enable offshore wind farm construction to commence.

The vessel had about 25 days of work in the Bass Strait, plus mobilisation and demobilisation voyages. Its task was to collect soil and rock samples from the sea floor and up to 70m beneath the seafloor to ensure the wind turbine foundations are designed to suit local seabed conditions.

The development was one of many wins for maritime workers who have been campaigning from the grassroots for clean climate jobs and a Just Transition from the hydrocarbon industries.

The Maritime Union of Australia’s Assistant National Secretary, Adrian Evans, heralded the development as the culmination of many years’ work by the Union to encourage legislative and regulatory changes that would encourage offshore wind investment.

“MUA members on this vessel are among the first workers to work

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on an offshore wind project in Australia, and this is an important milestone in the development of offshore renewable energy in Australia,” he said.

The Maritime Union has been leading the charge for a two pronged response to the climate crisis and the need for a Just Transition for maritime workers. Firstly, investment in offshore wind farms, and secondly, the thorough decommissioning and recycling of disused or dilapidated offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

“The Maritime Union’s members built the offshore Oil and Gas industry over many years, but as the world shifts away from fossil fuels, it is critical that MUA members are engaged to fully decommission those disused offshore O&G assets and put our maritime skillsets towards building the new energy projects in offshore wind. In so doing, the future of the Union’s seafaring membership will be secured for generations to come,” Mr Evans explained.

Once operational, the Star of the South project is expected to provide 2.2GW of energy, representing the potential to supply up to 20% of Victoria’s electricity needs, powering 1.2 million homes.

“While we expect this to be the first of many vessels, performing the first of many voyages in pursuit of sustainable, clean energy around Australia’s coast, it is also an exciting

and significant indicator of a rewarding and strategically significant future for Australian seafarers,” Mr Evans said.

Notwithstanding the Union’s support for offshore wind, we will not accept bad corporate conduct or mistreatment of maritime workers.

Danish energy giant Ørsted, which has proposals afoot in Australia, is one such operator that the MUA has put on notice. See Page 12.

MUA trumpets offshore renewable energy jobs for maritime workers

Australian maritime workers will continue to benefit from the fast pace of investment and expansion of offshore renewable energy projects around our coastline. The Maritime Union of Australia welcomes the announcement by the Federal Labor Government of public consultation for a new renewable energy zone — the Southern Ocean Renewables Zone — off the coastline near the Victorian and South Australian borders that will add hundreds more new seafaring and port services jobs from Warrnambool in Victoria to Port MacDonnell in South Australia.

The 5,100 square kilometre area subject to consultation will take in the Victorian city of Portland, which is home to one of Australia’s largest smelters and draws up to 10 percent of Victoria’s electricity. According to

www.mua.org.au

“MUA members on this vessel are among the first workers to work on an offshore wind project in Australia, and this is an important milestone in the development of offshore renewable energy in Australia.”

Federal Government analysis, the offshore wind projects in this region will generate up to 3000 jobs during construction and 3000 jobs ongoing, many of which will be new jobs in the maritime sector.

At the announcement alongside Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Victorian Minister for Energy & Resources, Climate Action and the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio, representatives of the MUA Dave Ball and Aarin Moon celebrated the next step towards the massive economic and social opportunities on offer through new renewable energy projects on the Australian coastline.

“It is members of the MUA who built and delivered some of the world’s largest offshore oil and gas infrastructure over the last fifty years,

www.mua.org.au

and our members now stand ready to put their skills towards building these huge, incredible wind turbines out at sea so that we can decarbonise our economy,” Mr Ball said.

“Cheaper and more reliable renewable energy will keep manufacturing towns like Portland in Victoria working, which is good for the economy and good for our own industry, so we are excited to play such an important role in building the infrastructure that will make that possible,” said Mr Moon.

MUA rejects conservative misinformation campaigns

Assistant National Secretary Adrian Evans has been working with MUA branches around the country to promote the opportunities for workers in the seafaring, port services and waterfront sectors that will come from massive new renewable energy projects around the Australian coastline, but the opportunities for maritime workers face strong headwinds from conservative opponents. Misinformation abounds and conservative politicians are whipping up fear in some communities that has no basis in fact.

Baseless claims about the impact of wind turbines on migratory whales, fisheries and sea birds are being deployed alongside a renewed push by the National Party to establish a nuclear energy industry instead of investing in offshore wind.

On the mid north coast of New South Wales, a new 1,800 square kilometre area in the Hunter will reach across the Hunter coastline, from Swansea to Port Stephens, an area which is home to one of Australia’s largest ports along with a number of electricity grid assets and declining coal fired power stations that have come off line or are due to be decommissioned in coming years.

The potential capacity of the area is

approximately 5GW of wind energy, enough to power 4.2 million homes and underpin the energy needs of the thriving industrial and manufacturing sectors in Newcastle and the Hunter.

According to Federal Government analysis, the offshore wind projects in this region will generate up to 3000 jobs during construction and 1560 jobs ongoing, many of which will be new jobs in the maritime sector.

The MUA’s Newcastle Branch Secretary, Glen Williams, is a long term advocate for renewable offshore energy investment to generate new job opportunities for MUA members on the Australian east coast.

“It is members of the MUA who have loaded and transported the coal and other natural resources which have provided employment and prosperity for Newcastle throughout the 150 years of our Union’s history but we are conscious of the need to meet the challenges of the next hundred and fifty years through decarbonisation and renewable energy, Mr Williams said.

The Federal Energy and Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, endorsed the efforts of the MUA to expand offshore wind in the Hunter region.

“The Hunter is undergoing significant economic change, and the prospect of creating new job opportunities for decades to come through a new offshore wind industry is a game changer,” Minister Bowen said.

These announcement comes after many years of advocacy and policy leadership by the Maritime Union of Australia calling for new clean energy jobs, a just transition for workers employed in hydrocarbon industries, and for a comprehensive plan to decommission and clean up disused offshore oil and gas infrastructure from the sea floor. •

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BULK & GENERAL

Qube on notice: workers say

“It’s our turn!”

Flippant safety standards on full display – Qube manager breaches safe working procedures in candid camera moment.

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ube workers from across every MUA branch in Australia have been meeting throughout 2023 to plan out the claims and bargaining strategy for the next QUBE EBA that is due for renewal in the new year.

Preparations were being made a long way out from the expiry of members’ current agreements; in part, this was because of the potential for negotiations to be impacted by recently introduced Intractable Bargaining provisions in workplace law, but also to deliver the highest possible level of organisation and preparedness across every Qube site.

A nationwide meeting of Qube delegates undertook a number of preparatory tasks and laid out a detailed campaign plan to deal with this incredibly difficult employer.

Delegates unanimously endorsed the campaign plan and a log of claims to be put to Qube and fought for in the next EBA negotiation process.

The MUA’s Deputy National Secretary Warren Smith said, “We held an incredibly united meeting with wharfies Australia-wide who came together to plan their fightback against the complete disrespect with which they are being treated by Qube.

“The conference slogan was ‘It’s Our Turn’, with a clear and obvious determination to achieve collective

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justice that was evident from every delegate in attendance. It was an amazing show of unity and militant resolve to fight back against Qube’s astonishing and rapacious corporate greed,” Smith said.

The conference agenda extended past the traditional log of claims approach and resulted in highly significant displays of international and national trade union unity as elements of a far-reaching campaign.

Strong solidarity support has been given to this campaign from the MUA’s national leadership.

MUA National Secretary and ITF President Paddy Crumlin led the international discussion along with ITF and IDC representatives giving their full commitment to the struggle.

International guests included Enrico Tortolano ITF Dockers coordinator, Jordi Aragunde IDC International Labour Coordinator along with Paul McAleer ITF Asia Pacific dockers coordinator and Paul Keating MUA

Sydney Branch Secretary and IDC Asia Pacific coordinator who both attended the full conference.

Dennis Daggett, the IDC General Coordinator, sent a strong message of solidarity to the meeting via video.

Craig Harrison, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ), also participated in the full conference reflecting the extremely close ties between the MUA and MUNZ who are in their own battles with ISO, a Kiwi stevedoring company that is wholly owned by Qube.

Christy Cain, the CFMEU National Secretary, and Zach Smith, the CFMEU Construction Division National Secretary gave solidarity to Qube wharfies clearly outlining that any struggle between Qube and the MUA is also their struggle and the whole amalgamated union will be there to back wharfies in as the campaign unfolds.

A strong commitment to supply chain solidarity was given by guests www.mua.org.au

Nick McIntosh, Transport Workers Union (TWU) Assistant National Secretary, and Shayne Kummerfield, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Assistant National Secretary, in a session on supply chain solidarity held with MUA Deputy National Secretary Warren Smith.

Both the RTBU and the TWU represent members in their industries against Qube – transport and railway workers – and their unions report equally difficult relations with this growing corporate behemoth.

The three unions will be working towards a solidarity pact against Qube’s treatment of all workers along the supply chain. The principle of standing by each other was well articulated by the three unions.

A session on safety revealed how Qube’s talk did not match their walk as National Safety and Training officer Justin Timmins explored safety campaigning across all ports as part of the broader Qube campaign.

He was backed in by CFMMEU National Organiser James Simpson who passed on the solidarity and organising message on safety from our construction comrades.

The conference elected the National Part A Negotiating Team along with a broader EBA Campaign Committee which will report back to the broader delegate structure through the rank and file based National Qube Campaign Leadership Council.

There is no doubt that the widely felt sentiment across all ports is that it is indeed our turn, and the unity and solidarity shown by all will place our Union in an exceptional position to fight back against Qube, a company which has been making huge profits against the backdrop of workers’ eroding purchasing power.

Economic pressures on workers not felt by shareholders The Union has been running a vigorous and analytical social media campaign against the company, using data from the shareholders’ annual reports to illustrate the brazen corporate greed that is at the heart of Qube’s activities.

While massive executive salaries and bonuses have become the norm at Qube, wharfies pay has been denuded in real terms by 5% over the life of the current agreement. That’s against a

www.mua.org.au

backdrop of profits soaring some 116% in the same period.

“While we make it, they take it,” Warren Smith said. “With eyewatering salary packages that run to between $900 and $1700 per hour, for sitting around an office conference table whingeing about the workforce, you have to wonder how they think they can get away with it,” Smith added.

These executive salaries, plus bonuses, and super profits come off the back of sustained price gouging by major transport, shipping and logistics companies during and after the COVID pandemic, when prices for small businesses and consumers shot up by 1000%. The inflationary impact of this piracy is still being felt by households and workers across the country.

Prosecutions against Qube The Union has ramped up a legal campaign against Qube’s incompetent and often times delinquent management, with a series of legal challenges, actions and prosecutions which hold Qube to account for their breaches of the existing agreement, national employment law and essential safety legislation.

Deputy Secretary Warren Smith, said that “the prosecutions shall continue against this company until they stop breaching their agreement with their workforce and until they follow the letter of Australian workplace safety laws, but while the wheels of the legal process turn slowly the growing number of cases against Qube should make these bosses think twice about any future opportunistic breaches.”

Qube refuses to meet or commence bargaining process With the expiry of the current

agreement now on the horizon in June 2024, Union officials and Qube delegates have sought to commence the bargaining process by seeking preliminary meeting dates with Qube’s managers.

The company has failed to respond to all but one written invitation to negotiate, with the solitary emailed reply stating in November 2023 that the company was still thinking about its bargaining position ahead of the agreement expiry and refusing to suggest suitable dates for initial negotiations.

“We believe this is yet another tactical manipulation by the company to waste as much available time between now and the agreement’s expiry in June so that they can undermine any possible positive outcome,” said Warren Smith.

The new workplace laws, enacted in late 2022, that contain intractable bargaining provisions were intended to bring failed negotiations to an amicable conclusion, but in the maritime sector where long negotiation processes are the norm, HR professionals and observers have noted that maritime employers see the intractable bargaining provisions as an opportunity to pursue arbitration rather than an incentive to engage in negotiation.

“The focus of negotiations will centre around wage justice as well as safety and fatigue management, but first the company must fulfil its obligation to the workforce and agree to meet. If Qube continues in such a belligerent manner there will no doubt be considerable industrial struggle in the coming year,” said Smith. •

11

INTERNATIONAL

Anti-union antics of Danish energy giant Ørsted challenged by international solidarity

Maritime workers stand for peace The Maritime Union of Australia has an unmatched record of solidarity, support and action alongside people suffering atrocities, fleeing violence and resisting oppression.

For 150 years, our Union has taken a leadership role in the peace movement, against violence, imperialism, arms proliferation and apartheid wherever it exists.

Australian maritime workers are appalled by the violence, murder and destruction being wrought throughout the Middle East in recent weeks and months. The Union calls for an immediate and enduring ceasefire. We call for an immediate release of all hostages. We call for an end to the blockade of Gaza.

Citizens of Gaza live in one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Two million people in an area the size of Canberra must not be cut off from food, medicine, fuel and other human essentials. Critical infrastructure, including power and water, must be restored immediately.

The Union has always opposed the

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illegal occupation of Palestine, and we stand in solidarity with all people – including Israelis, Palestinians and people throughout the Middle East – who are committed to peace, equality and justice.

