Representing New Zealand maritime workers since 2002
The Maritime Union says that protection for casual workers in the economic recession is a major focus for 2009.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union is interested in meeting with the incoming Minister of Labour in the new National-led Government to discuss the plight of casual workers.
Read MoreThe Maritime Union says that membership in a union is the best strategy for workers to get protections at a time of international economic turmoil.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says that while both major political parties have been outlining pre-election “job transition policies” to assist redundant workers, the best guarantee for workers to do even better was to join a union today.
Read MoreThe Maritime Union of New Zealand has offered qualified support to the merger of Lyttelton Port Company and the Port of Otago announced today.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union is a strong backer of ports remaining in local control to preserve employment and business opportunities.
Read MoreThe Maritime Union of New Zealand has welcomed the release of the Labour Party’s policy for employment relations today.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says it is important that the policy has focussed on providing protections for workers in a time of global economic turmoil.
“The Maritime Union position is that we need to pay more attention to the job security and stability for workers, and this policy has taken these issues on board.”
Read MoreThe Maritime Union says that action must be taken to protect both local jobs and overseas workers in New Zealand industries after recent comments from Opposition immigration spokesperson Lockwood Smith about overseas workers caused an uproar.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says a progressive downward pressure on wages, conditions and local jobs is spreading throughout large areas of the New Zealand economy, including the horticulture and viticulture sector.
“We are very aware of this problem in the fishing industry and with flag of convenience shipping, and also with attempts to displace waterfront labour.”
Read MoreThe Maritime Union of New Zealand has warned against the takeover of New Zealand ports after shipping giant COSCO announced its interest in buying into New Zealand ports this week.
The Chinese state owned multinational corporation COSCO is one of the world’s largest shipping lines.
Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot says the Union is opposed to handing control of ports over to global operators.
Read MoreThe Maritime Union has announced its priorities for the 2008 election.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union wants to see the return of a Labour-led Government to continue what he describes as incremental but positive moves to develop the maritime and transport industries.
Mr Hanson says the Maritime Union is strongly endorsing the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU) election policy document, especially regarding key issues such as wages, employment relations, health and safety, ACC, and transport.
Read MoreThe Maritime Union says a new employment Bill before Parliament is good news for casual workers.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says that many New Zealand workers are struggling with the insecurity of casual work.
The Maritime Union welcomed the Bill which featured increased powers for Labour Inspectors to determine whether workers were fixed-term or permanent employees, and tests to determine whether a worker has progressed from casual to permanent employment.
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