Candidate statement – Joe Fleetwood

To the Members of the Maritime Union of New Zealand,

My name is Joe Fleetwood, and I am seeking your support for my nomination to the position of National Assistant Secretary of our great union.

I am deeply grateful to the Lyttleton and Wellington Branch members for their trust in nominating me for this important role. Their support inspires my continued commitment to advancing our union during these challenging times.

For those who have been part of our union over the years, you may know of my extensive history of service. I have held various roles, including National Vice President, Wellington Branch Secretary, the last officially elected General Secretary of MUNZ, and the first elected National Secretary for MUNZ.

In each of these roles, I dedicated myself to standing up for our members and was never hesitant to make our union’s position clear to employers on critical industrial matters. My time as National Secretary provided me with a deep understanding of the responsibilities required of those in senior leadership roles, both locally and internationally. If elected as National Assistant Secretary, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to serving our union and its members.

During my tenure as National Secretary, MUNZ earned significant respect from like-minded trade unions in New Zealand and around the world, a legacy of solidarity that continues today and remains a source of great pride for me.

Looking to the Future – In the years ahead, we face inevitable battles with profit-driven employers who prioritise shareholders over workers’ well-being. Many of these employers show little respect for health and safety, focusing solely on their bottom line.

The maritime sector, in particular, is constantly evolving as companies seek to streamline operations to stay competitive. These changes often come at a cost to workers, as we have seen time and again. Foreign investment in once locally owned businesses has exacerbated these challenges. Companies like StraitNZ, now foreign owned, and others have prioritised profits over New Zealand workers. Our ethos must remain unequivocal, it is not a crime for New Zealand workers to receive fair wages and to be prioritised for employment opportunities in Aotearoa. There should be no excuses or exceptions to this fundamental principle.

My Commitment to You – I seek your vote to ensure your voice is heard. If elected, I will serve with dignity and respect, addressing your concerns, big or small, with unwavering commitment. I firmly believe that national officeholders must remain connected to the rank and file. Our union’s strength lies in unity, and every member deserves to be heard.

Throughout my tenure with MUNZ, I have been unafraid to speak truth to power, whether addressing employers or representing our members at the highest levels of our union. Accountability and solidarity are at the heart of our work, and we must continue to hold both leadership and employers to the highest standards.

Once the National Secretary finalises the election tour dates, I look forward to engaging in constructive debates with fellow candidates for the National Assistant Secretary position. Additionally, I am committed to addressing any issues our members consider important during our meetings.

Your vote is vital. Let’s ensure our union remains strong, united, and focused on protecting workers’ rights.

Vote for me, Joe Fleetwood, as your National Assistant Secretary. Thank you for your time and support.

In unity, Joe Fleetwood 0296
Rank & File Seafarer

PDF copy of candidate statement Joe Fleetwood (Click to download)