We support the peaceful assemblies and demonstrations throughout Australia which call for an end to hostilities in Palestine and Israel. We call on state governments and the various police services throughout Australia to facilitate these peaceful assemblies without escalating or provoking conflict.

The MUA will never accept political restrictions on the right to protest, the right to gather peacefully, and the right to political expression – these are fundamental to democracy. We further call on the Australian Federal Government to adopt a stronger, bi-partisan approach to promote peace in the Middle East for all working class Israelis and Palestinians and their families who have borne the brunt of this conflict for generations. •

Hundreds of trade unions from across the world joined together in protest against union-busting measures taken by renewable energy company Ørsted.

Over 215 unions from 100 countries have signed an open letter to Mads Nipper, Group President and CEO of Ørsted, calling on Nipper to directly intervene and resolve the issues between Ørsted US and US maritime unions.

Unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) will today (20 September) deliver the letter to key Ørsted offices, as well as holding protests in key ports in North America, Europe, Australia and the UK. Ørsted US has failed to negotiate in good faith, breaking promises to workers and union members represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in New London, Connecticut. Ørsted has also signed twenty-year contracts with anti-union shipping companies – a direct violation of Ørsted’s own Code of Conduct.

A company that prides itself on its green credentials, Ørsted is disregarding the workers involved in delivering its services. Seafarers and dockers are vital to Ørsted’s supply chain and ensuring the smooth delivery and continued service of Ørsted’s offshore wind projects globally.

Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary, ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin said: “The MUA and all ITF affiliated unions stand united against what is essentially union busting. We don’t believe that www.mua.org.au

ITF condemns Shipping Australia’s opposition to a strategic fleet

“The MUA and all ITF affiliated unions stand united against what is essentially union busting.” PADDY CRUMLIN companies like Ørsted can call themselves green on one hand, while being prepared to exploit workers on the other. Climate justice and worker justice must go hand in hand.”

Harold Daggett, President, ILA said: “Ørsted cannot claim that this is a jurisdictional dispute between unions. It has blatantly entered into a project labour agreement with the building trades unions even after the ILA made Ørsted aware of the scope of longshore work jurisdiction. Ørsted must respect the core work jurisdiction of longshore workers in its wind turbine operations and its failure to do so cannot be tolerated.”In addition to joining the global day of action against Ørsted on 20 September 2023, Maritime Union of Australia members rallied in July at the Australia Wind Energy conference where Ørsted was presenting to industry, government and regulatory stakeholders about future wind projects around the Australian coastline. The MUA called on company officials there to respect the ILA jurisdiction on the United States’ East Coast and put the company on notice about respecting workers and their unions when commencing future projects in Australia. • www.mua.org.au

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned Shipping Australia Limited (SAL) for consistently opposing the Australian government’s plan to establish a strategic fleet of Australian-flagged vessels.

Chris Given, Chair of the ITF’s Cabotage Task Force, said SAL’s stance is “short-sighted and detrimental to Australia’s national interests.”

“SAL, which represents major international shipping lines – including Evergreen, MSC, K-Line, HMM, CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd – seems to be more concerned with the profits of foreign multinationals than with the well-being of Australia’s economy, security, and maritime industry,” said Given.

“Maritime cabotage is essential for Australia’s domestic trade, national security, and environmental sustainability. It also creates jobs and develops skills in the maritime sector. SAL’s opposition to a strategic fleet is nothing more than an attempt to protect the interests of its overseas members at the expense of Australia’s national interests.”

SAL represents major international shipping lines operating under Flag of Convenience registers that prioritise minimal regulations, no or low taxes, and maximum flexibility in seafarers’ wage and working conditions to maximise profits.

Given noted that SAL’s recent article comparing Australia’s cabotage policies to Chile’s decision to liberalise its maritime sector is misleading.

“Despite the clear benefits of a national fleet, SAL has recently published an article advocating against the government’s plans

to enhance cabotage regulations, drawing parallels with Chile’s decision to liberalise its maritime cabotage,” Given noted.

“However, it’s crucial to note that the ITF met with Chilean government representatives who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting national seafarers and maintaining their national cabotage, collaborating with the ITF and its affiliates for any necessary improvements.”

Given commended other nations, such as Thailand and South Africa, for recognising the importance of strengthening national trade by introducing national shipping lines for domestic routes.

“In contrast to SAL’s stance, South Africa, like Australia, took proactive measures during the Covid-19 pandemic, acknowledging the vulnerability of their supply chains to disruptions in essential imports and exports,” Given stated. “South Africa’s response involved the development of the South African Shipping Company Bill, aimed at creating and managing a strategic fleet of vessels under the South African Ship Register.”

Given emphasised that SAL’s opposition to a national fleet is driven by a desire to prioritise the highest profits for multinational shipping companies, rather than fostering a level playing field that benefits the Australian economy and its citizens.

“The ITF commends the Australian government for its efforts to fortify cabotage, recognising its integral role in the nation’s well-being,” concluded Given. “We urge SAL to wake up and reconsider its narrow perspective and support policies that promote the sustainable development of Australia’s maritime industry.” •

13

INTERNATIONAL

ILWU Canada dockers in struggle for wage justice and job security

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he MUA threw its support behind striking dockworkers in Canada in July 2023, calling on one of North America’s largest employer associations, the British Columbia Maritime Employer Association (BCMEA), to return to the bargaining table and act in good faith to finalise a new contract that will deliver wage justice and job security to over 7400 dockworkers on the Canadian coast.

A significant delegation of MUA rank and file members from the full breadth of our branches travelled to Vancouver in July to join picket lines and a massive rally for wage justice, job security and respect for workers in the Canadian West Coast seaports.

“Like Australian dockworkers, ILWU members in Canada went to work around the clock throughout the entire global pandemic to ensure goods, services, and cargo was available for import and export, including critical food and medical supplies to protect and sustain the community,” said Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the MUA and President of the International Transport Workers Federation.

Collective bargaining between the ILWU and the BCMEA had been underway for 6 months to finalise a new industry-wide employment

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agreement covering waterside workers on the Canadian west coast when negotiations broke down.

The ILWU sought a fair deal that respected dockworkers, protected their jobs and respected the jurisdiction of the ILWU, as well as recognition for the hard work and sacrifices that dockworkers made during the pandemic and the extraordinary work that the Longshore Locals did in getting workers out to the terminals during the lockdowns.

The key demands of the Union were: 1. An end to contracting out of work.

2. Protection for current and future generations of dockworkers from the devastating impacts of Port Automation.

3. A fair pay rise that compensates dockworkers for their contribution to the economy and protects them from the impact of record inflation and spiralling cost of living increases.

“We call on the BCMEA to get back to the negotiating table with the ILWU Canada Bargaining Committee and drop their demands for severe concessions that will hurt the dockworkers who deliver the companies’ profits. It is time the BCMEA employers invested in their workforce and respected their hard-working employees with a new pay deal that keeps up with the cost of

MUA members in Vancouver joining ILWU comrades for respect, fair pay and job security.

living and provides the long term job security that ILWU members deserve,” said Mr Crumlin in July.

At a meeting in Australia in November, ILWU representatives including Rob Ashton met with international representatives from other dockers unions including Unite the Union (UK), Enrico Tortolano from the ITF Dockers section and dockworker representatives from Poland and the Turkiye, where they met with senior IFM investment company representatives who hold major shareholdings in the companies to discuss Environmental, Social and Governance matters at the major global networked terminals, including Hutchison, DP World and the Maersk-owned APM. See Page 18 for more on DP World.• On behalf of ILWU Canada and all our membership, we would like to thank you for sending a large delegation of MUA comrades to take part in our Worker Solidarity Stories Rally on July 9th. – Dan Kask and Jessica Isbister, ILWU Canada

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Port Adelaide Trade Unions

CONDEMN RIGHT WING, RACIST EXTREMISM

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n late June, an Aboriginal flag defaced with the swastika was suspended from the Old Troubridge Loading Ramp in Port Adelaide.

Police and fire crews were called to the area about 11am. It took approximately 30 minutes for the MFS crew to remove the flag.

“There is no place in our Port Adelaide community, Australia or our society for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust or the violations during the colonisation of Australia,” said SA Branch Secretary, Brett Larkin.

“This offensive act came during the buildup to the Australian referendum on

Kill a worker, GO TO JAIL

Constitutional Recognition for Australia’s First Nations people, and foreshadowed the intolerance of many groups who opposed a ‘Yes’ vote and a First Nations’ Voice to Parliament,” Larkin explained.

“This act of hate is rooted in racism, bigotry and ignorance,” said Jamie Newlyn, Assistant National Secretary of the MUA, and a former SA Branch official.

“The progressive trade union movement is built on creating a more just society for all those in it, regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, or culture. The Port Adelaide based unions – the MUA, CEPU and

the AMWU – issued an immediate statement of condemnation of the use of Nazi swastikas or any other imagery and paraphernalia to promote far-Right ideology,” Newlyn said.

In January, the MUA also called out right wing extremists’ misuse in recent years of our merchant navy’s Red Ensign, which like the Eureka Flag has been misappropriated as a prop for far-Right ideologues at racist demonstrations across Australia. “We condemn this theft of the Red Duster by our opponents in the racist, reactionary and intolerant factions of our society,” said National Secretary Paddy Crumlin.•

Million could be seen as little more than a speeding fine on a multi-billion dollar project. Workers and their families need to know that their lives are more than just a line on a balance sheet,” he added.

The Maritime Union of Australia’s South Australia Branch Secretary, Brett Larkin, welcomed the development and explained that workers in waterfront and seafaring industries who face special risks and dangers at work will be especially relieved to see action being taken.

“Kill a worker, go to jail. We need laws like this to help prevent bad decisions from rogue employers where there is more at stake for them than just a financial risk which they can incorporate into their bottom line,” Mr Larkin said.

SA Unions are pursuing a legislative

reform agenda to make our workplace health and safety system more proactive.

“The MUA have been watching this closely and working with the State Government to ensure their election promise is upheld. The former Liberal State Government were happy to sit by and do nothing while Australian workers were losing and continue to lose their lives at work. We hope this law is supported and works as a preventative measure to hold bosses to account and improve safe systems of work. If the new laws are never needed because workers are safer at work than before, then the reforms will have been a success. Unfortunately we know this won’t be the silver bullet but is a step in the right direction towards making sure all workers return home safely,” Mr Larkin added. •

South Australian government criminalises negligence at work

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n July, the South Australian Labor Government introduced industrial manslaughter legislation to ensure bosses who kill a worker will go to jail.

Under the Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill, if a business is found to have been grossly negligent or recklessly cut corners on safety and a worker dies on the job, the individual responsible faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a corporation faces $18 Million in fines.

“Every month a South Australian worker loses their life on the job and for some firms, it’s become their business model to cut corners on safety, because even if caught, it costs a lot less than just making their workplaces safe in the first place.” said Dale Beasley, SA Unions Secretary.

“Unions have been loudly fighting to change this, and we’re glad to see this government show leadership where the previous Liberal government refused to act,” said Beasley. “The threat of a prison sentence is important, because even a fine of $18 www.mua.org.au

15

FIRST NATIONS

After the vote:

where to next for First Nations equity Although the Voice referendum was lost, and despite the racist vitriol it unleashed, the movement for Indigenous rights and recognition has grown. Thomas Mayo – Assistant National Secretary

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s a parent of five, I am acutely aware of the way in which our children absorb everything conversations, body language, snippets of the news and the bits and pieces they share with friends at school. We try our best to protect them from the harsh realities of the world until we think they are ready. They might seem oblivious to it all, but they know more than they tell, as if they are reciprocating our care.

Though I knew this of our children, I wasn’t prepared for my 12 year old son’s reaction to the referendum loss on Saturday. When I called my wife soon after the loss became official, to see how they were, she told me he had cried. He went to bed early, barely consolable.

The next day, when I checked in on them, she told me William was okay. She remarked on how he had mentioned several times that he felt calm that morning, as if the feeling were strange to him. We came to realise he had been feeling the weight of the referendum on his little shoulders. For the first time since the loss, I cried too.

The Indigenous leadership of the “Yes” campaign called for a week of silence that ends today. There was a need for contemplation after an intense campaign. Anyone who put up their head for “Yes” was brutalised. We were labelled communists, greedy elites, puppets of the United Nations and promoters of a racially divided Australia.

None of this is true.

The racist vitriol we felt was at a level not seen for decades in Australia.

Indigenous advocates for the Voice could not speak out about the abuse without some sections of the media, whose audiences we needed to persuade, falsely claiming that we were calling all “No” voters racist. Even if only in the way the headlines were worded.

Respected Elder and lifelong champion for Indigenous peoples Marcia Langton probably experienced the worst of this. The stories with

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negative headlines exploded and continued for more than a week because she dared to mention the racebaiting of the “No” campaign.

The “No” side, on the other hand, was barely scrutinised. When their figureheads claimed racism against them, some journalists showed sympathy and the “Yes” campaign was scapegoated. When leading spokespeople for the “No” campaign were racist beyond reasonable denial, their leaders doubled down defiantly.

Most of the media’s focus quickly moved on. The abhorrent “No” campaign cartoon, depicting me in a racist trope and printed in The Australian Financial Review, is one example of many.

In the week of silence, I have had time to reflect on last Saturday’s outcome.

I have concluded Indigenous peoples were correct to take the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people. We were not wrong to ask them to recognise us through a Voice.

For a people with inherent rights but who are a minority spread across this vast continent - with a parliament that will continue to make laws and policies about us - it is inevitable that we will need to establish a national representative body to pursue justice.

We need to be organised.

Delaying the referendum was never an option, not even when the polls were going south. Had we convinced the government to postpone the referendum, we would still be wondering what could have been, especially if the gaps continue to widen.

We had a responsibility to try now, to use the rare opportunity we had, in the interests of our children. At least now we know where we stand.

As a leader of the campaign, I accept that, although we tried our best, we failed. I agree there were aspects of the “Yes” campaign that could have been better and I ponder what else I could have done. These thoughts hurt, like an

aching emptiness in my chest.

An honest assessment compels me to mention Opposition Leader Peter Dutton as well. Dutton has shown he is bereft of the qualities held by the Indigenous leaders I have worked with. He is well short of the calibre of his opposite, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

While Albanese listened to Indigenous peoples respectfully, Dutton ignored us when in power.

When Albanese negotiated the constitutional alteration with the Referendum Working Group, he did so in good faith, while Dutton was duplicitous, two-faced, deceitful.

At the next federal election, the record will show the prime minister had a go. He followed through with his pre-election promise to hold a referendum in this term of parliament.

He kept his word, even when the going got tough, whereas Dutton has already reneged on his promise to hold another referendum should the first one to fail to pass.

It is noteworthy, because it exposes that this is all politics on his part. If he ever becomes prime minister, it is an indication that he places no value in speaking with Indigenous people before making decisions about them.

His promise of a second referendum was decided without consulting Indigenous leaders, not even his own spokesperson on Indigenous affairs.

None of this is bitterness on my part, just truth. Peter Dutton chose politics over outcomes. His career came before fairness. He sought victory at any cost.

When I go home on Sunday - just my 25th day in Darwin this year, having worked almost every day since May 21, 2022 -1 can proudly tell my son that though the referendum failed, the movement for Indigenous rights and recognition has grown.

In 2017, we were almost 4 per cent of the population calling for Voice, Treaty www.mua.org.au

and Truth-Telling. As of Saturday, we are nearly 40 per cent, walking together.

Almost seven million Australians voted “Yes”. Both major parties would kill for a first preference vote like that.

Probably the most important analysis from the referendum was that polling booths in predominantly Indigenous communities across the entirety of the country overwhelmingly voted “Yes”. We have thoroughly established that this is fact: a great majority of Indigenous people support constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament. We seek self-determination over who speaks for us. Claims otherwise are an incontrovertible lie.

To my fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, I say we continue our push for our common goals. Don’t be silenced. Be louder, prouder and more defiant. Of course, you will be. The survival of our culture and our babies depends on it.

To the parents I met so many times, who turned up for their first doorknock with their little ones in tow, their “Yes” shirts worn proudly, sunscreen smeared on their faces: keep having those conversations with your neighbours at every opportunity. Keep turning up.

To the small number of people who registered to attend the town hall in Yamba and Grafton, and the hundreds more who turned up without registering, and who expressed their gratitude at how the forum had brought the community together: stay committed to this unselfish cause.

In regional communities across the country, the town hall attendances were magnificent. Keep turning up.

To the random members of the public

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who have hugged me, to the beautiful Elders who treated me like a son, to the fellow union members who organised their communities, not just their places of work, maintain the love for what makes this country unique - more than 60,000 years of continuous heritage and culture.

While the outcome was disappointing, in all my years of advocacy for Indigenous rights, I have never felt such levels of solidarity.

Across the country, lifelong friendships have been made. I have new Aunties and Uncles, like the strong Aboriginal women at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Mount Druitt, who themselves have formed bonds with the local ethnic communities as they campaigned for “Yes”. I love you, Aunties.

In this campaign we saw Liberals and Nationals give speeches alongside Labor and the Greens. We saw corporate chief executives leafleting with union officials. All denominations have prayed together. The “Yes” rallies, more than 200,000 people strong, brought colour, joy and diversity to the streets, in unity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Late this week, ending the week of silence, an official statement from Indigenous leaders was made public.

In summary: we continue our calls for our voices to be heard, for reform and for justice, and we need your ongoing support.

This is the task ahead. I say to all the hundreds of thousands of people I have spoken with over the past six years, the many friends I have made on this journey: we were always on the right side of history.

Young Australians voted “Yes” with

us. Imagine what we can achieve if the almost seven million Australians who voted “Yes” continue to have conversations with their neighbours, meeting “No” voters with an understanding that they may have voted “No” because of the lies they were told. In time, we will turn the “Nos” into “Yeses”.

Let us talk of our strengths while addressing our weaknesses. Let us believe in ourselves, our communities and our country, rather than looking over our shoulders at the shadows Peter Dutton has thrown across Australian politics. Let us call on the parliament to shine a light on those shadows, those deathly shadows, lest they continue to undermine our democracy. Ask yourself, which group will be targeted next?

When I was writing my first book about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, published in 2019, my son was just eight years old. He asked me what the title of the book would be. When I asked him what he would call it, he proceeded to do a series of armpit farts. We both laughed. Then I told him I would call it Finding the Heart of the Nation. He asked me, “Where is the heart of the nation?”

I put my laptop down beside me on the couch. I pulled him close. I put my hand on his chest, and I said, “The heart of the nation is here.”

The heart of the nation is still here.

It always was and it always will be, waiting to be recognised by our fellow Australians. Whether you voted “Yes” or “No”, I say to you with humility and respect, open your hearts and your minds henceforth.

The truth should be unifying, not divisive. •

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STEVEDORING

Dubai Port(s) in a storm Mistreatment of Australian workers triggers industrial disputation while mismanagement of vital security systems triggers meltdown

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ne of Australia’s largest and most profitable terminal operators has sought to blame its workforce for a series of unforced management failures that have caused thousands of containers to pile up in a weeks long backlog that began in the weeks and months leading up to Christmas.

Dubai Ports operate four terminals around Australia which collectively deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in profit back to the Dubai Royal Family owned parent company. The four Australian container terminals controlled by DP World – in Brisbane, Sydney, Melboure and Fremantle – generated a record $830 million in revenue last year, and Australian profits increased 140%.

Dubai Ports acquired the entire global ports operations of former maritime behemoth P&O in 2006, including four Australian container terminals, and now owns much of the Australian operations and assets through holding entities registered to a Post Office Box in the Cayman Islands at the notorious Ugland House – an address once described by former United States President Barack Obama as the home of ‘the largest tax scam in the world’.

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Despite this, the company has not paid any corporate income tax in Australia for the last 8 years and funnels all of its surplus cash offshore.

DP World Australia (Holding) Pty Ltd has had annual total revenue of over AUD$550 million in every year but one ($543m in 2014/15) and consistently ranked in the top 500 or 600 largest corporations in Australia.

Its 2022 revenue was nearly AUD$830 million.

“If DP World has artificially reduced profits in Australia to avoid corporate income tax payments, a conservative estimate suggests DP World may have short changed Australia – and funding for health, education and other public services – by more than $330 million over the 8-year period,” said the Centre for International Corporate Tax Responsibility’s Principal Analyst, Jason Ward.

security systems by applying simple security updates to well-publicised vulnerabilities.

“They have now confirmed that our members personal data including their name, address, email, mobile, date of birth, bank details, D&A test results, Maritime Security Identification Card details and other employment information were stolen,” said the MUA’s Assistant National Secretary, Adrian Evans.

“We have publicly called on Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil to launch an investigation into the state of knowledge by management about the well publicised cyber weakness in the Citrix system software that has been exploited by Russian criminals in other parts of the world. The company must be held responsible

Cyberattack reveals chronic managerial incompetence at Dubai Ports However, in November, the Dubai Ports Australian terminal network ground to a halt due to a failure to adequately maintain their

www.mua.org.au

for this catastrophic failure that has highlighted a massive sovereign risk in Australia’s supply chain and our members critical personal information,” Mr Evans said.

Critical computer systems in DP World’s Australian IT network had not been updated to remove the so-called ‘CitrixBleed’ vulnerability when the attack occurred on November 10, leaving four major Australian ports closed for days and 30,000 containers stacked up.

Maritime workers, in an effort to save the company from itself, offered to continue working and moving boxes using pen and paper, but management refused this suggestion.

A security patch – a software update that removes the vulnerability – had been released over a month beforehand that would have prevented the attack.

While DP World has not revealed how the attacks infiltrated its systems, cybersecurity analysts are pointing to CitrixBleed as the most likely route into DP World’s systems.

“The use of [CitrixBleed] to gain an initial foothold in the network is certainly within the realm of possibility,” said Matthew Remacle, detection engineering tech lead at GreyNoise Intelligence told ABC News in the wake of the cyber attack.

Kevin Beaumont, a prominent cybersecurity expert who originally flagged DP World’s vulnerability on social media, claimed the attack is part of a global “mass exploitation” event involving at least two ransomware gangs.

“This cyberattack was not a terrible accident but an appalling failure and the managers responsible should be held accountable,” said MUA Assistant National Secretary, Adrian Evans.

Despite failures, DP World hikes prices In early November, Dubai Ports announced national increases to its container fees by as much as 52 per cent commenced on 1 January 2024.

These will contribute to inflationary pressures throughout the economy, yet management claim they can’t afford to pay inflation level wage increases to its employees.

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This prompted former competition watchdog chairman Graeme Samuel to call upon the federal government to control prices charged by stevedores at the nation’s container ports.

The current regulation regime for stevedores is “completely ineffective”, Mr Samuel said.

DP World will charge $190.80 for every full container imported into Melbourne from January 1, up 21 per cent, while fees on exported containers will jump 52 per cent to $175.70. Fees will also rise by almost 40 per cent on containers moved in and out of container ports in Sydney and Brisbane.

Ironically, at the time the price increases became public, DP World claimed the price rises would be necessary to pay for investment in equipment and infrastructure, including IT systems.

The cyberattack which shut down the entire DP World operation occurred two days later.

Workers on a war-footing for fair wages, safety and work-life balance With the company mired in delays, backlogs and congestion at their four terminals caused by the mismanagement of mission critical IT systems, managers spent the days and weeks ahead of Christmas seeking to blame hard working wharfies for the logistical and financial woes caused by their IT own-goal.

The Union gave notice of rolling stoppages, work-bans and other protected industrial action to bring the management team back to the negotiating table, after nine months of protracted bargaining that has been hampered by Dubai Ports’ deliberate manipulations and delays.

“The MUA have been bargaining with Dubai Ports since March 2023 with very little movement. The Union had suspended our protected industrial action while there was progress in negotiations and we had hoped to reach an in-principle agreement in early December, but at the end of the sixth day there were still key issues outstanding,” Mr Evans said. •

Adrian Evans

What the MUA’s members are asking for

1

A fair wage outcome that keeps pace with inflation as well as industry standards.

We are seeking 8% per year increase over a 2 year term.

2

Job security and dignity in employment through permanent jobs on rosters that offers a fair work-life balance for stevedoring workers.

3

Safety in the workplace, including basics such as First Aid Training for key people, involvement in risk assessments and provision of information around hazards in the workplace as well as proper fatigue management.

4

The removal of ambiguity from clauses in the old agreement to reduce disputation and endless trips to the Fair Work Commission to litigate 10 0 d simple issues of cons ays that were industr ecutive ial a originally taken s ction o fa r Full up agreed to by date in the n to come ext issu both parties. e of MW

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VALE COMRADE

Michael Kidd

John King

It is with great sadness that MUA Sydney Branch advise of the sad and sudden passing of one of our colleagues, friends, and staunch MUA member, Michael Kidd, from Hutchison Maintenance Department.

Michael tragically died in December fighting a fire at Grose Vale, doing his duty as a retained member of the NSW Fire + Rescue service.

Michael is survived by his wife and two children to whom we send our condolences, prayers, love, and support to on behalf of all MUA members and officials.

Michael had a deep belief in pushing himself to his greater limit not only for himself but for his community.

The MUA expresses our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and comrades of John King, a comrade who spent the whole of his working life seeking decent working conditions for working women and men, in particular seafarers.

He was as important a figure of leadership in the Seamen’s Union of Australia as almost anyone else, and earned and held the respect of his shipmates and fellow union members on the many ships he sailed on along with his role as the Returning Officer of the SUA in the conduct of the Union’s elections. That respect was not just from union officers but rank and file members in particular and the esteem they held for him captured the essence of democracy, transparency and responsibility which John took for those elections in the interests of and on behalf of the entire membership.

John’s standing amongst his comrades reflected his union beliefs, his principles and his commitment, professionalism and expertise as a seafarer on the job.

This is the highest regard that one seafarer can give another, as it is a recognition that is central to the functioning and operation of the vessel in constantly demanding conditions but also to the lives and safety of all members of the crew. This was reflected in John’s role as a bosun aboard the many vessels he sailed on, culminating late in his career as Chief IR of the Iron Pacific, the largest Cape sized

“Only those who risk going too far, can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. Elliot

“Mick, Our friend, Our family, Our hero! Rest In Peace slippery Mick.”

In a great show of solidarity and support, MUA members at Hutchison have donated money and have put on a further volunteer levy to assist Michael’s family in this very sad time and for what lies ahead.

Listed below is the account information if you wish to donate to Michael’s family.

Account Name: Staff Levy Fund BSB: 882-000 Account: 100145203 Reference: M Kidd / Your Name

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vessel in the world. The Iron Pacific was the flag ship of the revitalised Australian shipping industry in the late 80s and early 90s, one of three vessels built by BHP specifically for use in the production of Australian made steel.

The long years of decline of the industry due to the sabotage and active neglect by a sequence of conservative Coalition governments as well as the abandonment of shipping by certain Australian corporations saw John continuing in his advocacy for the rights of Australian seafarers to work throughout the whole of his retirement years. He was not only an active participant in monthly meetings of the union, but consistent with his understatement, humility and experience he was a leader in the continuing campaigns of the Union for justice and recognition for Australian seafarers and Australian maritime workers in general. For many of those years including in his retirement he remained the Returning Officer of the new amalgamated Union, the Maritime Union of Australia, gaining the same respect of waterside workers that he had with seafarers.

John had a long life at sea, joining his first vessel at age 15 as a deck cadet and then a deck boy aboard the William MacArthur, he was a loved and committed family man, father and husband to wife Betty and his children, Martin, Warren, Lisa and Craig. He spent some time ashore on Sydney Harbour due to his loving support of a growing family, returning to sea consistently up to his retirement in 1999 including aboard the LNG vessel North West Stormpetrel as Chief Integrated Rating, his last job. He was a mentor and role model for generations of young seafarers in everything he did and was as greatly loved within our Union family as he was respected.

Born in September 1935 he passed in September 2023 at age 88 and will be greatly missed while fondly remembered. Kingy was a rank and file unionist and relieving www.mua.org.au

union official with unparalleled seafaring skills and a political and industrial leader as durable and committed as any in our long history as a union.

Vale John King, man of family and of the sea, as true a comrade and friend as one could have. Long lived and greatly loved , trusted and respected, now at rest.

Warren ‘Narra’ Cusack

John Beatty

The MUA Sydney Branch was informed of the sad passing of Warren Cusack, a Darling Harbour Wharfie for many years. Warren was a champion man and a great friend of so many.

The Cusack family have a great affiliation with the waterfront as there were so many of them as Wharfie’s/Stevedores in the 80’s and early 90’s. Something that should never be forgotten!

With Warren’s passing recently the union was rightfully asked to send a message out to members, both current and retired, informing them of his passing.

It would be remiss of the union not to pass on our sincere condolences, thoughts and support from the branch executive and members to Warren’s family and friends.

Warren was a long serving staunch member with a very strong voice on the wharves in 1990 and he showed the way for the younger members and was very strong in what he believed in as a union member.

John Beatty had a massive heart attack early on the morning of Sunday 2 July 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand and passed away later that day in hospital. John had lived in Pattaya for the last seven years. His body was cremated at Wat Nong Oo on 19 July and his ashes were brought home to his family.

John Beatty was born 9 November 1946 and grew up in Surry Hills before making his way as a young man to Coffs Harbour which was a working maritime port in those days. John joined the Waterside Workers Federation and worked as a wharfie in Coffs Harbour from 1968 until the demise of Coffs as a working port in the mid-1970s. He then transferred down to join the Sydney Branch in May 1974 where he became an active member of the Branch before transferring again down to Port Kembla in 1976. In Port Kembla, John was a job delegate and a member of the Branch Job Delegate Association before being elected to the Committee of Management in the mid-80s. John was a strong supporter of the amalgamation with the SUA and a proud member of the MUA. With the demise of the AEWL, John’s employment in Pt Kembla moved to the Transitional Labour Pool before becoming a Patrick employee in 1992.

He was a leading delegate at Patrick and played a major leadership role in Port Kembla in the lead up to and during the Patrick Dispute in 1998 and in the aftermath when Patrick were effectively forced out of Port Kembla. During the dispute, once Patrick were put aside in Kembla, John spent every day of the remainder of

Paddy Crumlin MUA National Secretary

Raymond Cedric Patek Sadly, our family would like to inform the membership of Ray’s passing on the 7th of June 2023 at the Port Pirie Hospital, Ray was surrounded by his loving wife Heather, and immediate family.

Ray was cremated in a private setting in Adelaide and later returned to his beloved Solomontown Football Club for a celebration of his life.

Ray’s final request for his life celebration was very fitting; “More beers than tears”. A large gathering of family and friends celebrated his 81 years, consisting of 40 years at sea and later 15 years opal mining.

Many Maritime stories were shared amongst friends and family, given our rich family history in the SUA, MUA. Stories relating to the Zinc Master, Mobil Australis, and Anro Australia featured heavily along with other memories.

Ray’s surviving siblings are his two sisters, Suzanne and Evyonne and deceased siblings Ruth and George “Kenny Rogers” Patek (who also had a 40-year seagoing career.)

In keeping with Ray’s wishes his ashes will be scattered at some point in the near future, out in the Spencer Gulf.

My father, grandfathers, uncles, cousins and I have all known a life at sea and it is with a heavy heart we despatch another proud seafarer to King Neptune’s backyard.

Safe sailing Cedric.

Peter Tomkins # x5388

www.mua.org.au

Vale Warren Cusack

Nathan Donato Assistant Secretary, MUA Sydney Branch

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VALE COMRADE

the dispute on the picket lines in Port Botany or Darling Harbour. There was a wonderful front-page photo in a couple of the national papers and on the TV news coverage of John next to then ACTU President Jenny George along with some other comrades at the Hungry Mile gates picket line, erupting in joy the afternoon the High Court decision was handed down in the MUA’s favour. That would have been the only time John would have been comfortable appearing in those capitalist shit-sheets.

Shortly after the resolution of that dispute when Patrick were shut down in Port Kembla, John was one of four members that transferred back to Sydney Branch to work at Patrick Container Terminal in Port Botany where he remained until his retirement in 2012.

John was not one to suffer fools lightly and took great pleasure in taking up the argument with anyone who was looking to disparage his union or workmates and he never took a backward step from the bosses.

Throughout his career John was an outspoken defender of workers’ rights and a strong advocate for social justice.

John Beatty was a good comrade who was greatly respected by his workmates and officials and whose strong union principles and wonderful sense of humour will be missed by all of us that were lucky to have worked and socialised with him.

John is survived by his three children and our sincere condolences go to Mel, Nicole, Craig and their families.

Vale John Beatty Garry Keane, MUA Port Kembla

Alby Barker Alby Barker was a great comrade, unionist and professional seafarer.

A natural leader, he was very old fashioned in how he ran the job as bosun. He told you what to do and you did it! He was moulded by his life at sea since he was a 15 year old

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deck boy and the enormous physical and emotional demands that went along with our job. He was tough as teak but passionate in his beliefs and loyalties particularly to his family but also to his wider family of the union. He loved his brother Davie as he called him, and while two very different personalities, they were inseparable as only a family could be. Davie’s passing would have affected him deeply.

He was immensely proud of his son David as well, a respected seaman and unionist in his own right. The apple never falls too far from the tree!

You never had to wait too long to find out what Alby was thinking!

He wore his heart on his sleeve and had the capacity to follow up strong opinions with even stronger actions particularly after a couple of drinks.

He was always reliable as a back-up and was greatly respected by SUA leaders including Taffy Sweetenson and Pat Geraghty.

Alby was in particular a great mate and comrade of Sydney and Newcastle Secretary and Presiding Officer Laurie Steen and they were a perfect fit of opposites. Laurie with his easily worn charisma and great good humour and Alby with his gruff and hardened shell but heart of gold and loyal to the end. They were close friends from the first day they met as shipmates after Alby jumped ship in Australia in the early sixties.

From the tough streets of Liverpool, through the great challenges of his life at sea and his unwavering faith in the union, nevertheless Alby always put his family first. I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Beverley, young David as he called you comrade and daughter Bronwyn Vale Alby Barker, as tough and loyal as the sea can make a man, unionist and always man of family.

Now at rest.

Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary

Mike Sacco

The MUA extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Mike Sacco’s wife Sophie and family on hearing the news of his passing.

What a character Mike was. You could take the man out if Brooklyn but you couldn’t take Brooklyn out of the man! Charismatic, tough and determined, a great and inspirational leader with a sense of humour that always seemed to sum up the situation perfectly. He will be greatly missed.

He committed himself and the Seafarers International Union (SIU) to the membership and their right to work with decent conditions in their own country. He committed himself and the SIU to the membership and their right to work with decent conditions in their own country.

Mike was without compromise an internationalist who reached out with the support of the SIU, and the political and industrial structures of the US Merchant Navy, to seafarers everywhere including in Australia in our long fight to retain our right to work in our own country.

He followed other great SIU leaders over generations and leaves a legacy of achievement no less than theirs.

Vale Mike Sacco, a man of family and the sea. Trade unionist, internationalist and fighter for seafarers’ rights and justice over a long life’s journey, now at rest.

Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary

www.mua.org.au

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HP2808 Maritime Workers Journal_BOTB_297x210_KN7326.indd 1

5/1/2024 9:44 am

SHIPPING

Blythe Star found!

Chilling discovery 50 years after shock loss reminds us what has been achieved in the years since for seafarers’ safety

T

he shock discovery of the Blythe Star, almost 50 years since its mysterious sinking, is a chilling and poignant reminder of one of the most significant moments in Australian seafaring history; one that led to significant and lasting reforms to shipboard safety and improved search and rescue procedures which have protected the lives of many thousands of seafarers since.

The 44-metre motor vessel (MV) Blythe Star was a coastal freighter that disappeared off Tasmania nearly 50 years ago.

The vessel was travelling from Hobart to King Island when, on 13 October 1973, it suddenly capsized and sank off the southwest coast of Tasmania. All 10 crew members were able to escape the sinking vessel into an inflatable life raft.

Tragically, three crew members died before the survivors were able to find help and be rescued 12 days later on 24 October 1973.

One of the survivors, a plucky 18 year old named Mick Doleman, would survive the tragic and harrowing ordeal to go on and lead his seafaring comrades as a branch official with the Seamen’s Union of Australia and then

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the Maritime Union of Australia as its Deputy National Secretary, for over 30 years.

The Blythe Star’s tragedy arose from the Tasmanian Transport Commission’s indifference to safety and their mishandling of earlier critical incidents. On an earlier voyage with empty tanks, the ship had almost capsized, but no changes were implemented, no lessons learned and no information provided to future crews to prevent disaster.

The location of the MV Blythe Star was confirmed by the CSIRO’s Marine National Facility, using its research vessel, the RV Investigator, on 12 April 2023 during a 38day research voyage to study a submarine (underwater) landslide off the west coast of Tasmania. This voyage included a piggyback project to investigate an unidentified shipwreck which had been pinpointed by fishing vessels and previous seafloor surveys in the region.

This involved the systematic mapping of the unidentified shipwreck using multibeam echosounders and then a visual inspection using two underwater camera systems. The mapping data and video imagery collected by the CSIRO was able to confirm that the shipwreck was the MV Blythe Star.

The wreck of the MV Blythe Star is located approximately 10.5 km west of South West Cape, Tasmania and lies in 150 metres of water. The investigation showed the vessel is intact and sitting upright on the seafloor, with its bow pointing northwest. The visual inspection using the underwater cameras was

www.mua.org.au

able to identify key features to confirm the wreck was the MV Blythe Star. This included identifying part of the vessel name – ‘STAR’ – on the ship’s bow.

The wreck was covered with a minimal growth of algae and seaweed, and some structures showed signs of damage, particularly on the stern. Most notably, the vessel’s wheelhouse is no longer present.

The discovery marks the final chapter of an Australian shipping tragedy that has had a lasting impact on the management and regulation of Australian shipping in the latter half of the 20th century. It also illustrates the importance of coastal shipping to the Paddy Crumlin, ITF national interest and the great risk and sacrifice seafarers face in servicing the national supply chain. See Logging On in this MWJ for more on the importance of shipping to the national interest.

The sinking of the Blythe Star

At 8am on Thursday 11 October 1973, waterside workers arrived at Hobart’s Prince of Wales Bay to begin loading pallets aboard the Blythe Star. The next day, by 6pm, the loading of the ship was finished and the crew were making preparations to leave.

At 6:30pm the coastal freighter departed Hobart, bound for for King Island with her cargo of fertiliser and beer.

Fourteen hours later, the ship sank almost completely without warning.

The weather forecast had been ideal for a two-day voyage of almost 350 nautical miles to the island northwest of Tasmania, but why within hours of their departure were the crew of ten fighting for their lives and about to embark on a tragic, twelve day ordeal that would leave three of their number dead and rewrite the rules for Australian maritime safety?

On charter to the Tasmanian Transport Commission from the Bass Strait Shipping Company, Blythe Star was a post-war freighter weighing 321 tons gross and propelled by a 650-horsepower diesel motor that gave a steady 9.5 knots. Its voyage to King Island was to be its 38th for the Transport Commission, and nobody had any inkling it would be the ship’s last.

On this fateful voyage, the ship’s master, Captain George Cruickshank, www.mua.org.au

had decided to travel from Hobart to King Island via Tasmania’s west coast, as the west-about route was four-and-a-half hours shorter than via the east coast. Before casting off he checked his load line to satisfy himself he wasn’t overloaded, then took his ship out into the River Derwent.

But as the ship reached South West Cape of Tasmania, something went wrong.

‘At about 8 or 8.30 am, the ship took a starboard list... It corrected itself, then it took a further list, which was a death roll. It just went over,’ crew member Mick Doleman told the ABC, recalling that he and Seaman Malcolm McCarroll were thrown out of their bunks by the ship’s movement.

“At about 8 or 8.30 am, the ship took a starboard list... It corrected itself, then it took a further list, which was a death roll.

It just went over.”

‘I looked at my porthole and all I could see was salt water. I stood and watched and I was waiting to see a bit of sky, waiting to see her right herself, but it was pretty obvious that she wasn’t going to,’ McCarroll told ABC Radio’s Sounds Easy in 1973.

‘I could hear water coming in. It sounded like a torrent.’

‘Now, I can tell you that there is nothing more frightening than standing on a platform, in this case a ship for me, and slowly watching it disappear from under you and there is nothing, nothing within cooee,’ says Doleman.

‘I was in a pair of jocks. The water was freezing, and the ship was just going further down and further down.’

The bosun, Stan Leary, had prepared and launched the inflatable lifeboat, and the crew clambered in as the Blythe Star rose up and then sank out of sight.

Sitting inside the lifeboat, which mercifully was one equipped with

Above: CSIRO undersea footage of the wreck, survivors Alf Simpson and Malcolm McCarroll and Mick Doleman Opposite: How the Union’s journal reported the rescue, 50 years ago

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SHIPPING

Maritime Union members, officials and friends and family of former MUA Deputy Secretary, Mick Doleman, the sole living survivor, at the unveiling of the memorial plaque in Hobart.

a canopy, they took stock of their situation. It became clear that the Captain had not been on the bridge when the ship went down and so he could not have got a distress signal away.

The emergency radio had also been left on board and was now on the bottom of the ocean floor with their ship.

Still, the men had emergency supplies with them: tinned water, dry biscuits, some flares, two oars, and a bailer to try and keep themselves dry and the lifeboat afloat.

The crew assumed that, in time, they’d be spotted and taken up to the lighthouse at Maatsuyker Island, most likely by that evening.

However, that was not to be. Due to regulatory gaps and poor safety management at the time, the alert was not raised until two days after the ship went down when it failed to arrive at King Island. There was further confusion too because ships leaving Hobart heading north have a choice of which side of Tasmania they sail around, and the ship’s planned course had not been registered with or communicated to the authorities. Those searching for the Blythe Star couldn’t be sure on which side of the island the ship had disappeared, how far along its journey it had travelled or where to begin their search.

The ordeal and the rescue

For eight days the lifeboat drifted around the south of Tasmania at the mercy of the winds and strong ocean currents.

Two or three crew members had been in bed when the capsize occurred and were dressed only in underpants and a T-shirt when the ship went down. They were at constant risk of hypothermia.

The captain gave his jacket to 18-year-old seaman Mick Doleman, who’d been thrown from his bunk, but of course no one of them was properly dressed for an eight day ordeal on

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the Southern Ocean, and every crew member aboard the lifeboat suffered mightily from the extreme cold.

Throughout the first two days, the lifeboat the raft drifted around the Pedra Branca archipelago – which they crew would have known was site of many shipwrecks. They paddled ferociously to keep the inflatable lifeboat, their only lifeline, clear of the jagged rocks.

The fourth day was when the first of three tragedies struck. Soon after morning broke, the crew came to the harrowing realisation that John Sloan, the second engineer, had passed away during the night. Separated from an on-board supply of thyroid medication to manage a chronic health condition, he succumbed to the cold and wet conditions, however, remaining certain that surely a rescue effort was underway and they could only be a matter of hours from being winched or towed to safety, the men kept the body of their shipmate aboard.

All that day, the raft rolled and pitched in heaving swell. The men paddled in shifts, trying to stay within sight of the coast and steer towards civilisation along the sparsely populated, remote Tasmanian coastline.

By nightfall, they grappled with the grim reality that the rescue had not come. The body of John Sloan was given a sea burial—it was pushed over the side of the raft into the freezing waters of the South Pacific Ocean.

Sloan’s singlet and socks ended up with Doleman. ‘I thank John,’ he told the ABC in a retrospective, published in 2015. “I knew damn well that he’d be more than happy about that— for his fellow shipmates to use a bit of his clothing to keep warm,” he said.

Still adrift and no nearer to shore on their fifth day of the ordeal, the nine remaining crew members paddled and bailed out the circular, www.mua.org.au

CSIRO’s RV Investigator making way, and the crew who discovered the wreckage of the Blythe Star

“It was extremely cold, and no sign of any land.

Not even any birds, and if you can’t see any birds at sea you’re a fair way from land.” inflatable lifeboat, rationing fresh tinned water as best they could.

“The weather was absolutely appalling,” recalled Doleman in 2015.

“At times the raft would concertina into itself—you’d have people on the left and right hand sides of the raft smashing into each other.

“We’d have enormous waves bursting through the canopy, so we had to get the water out. We were wet the whole time.

“But then we had weather that just blew us further and further south. Had we kept going we would’ve ended up in Heard Island or Antarctica.

“It was extremely cold, and no sign of any land.

Not even any birds, and if you can’t see any birds at sea you’re a fair way from land.

“Thankfully, the current and the prevailing weather changed and brought us back up to Schouten Island, which is on the eastern side of Tasmania.”

Reflecting on the latter days of the ordeal, Doleman says that by morning on the ninth day the crew’s morale was absolutely smashed and they were each completely exhausted, bordering on unable to persevere.

But at daybreak on that ninth day, Doleman realised that the crew was closing in on a bay.

Early on the morning of Sunday 21 October, www.mua.org.au

after traversing 400 kilometres of the Southern Ocean, the raft had drifted into Deep Glen Bay, a tiny rocky bay on Tasmania’s east coast, about 75 kilometres southeast of Hobart.

“I just made a decision: I’m not going back out to sea. I jumped out of the raft and thankfully the water just come up to my waist,” he said.

“Funny part was, after we got ashore we all jumped out thinking we’ll be able to run up the beach and just lay down and congratulate each other and everything,” Malcolm McCarroll told the ABC in 1973.

“But you can’t walk. It’s as if you’ve been drinking all day, as if you’re as full as a boot,” McCarroll added at the time.

Stumbling ashore, the men quenched their burning thirsts from a little creek flowing into the rocky cove.

A few hours after making landfall, Chief Engineer John Eagles crawled down the shore to the raft, laid down beside it and passed away.

Early the next morning, First Officer Ken Jones succumbed to the same fate. The hypothermia and exhaustion had overwhelmed them.

These two men’s deaths had a crushing effect on the remaining crew, who by now would have been in a panic that despite reaching dry land they were still no closer to being rescued.

Surrounding the cove were 200 metre high cliffs, near vertical at every point, and the bush was thick and dense. Standing at the bottom of them, you can’t see their tops.

Despite several attempts, the crew could not find a way out that first afternoon, nor the next day.

“Someone said, ‘Well, we’re never going to get out of this canyon. Why don’t we get back in the raft and paddle around?’” Doleman recalled to the ABC in 2015.

Doleman wouldn’t countenance it.

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SHIPPING

Blythe Star Memorial Group members alongside MUA Tasmania Branch leadership team Jason Campbell and Alisha Bull at Constitution Dock, on the 50th anniversary of the ship’s disappearance

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“There was no way in the world I was getting back in that raft. And I wasn’t going to let anybody else get back in it,” he explained. “I went and got a knife and I cut the raft up and I made clothes out of it. I made a lap-lap and a jacket type thing to keep the wind out.”

The remains of the raft are now kept at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.

So with boots and ponchos made of the slashed raft, on the morning of Tuesday 23 October the three youngest members – Mick Doleman, Mal McCarroll and the ship’s cook Alf Simpson – left the camp knowing that if they didn’t find help that they would surely die on the beach alongside their crewmates.

“I’d rather die trying that just dying here on that beach. We’d already lost two. I figured it wouldn’t be much longer until there’d be others,’ Doleman said.

Unbeknownst to the crew, the main sea and air search had been called off by this stage – with the assumption that all had been lost aboard the vanished ship.

A day later, after a wet and cold night spent in a hollow log beneath ferns and leaves for shelter, the three men smashed their way through dense bush to find themselves on a remote ridgeline, but in sight of a logging track.

“Lo and behold, we walked out of the bush and here’s a dirt track,” Doleman explained to the ABC. “Seeing a dirt track—you have no idea just how enthralling a dirt road is to someone who had been in the circumstances we were in,” he said.

Then, in the distance, they heard the grinding of gears.

Running to the truck, Doleman yelled, “Don’t go! Don’t go! We’re from the Blythe Star!”

The driver of the truck, understandably, responded in disbelief: “You’re dead!”

“No,” said Doleman. “We’re not.”

“I’d rather die trying that just dying here on that beach. We’d already lost two. I figured it wouldn’t be much longer until there’d be others...”

Legacy of the Blythe Star

Inevitably, after what amounted to a botched search and rescue effort, an Inquiry was held into the loss of the Blythe Star and the tragic, preventable deaths of the three crew members.

While the cause of the capsizing or foundering of the ship remained a matter of some debate, what could not be disputed was that a ship’s lifeboat, properly prepared and launched, with ten crew aboard, should not have been adrift for nine days without detection.

The Federal Government’s response to the tragedy included an amendment to the Navigation Act to requires ships of 300 tons or more to lodge a sailing plan and give daily position reports. For the Blythe Star, these measures would have raised the alarm within hours of the foundering, and would have narrowed the search area to a small section of coastline rather than a stretch of coastline spanning the length and breadth of the Tasmanian coast.

The AusRep system that ensures mariners regularly report their routes to authorities and requirements for all life rafts to be fitted with radio beacons was introduced to prevent a similar traged. As technology has advanced, this now takes the form of EPIRBs that are required even by private pleasurecraft that travel more than two nautical miles offshore. • www.mua.org.au

Union Health crowned Australia’s Private Health Insurer of the Year Union Health, powered by TUH Health Fund, has clinched the coveted title of Private Health Insurer of the Year in this year’s Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards. The award ranked member-owned Union Health above competition– both non-profit and for-profit sectors – and is a testament to Union Health services and customer-centric policies, as well as its ability to be resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine says the awards recognise businesses that deliver continuously on their social contract with every customer.

“While we at Roy Morgan collect and collate the data, the ‘judging panel’ is made up of customers of the 280 companies – many thousands of them – giving their honest, unvarnished opinions. That’s what makes these awards so meaningful and so highly valued.” she says.

Union Health has worked hard in recent years to minimise the impact of the COVID pandemic by freezing members’ premiums and introducing a COVID Care Package, with financial hardship support, telehealth services and extended COVID coverage to all hospital products.

Members were also offered specialised care programs to address COVID’s more far-reaching health effects, including obesity, diabetes, and mental health.

Union Health CEO Rob Seljak says the fund also recently returned $30 million to its members in a cash give-back program, in recognition of the lower claims made by members during the pandemic. Members will be receiving cash payments between $100 and $2,000.

The go to health insurance for maritime workers and their families.

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“We continually strive to exceed our members’ expectations and to provide health solutions that truly make a difference in their lives. This accolade is a testimony to the dedication and hard work of our team, and it further motivates us to elevate our services and enhance the overall member experience” he says.

Union Health was formed with the goal to provide a fairer health fund for all union members, one that gives more back. Being 100% member-owned, they’re all about members health, not shareholders wealth. They’re focused on what really matters to you - your health and wellbeing.

Cathy McGuane, TUH’s Executive Manager of Member Experience, reinforces these commitments and says they set the foundation for today’s success.

“To be acknowledged in such a significant manner is both exhilarating and humbling. This award underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional member experiences and reinforces our resolve to innovate and refine our approaches continually.

Knowing that our members are satisfied with our services is the highest reward we can receive, and we are inspired to sustain and build on this momentum. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members for their trust and to our diligent team for their relentless pursuit of excellence” says Ms McGuane.

With the spotlight well and truly on its achievements, Union Health remains committed to adapting and innovating in a constantly changing world. Its focus remains on delivering top-tier healthcare solutions for its members, and placing their health and wellbeing at the heart of all they do.

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AWARDS

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PRIVATE HEALTH INSURER OF THE YEAR

ROY MORGAN 2022

WOMEN

WOM EN S RE PO RT Our activism

It’s no accident that the leadership shown by the MUA’s deep commitment to fair workplaces has supercharged our women’s organising – moving motions, speaking at events, chairing committees, and supporting fellow comrades in their disputes.

Highlights include: · Women’s Rights at Work conferences · Lobbying in Canberra for inclusion in the energy transition · Campaigning for First Nations rights · Contributing to LGBTQIA+ visibility and industrial recognition · ALP National Women’s Conference breakout sessions and resolutions · Agitating for inclusive EA provisions · International Women’s Day Rallies · 16 Days of Action - to prevent gendered violence · Share the Dignity Campaign

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2023 ITF Women Transport Conference

The ITF Women Transport Conference held in Saly, Senegal, was the first in 5 years and marked a significant milestone in the global effort to promote inclusivity, gender equality, and safe, sustainable transport systems across the globe.

With participation from over 200 women leaders, researchers, practitioners, government representatives, and nonprofit sector experts - representing 65 countries, this conference brought together an inspiring and diverse group of individuals committed to driving tangible change in the transport industry. National Assistant Secretary Mich-Elle Myers role as the deputy chair of the ITF Women’s Committee, was instrumental in running the various discussions and breakout sessions, which were structured to utilise the combined global expertise on hand.

National Women’s rep, Ange Moore, moved a motion on behalf of the MUA which was enthusiastically endorsed.

Above: MUA Tasmania members Bonnie, Sarah, Carol, Kelly & Kylie gathered essential ‘In the Bag’ donations for Share the Dignity campaign.

Speaking on the need to challenge systemic exclusion of women transport workers and the existing power imbalances in the sector through ‘just transition’ industry plans.

Symposium at Vic Trades Hall

Labour and MUA historian Diane Kirkby and her team from La Trobe Uni ran a day of ‘Women Breaking Down Tradition in Male-Dominated Transport Industries’ in Melbourne this month. It was attended by Sara Finke, first Women’s Officer for ITF, unions from across the transport sector and a strong contingent of MUA. The group heard from Diane’s research team about the exciting new discoveries regarding stories of tenacious women who dared to www.mua.org.au

safe and respectful jobsites. The Theme is “Wadya” meaning, Speak, in the language of our logo designer Lara Watson (Wirri). To kick off the few days, MUA delegates will be joining in the Cairns May Day march in solidarity with FNQ Unions.

work despite vehement opposition from society at large. These trailblazing stories paved the way for the inclusive practices that the MUA champions today. Diane will be publishing a book from this work in the new year, which will hopefully stand as a key element of the MUA’s long and proud, progressive history.

Emma Miller Award

Cross Union Collaboration

Another outcome from recent women’s activism, was the agreement for sisters from the three Australian maritime unions to discuss ways to join efforts in progressing women’s participation in our industry.

Preliminary meetings have been attended by female industrial officers, and national officials, covering each organisation’s actions toward inclusive workplaces and the many ways that members will benefit from a ‘whole of industry’ approach.

Also, in this spirit of collaboration the women of MUA and MUNZ have made a firm agreement to do likewise in 2024. Topping this off, the MUA’s strong ties with the ITF will help encompass the internationalism of these efforts as we lead from the front for ALL workers.

New Campaign work

The many women’s forums, roundtables and events that have taken place in the last 6 months, have all contributed to the recognition that industry is moving too slow in making the necessary changes to provide safe and inclusive workplaces. In response, the National Women’s Committee have been working on an action plan to fight for and win inclusive workplaces and employment practices, which will be presented at this year’s Quadrennial Conference. We’ve been asking for help from across the union movement, both men and women, to formulate an organising pathway for gender equity in the maritime industry. The goal is to see companies obliged to enact measures to attract/ recruit/ and retain women in maritime across the country. If you have any input, please send it to women@mua.org.au In addition to helping ease the workforce shortage, more women www.mua.org.au

Laura Dodin, recipient of the Emma Miller Award with previous recipient Kerryn Loose Jones

at sea and on the wharf will improve conditions and safety, reduce the gender pay gap and invigorate our activism in the MUA more broadly. Let’s keep leading from the front Comrades!

WIMDOI

The 2024 Women in Male Dominated Occupations & Industries conference (biennale) is shaping up to be an amazing experience for both budding and veteran unionists, to be held in Cairns on 6-9th of May. This event is pivotal for women who are a minority in their industry. The presentations, discussions and rallies are expertly curated by the organisers, and showcase the tools that women unionists can utilise to bring about

This award is given in recognition to the women who have made an outstanding contribution to their union at the grass roots level.

Congratulations to Laura Dodin for being chosen to be honoured by the Queensland Council of Unions with the Emma Miller Award last year! Truly deserving. Laura is a deckhand, and a union delegate currently working on the River City Ferries, Laura is also the first woman to be a relieving official for the MUA QLD branch.

Previous recipient, Kerryn Loose Jones, is pictured here next to Laura.

Kerryn is a docker, a delegate trainer and National Women’s Committee member.

Incredible MUA Tasmania members

Bonnie, Sarah, Carol, Kelly & Kylie with the help from other members not pictured, gathered essential ‘In the Bag’ donations for Share the Dignity campaign. Giving more than just tangible items - they’re brightening Christmas for those seeking refuge from domestic violence. •

Women’s Forums

The Port Kembla branch women’s forum, knowledge sharing and building strong networks to grow the power of the union. One of many that were held around the country and have supercharged women’s activism.

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BLACK ARMADA How a bunch of seafarers and wharfies from the Asia Pacific got together on the Australian wharves to change history

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friendship between seafarers union leader EV Elliot and an Indonesian unionist lies at the heart of the story of a union boycott of Dutch shipping in 1945.

Tukliwon Subianto was an engineer for Sydney Ferries and the leader of the Indonesian Seafarers Union in Australia – a union EV Elliot helped set up.

Tuk (for short) and Elliott were mates. They had worked closely helping around 2000 striking Indonesian seafarers employed on Dutch vessels in Australia win better pay and conditions in 1942.

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Tuk was just 20 years old. It was heady days. World War II was coming to an end. Old colonial empires were crumbling. The perception of western civilisation and the ‘superior’ white man ruling the world was in shatters.

When Japanese troops marched into the Dutch East Indies in 1942, the white colonialists fled to Australia.

They brought remnants of their empire with them. As an ally Australia made them its guest.

Dutch ships were moored in Australian ports, Indonesian seafarers and soldiers accommodated in barracks hostels, hotels – and prisons.

The Dutch made Wacol, Brisbane, HQ for their empire in exile. Deluded, the pompous colonialists dreamt of returning to retake the vast riches of the archipelago at wars end.

The Indonesians had other ideas.

With the Japanese surrender their republican leaders Soekarno and Hatta declared independence. It was 17 August, 1945 and the broadcast reached Australia by short wave radio.

Tuk ran to Elliot with the news.

Indonesian seafarers would refuse to sail the Dutch ships loaded with troops and arms intent on crushing the revolution. www.mua.org.au

The SUA, Chinese and Indian unions in Australia pledged their support. But only the waterside workers could stop the ships loading.

Elliott personally introduced Tuk to Jim Healy Waterside Workers Federation leader. They got his “unstinting support”.

Stan Moran, WWF Sydney Branch was the first to declare a black ban on Dutch shipping. The resolution cited the newly formulated Atlantic Charter – all people had a right to self determination.

Many of the shiploads of political prisoners the Dutch brought to Indonesia were seasoned rebels and revolutionaries (nationalists and communists).

Word got out and civil rights advocates had successfully lobbied for their release from Australian prisoner of war camps. It was these seasoned revolutionaries, many highly educated, who helped radicalise Indonesian crew and work with Australian unions to plan the boycott.

In Brisbane they sat alongside reps from the ships crews and key unions in Brisbane Trades Hall under the leadership of former wharfie Michael Healy.

Together they meticulously planned the walk off from Dutch ships and the bans to follow. Indonesian crews would strike over wages and conditions to legitimise broad Australian union support.

On 24 September as the Dutch armada on the Brisbane River readied to sail, the Indonesian crew walked off. Promptly 1400 waterside workers voted to black ban all seven ships.

Within hours they were joined by comrades in other maritime unions – tally clerks, tug crews, painters and dockers.

On board the Van Heutz the core of the Dutch colonial administration – some 200 officials and 600 troops with 200 tonnes of small arms and ammunition – was powerless. The ban made world headlines.

The following day Australianborn leader of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Harry Bridges declared his support from San Francisco.

What followed was argueably the www.mua.org.au

biggest union boycott of all times – 31 Australian unions and 13 international unions holding countless Dutch ships and cargoes in ports around the world.

Rupert Lockwood, editor of the Tribune and later the Maritime Worker was on the ground in the thick of it. In his book Black Armada he describes ships at sagging mooring ropes in Sydney Harbour, Brisbane, Yarra and Swan Rivers.

Indian crew flown in to replace the Indonesians joined the strike, largely under the militant leadership of Dan Singh, Indian Seamen’s Union in Australia. They climbed down the side of ships to waiting union launches dotting harbours and rivers.

Rolling bans, strikes and mutinies held ships in port for months at a time.

safety and provided jobs in Australia.

On the wharves Dutch troops were called in to break the strikes and load the vessels, pointing their rifles menacingly at waterside workers.

Vessels limped out to sea, without tugs, often half crewed with untrained labour flown in on secret charter flights after all Indian crew were either exhausted or forced to sail at gunpoint.

Going home

Meanwhile Australian unions called on the Australian government to send Indonesian crew and prisoners back home to republican held areas.

PM Chifley agreed. On 13 October the Esperance Bay left with the first repatriates to join the struggle for independence. Among them

“... Australian unions Called on the Australian government to send Indonesian crew and prisoners back home to republican held areas.PM Chifley agreed.

“As poets and general tell us, all delays are dangerous in war.”

Lockwood wrote.

The boycott was a blow the Dutch could never recover from.

Over four years the delays continued – crew walk offs, wharfies refusing to load, tugs refusing to take the vessel out and coal lumpers refusing to fuel Dutch vessels. It spread to road logistics, warehouses, airports and postal services.

In Woolloomooloo British sailor Ivor Lewis made a wild dash from a Royal Navy troop carrier Moreton Bay transporting 1600 Dutch troops.

Crewmate Wilfred leapt for a rope and slid to the wharf, bruised, his clothes in tatters as Dutch and British officers pulled up the gangway. The Dutch jeered from the decks; Australians cheered from the wharves.

As deserters the sailors (10 in total) were subject to court martial back home. Instead they were smuggled to

were trained Indonesian soldiers, technicians, political cadres and engineers to serve the Republic.

The returns were not without incident. Australian Captain Cousin of the naval ship HMAS Manoora, repatriating 800 men women children and political prisoners was intercepted at Tanjung Priok Harbour in Jakarta by a truckload of heavily armed Dutch soldiers. The Captain informed the Dutch he would order his Australian navy officers to draw fire unless the Indonesians were allowed to join their armed escort to safety in Republican held territory.

Sussex Street diplomacy

Not only did the boycott make world news it made foreign policy.

Both Australia’s allies – the US and UK – backed the return of Dutch colonialism.

But the Chifley/Evatt Labor Government came to endorse the

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Leaders of the All Indonesian Central Council of Trade Unions wrote to ACTU describing the union boycott as “a deed of historic importance and an example to the world”. trade union bans and recognise the Republic. All correspondence with WWF General Secretary Jim Healy began fondly with ‘Dear Jim…’ The press called the wharfie leaders less fondly – the foreign ministers of Millers Point, they jibed, also coining the term “Sussex Street Diplomacy.”

Opposition leader Bob Menzies fulminated that unions were “dictating foreign policy”.

But Australia found its place, if briefly, in South East Asia. The Republic of Indonesia even appointed Canberra to speak on its behalf in the international arena. Foreign minister Dr Evatt promoted the Indonesians cause at the United Nations in 1948, boldly criticising Washington for backing the Dutch.

Australia voted against its US and UK allies alongside Russia and Poland for the United Nations to support Indonesian independence. For the first (and perhaps last) time in history, Australia was no longer the “Land of the Faithful Ditto” when it came to foreign relations, Lockwood wrote.

Union power was at its zenith.

Supreme Allied Commander SouthEast Asia, Louis Mountbatten flew in to shake hands and beg audience with the EV Elliot (SUA), Ted Roach (WWF), representatives of both the ACTU and NSW TLC and ministers.

He ever so politely asked both communist union leaders to lift the bans on the remaining seven ships.

The unions could “send a whole shipload of observers” to make sure no Dutch vessels carried arms or munitions. But Elliot and Roach would only agree if the Indonesian PM said so. And, despite overtures from the British, he would not.

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Oil giants bow to unions

The unions also commanded unprecedented respect among shipping, oil and gas corporations.

Oil giants Rockefeller and Royal Dutch Shell agreed to only sail their tankers on union sanctioned trade routes, bypassing Dutch held ports thirsty for fuel.

Inevitably the Dutch finally ceded to Indonesia (27 December, 1949).

When the bill passed in the Dutch parliament, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs Dirk Stikker acknowledged the boycott by Australian waterside workers as a major factor in bringing it about.

Recognition

President Soekarno paid tribute to the important aid given to the Republic by “the magnificent freedom loving stand” of the Australian trade unions. His first thanks was broadcast on Republican Radio Batavia in October, 1945.

Leaders of the All Indonesian Central Council of Trade Unions wrote to ACTU describing the union boycott as “a deed of historic importance and an example to the world”.

Tuk became both a union leader and a member of parliament back home.

Total

The Black Armada in Australia alone totalled 559 vessels (Dutch merchant ships, passenger lines and troopships, tankers and oil industry craft, barges and surf landing craft essential for shallow Indies waters, sub chasers, British troop ships, Australian navy vessels, corvettes, trucks and subs – one still rusting on the bottom of Fremantle Harbour)

“It was a very effective strike,” wrote Molly Bondon, the founder of the Australian Indonesian Association. “It tied up ships and prevented the Dutch from sending medical, military, government and administration supplies or money to prop up their colony, she wrote in her autobiography In Love with a Nation.

A Kiwi born Australian, Bondon married one of the Nationalists and lived in Jakarta. She worked in government and wrote President Soekarno’s English language speeches.

“I myself feel that had there been no strike against Dutch ships in Australia the whole history of the Republic would have been different,” she said.

Like Lockwood, Bondon believed Indonesia may have endured a much longer war and been carved up much like Vietnam.

Indonesia calling

The drama and passion of the black bans is captured in one memorable film – Indonesia Calling. Joris Ivens, Film Commissioner for the Netherlands Indies government also jumped ship when he saw the colonialists attempts to crush the revolution.

The SUA, WWF and 13 other maritime unions sponsored the film – part documentary, part reenactment.

One of the most powerful scenes is that of Tuk and Elliot standing together, holding the Indonesian flag before the Esperance Bay sets sail ferrying Indonesian seafarers home as free men.

“As federal secretary of the Seamen’s Union, on behalf of the trade union movement of Australia, I present to you this flag,” Elliot says.

“Take it with you to your young Republic as a symbol of the support of the Australian workers in your fight for independence.”

Tuk’s response was from the heart: “We will never forget the great help Australian labour has given us in the vital first days of our Republic,” he said. “Indonesia Merdeka, Free Indonesia.” • www.mua.org.au

Unveiling history How a bunch of seafarers and wharfies from the Asia Pacific got together on the Australian wharves to change history

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aritime Union councillors, veterans, Indonesian union leaders and community members, academics and writers were among a crowd witnessing the unveiling of the Black Armada plaque at the Australian National Maritime Museum on Gadigal Land, Darling Harbour Sydney on October 11.

The plaque commemorates the Indonesian Australian worker solidarity and what is perhaps the biggest boycott in union history.

“It’s a very important part of our trade union history,” said Maritime Union National Secretary and President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation Paddy Crumlin.

“When Indonesian seafarers walked off the Dutch arms ships, they were joined by Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Malay and Australian workers, who all came together in a beautiful expression of internationalism and solidarity with one another against the violence and oppression of colonial rule,” he said.

MC for the night was Deputy National Secretary Warren Smith.

“Australian wharfies and seafarers fought tooth and nail for the independence of Indonesia,” he said in between introducing speakers. “A massive struggle ensued in this country where 559 vessels were banned. It was one of those struggles which changed the world and changed it for the better.”

In his welcome to country Gadigal leader Michael West spoke of the early trade between First Nation people and Indonesians, centuries before white colonisation – a theme taken up by both the Museum Deputy Director Michael Baldwin and the Indonesian Consul General Verdi Kurnia Buana.

“The plaque we unveil is an important reminder that a people led movement can achieve real www.mua.org.au

“...a beautiful expression of internationalism and solidarity against the violence and oppression of colonial rule” – PADDY CRUMLIN

change,” Baldwin said, noting the recent work the Museum had done touring the film and exhibition Indonesian Calling in conjunction with Indonesian arts festivals in Yogyakarta, Java and Ubud, Bali.

“In 1945 Dutch military and arms was paralysed by the Black Armada,” Consul Verdi said, noting his Sydney consulate has also placed a plaque commemorating the boycott outside the entrance and screened Indonesia Calling on Indonesian Independence Day. Speaking on behalf of the Indonesian Seafarers Union and the wider Indonesian labour movement SUI General Chair Dr Matheus Tambing described the unions as weapons to free the world of colonialism.

“Unions were on the frontline,” he said. “President Soekarno acknowledged the strong support from the Australia government and workers in our struggle for independence. It is written into our

history so it will never be forgotten.”

ISU General Secretary Dewi Nyoman Budiasa proclaimed the history of the Black Armada would inspire the next generation of youth “so they never forget our past heroes”.

The union role delaying the return of the Dutch fleet gave the fledging republic crucial time to prepare for victory, he said.

The plaque was a joint project between the MUA, the Maritime Museum and the Australian Indonesian Association.

Neil Smith, AIA historian spoke of the many key AIA figures involved in the struggle – Guy Anderson Secretary of the NSW Trades and Labor Council who was instrumental in organising broad union support for the strike against the Dutch. Clarrie Campbell treasurer for the Indian Seamen’s Union set up in Sydney with the support of the SUA, who successfully helped the call for Indian crew to abandon Dutch ships. Laura Gapp leader of the Civil Rights League who lobbied to get 500 Indonesian interned in Cowra prisoner of war camp released. Molly Bondan AIA founder who helped with the welfare of the Indonesian crew and went on to write speeches for President Soekarno extolling the union contribution to independence.

Emeritus professor Heather Goodall, author of Beyond Borders, described the boycott as “an event that ricocheted around the world”.

She spoke of the crucial role Indian and Chinese seafarers played refusing to scab.

“The workers on ships that walked off risked everything to stop those arms going to the Dutch, ” she said.

Also attending on the night were Christy Cain, Secretary CFMMEU, Hamish McDonald, former foreign editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and Jan Lingard, academic and author Refugees and Rebels: Indonesian Exiles in Wartime Australia. •

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INTERNATIONAL

War on the Wharves VIII:

Hawaii T

he fraternal bonds of solidarity and camaraderie between maritime workers throughout the Pacific has been strengthened and built upon in recent weeks by the coming together of Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), Maritime Union New Zealand (MUNZ) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) brothers and sisters for the War on the Wharves VIII charity boxing competition in Honolulu, Hawaii, in September 2023.

War on the Wharves is an international charity boxing competition organised by the MUA and MUNZ since 2014 to bring wharfies together in support of important charitable causes while training together and developing fitness, skills and social bonds between workplaces.

This year, War on the Wharves was hosted in Hawaii by ILWU Local 142 and raised funds for the Kids Hurt Too charity in Hawaii, providing support for children and young people recovering from loss, grief and trauma. This is an especially important charity for the Hawaiian community as the people of Maui recover from devastating bushfires that have wreaked havoc in Summer 2023.

The MUA delegation, led by Sydney Branch Assistant Secretary Nathan Donato, joined with MUNZ comrades in travelling to Hawaii for the War on the Wharves competition, where Mr Donato paid tribute to the long bonds of solidarity between Australian, Kiwi and American longshore workers on the Pacific Coasts of each country.

This relationship goes back almost 90 years, to the establishment of the ILWU by Australian-born seafarer, wharfie and labour leader Harry

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The delegation of MUA and MUNZ members raised money for Hawaiian kids in need.

Bridges in 1937. In the decades since, MUA, MUNZ and ILWU members have stood side by side against bosses and conservative politicians on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. An injury to one is an injury to all.

The War on the Wharves got its start in Port Botany, in 2010, when two wharfies from different companies, brought together through the camaraderie and unity of the MUA, decided to raise money for a fellow member whose daughter fell suddenly and gravely ill. Since then, it has grown to become a significant and enduring milestone in our Union’s annual calendar, and it continues to raise tens of thousands of dollars for people and groups in need.

Through the seven events held to date, War on the Wharves has raised

close to AU$250,000 for charities which include the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Key To Life mental health charity in New Zealand, Souths Cares Community charity and now a US$15,000 donation to the Kids Hurt Too charity in Hawaii.

The event is made possible each year through the hard work and dedication of rank and file members of the respective unions, including Angelo Dymock, Dustan Dawson, Jamie McMechan and Matty Bonner, with the support of branch officials and staff.

The now-international organising committee of this successful charity effort addressed the MUA National Council last year, and will attend Quadrennial Conference in February where they will seek support to further strengthen and build on their past successes.• www.mua.org.au

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Adelaide Convention Centre February 26 - March 1, 2024 The MUA’s Quadrennial National Conference will be held over five days at the end of February and will bring together hundreds of members of the MUA’s rank and file, workplace delegates, officials, staff and veterans, along with international guests representing transport and maritime unions from across the globe.

For over 150 years, the national conferences of our Union have set the agenda for our work on the waterfront, around our coast, and within the major public policy debates of our society.

The overarching theme of this Quadrennial Conference is ‘United & Stronger’ as the Union looks ahead to the next four years of industry development, membership growth and consolidation of our enviable position in maritime workplaces throughout Australia.

Members will gather to propose, debate and settle the future agenda of the MUA in the richest traditions of democracy, transparency working class political leadership developed over 150 years of our Union’s long and remarkable history. www.mua.org.au

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Our Union’s national conference brings together the full breadth of experience, ideas, energy and enthusiasm of our movement and our industry to set a course for the coming four years.

Paddy Crumlin MUA National Secretary

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UNITED & STRONGER MUA National Conference, Adelaide 2024

Quadrennial Conference:

Our Union’s History and Governance The Maritime Union of Australia has a proud record throughout 150 years of history of member-led, democratic processes that set the Union’s agenda.

These policies are shaped and honed at conferences every four years, with the supreme decision making forum setting the course for members, committees, branches and officials to follow.

Delegates to the national conference are elected by and from ports, ships and other workplaces and are held every four years.

Conferences bring together at least 2% of the overall membership of our Union for one week of policy discussion, debate and ratification.

At the 2024 Conference, from our nationwide membership of approximately 11,500 members more than 280 will attend as voting delegates. This is complemented by over 100 international guests and other trade union representatives, observers and rank-and-file committee members.

Conferences are the supreme policy-making body of our Union, and the decisions at each Conference, when ratified by a majority of Branches and members at special meetings, become binding on the National Council, Branches, Officers and members of the Union.

The resolutions, policies and agenda set out at our last Quadrennial Conference, held in early 2020 on the eve of the COVID pandemic, set out the priorities, ambitions and aspirations of our Union. Over the past four years we have pursued these aims and delivered for our members by growing our industries, strengthening our representation and pursuing broad social and economic change to benefit working class Australians.

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With the Liberal and National Parties out of office in all states and territories apart from Tasmania, we have a unique opportunity to build lasting, nationwide reform for maritime and waterfront workers, including by fixing the broken workplace laws that Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison used to manipulate and control workplaces in favour of the bosses, but also by expanding and strengthening our industries through the establishment of an Australian Strategic Fleet, which is a cornerstone election promise of the Albanese Labor Government, and one which the Union’s leadership has been involved in at all stages of its development and implementation.

The past four years also saw our Union reach its 150th anniversary, with a number of major milestones and historic occasions marking this significant achievement.

The Wharfies Mural, conceived on the shores of Australia’s oldest working port, and depicting the history of struggle and sacrifice on the Hungry Mile, now takes pride of place within the Australian National Maritime Museum’s permanent exhibition, befitting the important social, economic and historical role of wharfies throughout our nation.

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UNITED & STRONGER MUA National Conference, Adelaide 2024

MUA National Conference 2020

Key Resolutions passed by the last conference Governance • Monitoring the benefits of amalgamation • Union dues and brackets • Online and electronic recruitment and organising • Associate membership of the MUA • Organisational structure review • Full Time organisers in branches • Union finances and transparency International • International solidarity against Transdev • Branch affiliation with the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) and MUA support for the the International Dockworkers Movement (IDC, ITF) Health, Safety and Mental Health • Managing the ongoing threat of asbestos • Air quality monitoring and PPE for respiratory health • Industrial support for HSRs targetted by employers • Hunterlink services for MUA members • Protect Income protection services • Safety as a primary industrial issue First Nations • More jobs in our industry for First Nations peoples • Recognition of Traditional Owners • Solidarity with all First Nations peoples • Support for the Uluru Statement • Opposition to the ‘Community Development Program’ and the ‘Basics Card’ • Social compacts between the Union and First Nations peoples

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Climate, Just Transition and Renewable Energy • •

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Supporting Offshore Renewables projects nationwide Provide a Just Transition from sunsetting industries and support all workers employed in oil, gas or coal to retain secure employment Opposition to hydraulic fracking

Social and Solidarity • Support for essential services remaining in public hands • Solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers • Peace and non-proliferation • Banning the handling of nuclear waste • Opposition to nuclear energy in Australia Union Training and Education • Union inductions for all members • ITF education and training for members • Union training facility and St Georges Basin

Superannuation • • •

Maritime Super investment in clean energy Support for potential mergers and amalgamation of Maritime Super with comparable funds.

Stronger than legal minimum superannuation provisions in all EBAs

Stevedoring • Opposition to complete stevedoring automation at any new or existing terminal • No loss of jobs due to automation • No introduction of semiautomation without consultation • MUA to have coverage of all new positions created after any form of automation Political • Continued affiliation to political parties that will legislate for workers’ rights including the right to strike • Pursue the repeal of anti-union laws

Shipping • Revival of Australian Shipping and a Strategic Fleet • Increased representation of • Cabotage: Australian crews for women in our industry Australian cargoes • Support for industrial • Reducing transport emissions and legislative reforms • Strengthening maritime safety that promote womens’ and training participation, equity and justice in the workplace.

Industrial & General Policy & Rules • Right to Strike • Wage stagnation • Establishment of the MUA • Alliances with other unions Policy Forum and Platform • Standardisation of member • Maximising and modernising benefits the Union’s growth and • Casual conversion to coverage permanency • Obligations of membership • Paid attendance for delegates • Nomination and election negotiating EBAs processes Industrial training for all • MUA branding, messaging and • delegates social media Women

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KEY POLICIES OF THE LAST CONFERENCE Australian Strategic Fleet The Union’s long standing industrial and political commitment to a revitalised Australian shipping industry has delivered significant and tangible results, bolstered by the election of the Albanese Government on a promise to maritime workers to start the mammoth task of establishing a strategic fleet of Australian flagged and crewed vessels.

New vessel crewing agreements with major energy and resources companies, like Woodside, that will deliver immediate an immediate uptick in maritime employment will supplement the long-term project of rebuilding Australian shipping.

Recognition of Australia’s First Nations people Throughout our Union’s 150 years, we have stood side by side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in their ongoing campaigns for jutice, equity, recognition and respect.

That’s why, at our last Quadrennial Conference, we committed ourselves to supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and joining the fight for constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations people.

While we are disappointed in the outcome of the referendum in October 2023, we are no less resolute or determined to see justice and recognition delivered for our indigenous comrades, brothers and sisters throughout Australia.

A Just Transition to Renewable Energy The MUA has led the charge for a massive investment in renewable energy projects around our coastline as the Australian economy is weaned off coal, oil, and gas. For our 150 years, maritime workers have been an essential link in the energy and resources supply chain, and that will continue into the future as we deliver and develop the massive new renewable energy projects that will power our economy and our communities into the future.

The jobs on offer are more than just in offshore wind; we will also be called upon to progressively dismantle and remove the offshore oil and gas infrastructure that is due to reach its end of life over the coming decades.

Internationalism and Global Solidarity

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The MUA’s long standing commitment to international worker solidarity is a cornerstone of our political, industrial and social activism and has been throughout our 150 year history. With multinational employers on the waterfront and in the shipping industry, we need to organise globally to protect our jobs, defend our conditions of employment, and demand respect and fair pay from the bosses.

Through our affiliation and prominent leadership role in the International Transport Workers Federation (the ITF), we are fighting for a better working life for all transport workers, including visiting seafarers aboard Flag of Convenience ships in www.mua.org.au our ports.

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Unity along the waterfront and around our coast Throughout our workplaces, MUA members demand respect, decent pay and conditions, and safety on the job.

This remains possible only through collective action, unity and ongoing commitment to protecting, expanding and improving our industry.

Employers in the maritime sector know that the MUA will fight for better pay, safer workplaces and stronger protections, but this is only possible through the unity and commitment of our membership in each and every maritime workplace — our employment agreements are among the best in Australia and around the world because of it.

MUA National Conference 2024 The 2024 conference will bring together rank and file delegates from every branch of our Union.

Together, we will set the course for the coming four years and address the policy, political, industrial and social challenges that face our members.

Agenda at a Glance Day 1: • • • • • •

Where to from the Referendum ITF Address ACTU Address United & Stronger, CFMMEU Address Strategic Fleet and Rebuilding Australian Shipping Unions in Struggle around the globe

Day 2: • • • • •

International Solidarity Panel: The power of unity across borders International Solidarity Panel: Waterfront Work MUA & MUNZ Federation Fighting for our Future: Youth Stop this Killer Stone campaign

Day 3:

Day 4:

• • •

• •

•

Recruiting women to the maritime industry Waterfront strategy across terminals First Nations Voices; What’s Next?

Climate, Crisis & Transition for Maritime Workers

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Offshore Campaigning / Offshore Alliance Organising and Fighting for Safety Reports Back from Resolution Committees

NB: this is not the complete agenda and is subject to change between Maritime Workers Journal going to print and the commencement of Conference.

UNITED & STRONGER www.mua.org.au

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CONFERENCE SPONSORS 24 7

42 MWJ Summer 2023 National Conference 2024 spread.indd 6

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9/01/2024 3:14:43 PM

4:43 PM

Maritime Union of Australia Divisional Quadrennial Elections 2023 – 2027 MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons Summary of Elec�on Results – 30 June 2023

MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons Summary of Elec�on Results – 30 June 2023

Na�onal Office: Divisional Na�onal Secretary (One to be elected)

Votes Received:

Candidate/s: CRUMLIN, Padraig (Paddy) STEWART, Michael (Mick)

2902 885

Yes. No.

Divisional Na�onal Deputy Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: SMITH, Warren Unopposed.

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Na�onal Assistant Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: EVANS, Adrian MAGUIRE, Mark NEWLYN, Jamie

3029 1145 2703

Yes. No. Yes.

Divisional Na�onal Assistant Secretary – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: MAYO, Thomas O’SHANE, Michael

2549 1208

Yes. No.

Divisional Na�onal Assistant Secretary – Woman

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: HELPS, Victoria (Vicki) MYERS, Mich-Elle

1799 1988

No. Yes.

Divisional Na�onal Women’s Representa�ve

Votes Received:

Elected:

(One to be elected)

(Two to be elected)

(One to be elected)

(One to be elected)

Victoria Divisional Branch:

Elected:

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: CARNEGIE, Bob MINERS, Jason

207 495

No. Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: JOHNSTON, Aaron MAGUIRE, Robert

584 119

Yes. No.

Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: BARBER, Michael GALLAGHER, Paul LYON, David (Dave) PERRY, David (Dave)

211 473 467 186

No. Yes. Yes. No.

(One to be elected)

(One to be elected)

(Two to be elected)

Candidate/s: LUMSDEN, Robert STEVENS, Shane

666 337

Yes. No.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: BALL, David HOY, Jeff

713 277

Yes. No.

Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: BORG, Dean MAXWELL, Dylan MOON, Aarin PATCHETT, Robert

425 400 575 400

Yes. No. Yes. No.

Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: CAMPBELL, Jason Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary (Hon)

Votes Received:

Elected:

(Two to be elected)

(One to be elected)

(One to be elected)

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: WILLIAMS, Glen Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary (Hon)

Votes Received:

Elected:

The following candidates were all elected unopposed: NSW: HUSBAND, Taamara CROW, Bonnie MOORE, Angie RUSSELL, Sarah MYERS, Mich-Elle NT: N/A

MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons

TAS: CROW, Bonnie RUSSELL, Sarah VIC: EASTON, Brenda SHUMBA, Sharon

Candidate/s: BULL, Alisha Summary of Elec�on Results –N/A 30 June 2023Yes. Unopposed

South Australia Divisional Branch Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: LARKIN, Bret Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary (Hon)

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: CLOTHIER, Clem Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: TRACEY, Will Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: HEATH, Doug Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

The following candidates were all elected unopposed:

Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

GRAY, Ann MYERS, Mich-Elle

(One to be elected)

2

QLD: GRAY, Ann LOOSE-JONES, Kerryn

Divisional Branch Secretary

(One to be elected)

5

WA: BONNER, Rachael FLESHER, Marlene SA DOUGLAS, Sue

Western Australia Divisional Branch: (One to be elected)

(One to be elected)

(Two to be elected)

Divisional Branch Secretary

MUA Divisional National Women’s Coordinating Commitee

Tasmania Divisional Branch

2023 CFMMEU National Women’s Committee

MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons

Newcastle Divisional Branch (One to be elected)

Elected:

(One to be elected)

Unopposed.

Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

(One to be elected)

(One to be elected)MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons Candidate/s: MOORE, Angie Summary of Elec�on Results –N/A 30 June 2023 Yes.

Queensland Divisional Branch:

Divisional Branch Secretary

Candidate/s: CASSAR, Jeff N/A Yes. GAKIS, George Summary of Elec�on Results –N/A 30 June 2023 Yes. Unopposed.

Northern Territory Divisional Branch

MUA Divisional Quadrennial Elec�ons Candidate/s: OUTRAM, Summary ofDennis Elec�on Results –N/A 30 June 2023 Yes. (One to be elected)

Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: BURFORD, Andy Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary (Hon)

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: MURPHY, Jason Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

(One to be elected)

Unopposed

Sydney Divisional Branch

(One to be elected)

Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: KEATING, Paul Unopposed.

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: GARRETT, Paul Unopposed.

N/A

Yes.

Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

MYERS, Mich-Elle

Candidate/s: DONATO, Nathan DUNN, Brad Unopposed

N/A N/A

Yes. Yes.

Northern Territory

Victoria

N/A

EASTON, Brenda

Queensland

Western Australia

(One to be elected)

(One to be elected)

(Two to be elected)

MUA Divisional Na�onal Women’s Coordina�ng Commitee The following candidates were all elected unopposed: NSW

Tasmania

HUSBAND, Taamara

CROW, Bonnie

MOORE, Angie

RUSSELL, Sarah

SHUMBA, Sharon

Southern New South Wales Divisional Branch Divisional Branch Secretary

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: CARTER, Scot CHAPMAN-POLITIS, Riley

123 44

Yes. No.

Divisional Branch Deputy Secretary (Hon)

Votes Received:

Elected:

Candidate/s: PATERSON, Robert Unopposed

N/A

Yes.

(One to be elected)

3

6

GRAY, Ann

BONNER, Rachael

LOOSE-JONES, Kerryn

FLESHER, Marlene

South Australia (One to be elected)

www.mua.org.au

DOUGLAS, Sue

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FNQ seafarers stand up to multinational bosses – AND WIN

W

orkers employed by North Queensland maritime transport company ‘Cruise Whitsundays’, a subsidiary of multinational cruising company Hornblower, walked off the job in September for a series of Protected Industrial Actions that rocked the tropical North Queensland operator, and forced the company back to the negotiating table. Negotiation for a new agreement was high-handedly ended by company representatives, prompting workers to get organised and vote for action.

Cruise Whitsundays – which at the time was understood to be being prepared for sale by the parent company – is a major transport supplier for Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays region and is the largest marine tourism company in Airlie Beach.

Amidst a spiralling cost of living and inflation crisis, the company’s HR representatives were pursuing what amounted to significant wage cuts for a workforce that was already receiving below-market rates of pay. Market analysis by the MUA demonstrated that Cruise Whitsundays and Hornblower had been getting away with running a cut-price outfit compared to direct competitors performing similar work in the Whitsundays region, and the Union was determined to lift the standards.

At the commencement of negotiations, the Union and its members sought pay parity with other operators doing the same or similar runs and charters, but not long into the process Cruise Whitsundays walked away from bargaining. Accustomed to getting their way, the company even declined to engage in bargaining meetings assisted by the Fair Work Commission and set itself on a path of

44

disputation with the workforce.

“This was a profitable company being fattened up for market by a global shipping outfit that didn’t want to give its Australian workforce a fair-go,” the MUA Queensland Branch Secretary, Jason Miners, told MWJ. “The company’s reputation was built on the hard work of a workforce that delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the most beautiful part of the world, but the crews were being paid barely more than the legal minimum wages while the company generates exorbitant profits greater than any of their five other businesses combined!” Mr Miners said.

The company put forward a draft agreement that included a 3% wage increase for 2023, below inflation, and a 0% wage increase for 2024 – this ridiculous proposal was rejected by 87.4% of staff in a ballot.

The workers engaged in a series of 24 hour work stoppages backed up by further, lower level industrial action including wearing of campaign t-shirts, and work bans on charging passengers for alcohol or the cleaning vessels.

“Cruise Whitsundays had been ripping off their workers and conducting themselves disgracefully throughout this bargaining process.

The claimed to pay “above Award rates”, but in many cases identified by the Union this was just 1 cent per

hour above the legal minimum, which demonstrated the shamefully cynical attitude that underpins this company,” Mr Miners said.

“It’s high time the workers at Cruise Whitsundays caught up with their peers, kept up with the rising cost of living, and were paid a fair amount for the hard work they do, but this company wanted to play hard ball by refusing to meet,” Miners added.

At the same time as negotiations broke down, the MUA was also lodging legal proceedings for breaches of the old agreement and had identified crew underpayments that amounted to multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Eventually, under a barrage of pressure from workers, the media and the North Queensland community, the company rolled over to provide a pay rise of 18% for new crew and a massive 21% for existing crews, along with 6 months backpay and a signon bonus. The agreement is awaiting final approval with the Fair Work Commission as MWJ goes to print.

“The tourism and leisure sector of our industry has too many cowboy outfits running unsafe boats with underpaid workers. They are all on notice that the MUA is organising these workplaces up and down the Queensland coast and will never back down from a fight,” said Jason Miners. • www.mua.org.au

Date: 12 April, 2024 Registration starts @ 7am Soldiers Beach Surf Club, Norah Head

Held annually since 1995, Working Waves is a great day out in the sun for members and their families, welcoming surfers and spectators of all ages and abilities.

“It’s always a great event which draws in members throughout the industry and as it’s a family event, it’s an excellent social setting for everyone to unwind and enjoy time together in the sun” – Newcastle Branch Secretary, Glen Williams

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