Category: workers rights

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

Victory for Lyttelton Port Workers against unlawful health monitoring

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has welcomed this week’s decision by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) which has ruled against Lyttelton Port Company’s (LPC) attempt to unilaterally impose a mandatory health monitoring policy on MUNZ members. 

MUNZ Assistant National Secretary Ray Fife says the outcome is a major win for the rights and well-being of port workers, ensuring that health monitoring procedures must be subject to collective bargaining and cannot be forced without agreement.

The dispute arose after LPC introduced a mandatory health monitoring policy in July 2024, covering aspects such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mobility, alongside hearing, sight, and respiratory testing. 

MUNZ says the policy went beyond the scope of the collective agreement between LPC and the union.

This week’s decision by the ERA has confirmed the Health Monitoring Policy was inconsistent with the Collective Employment Agreement and therefore unlawful.

The decision reaffirms that LPC cannot expand health testing requirements beyond those agreed upon without the union’s consent, says Mr Fife.

“This determination by the ERA reinforces the importance of collective bargaining in protecting workers’ rights.”

Mr Fife says MUNZ has ensured any changes affecting workers’ health and privacy must be done through negotiation.

He says the ERA ruling highlights the need for employers to act in good faith and respect the agreements they have signed with workers. 

MUNZ remains committed to ensuring that any future health and safety measures at Lyttelton Port are implemented with full consultation and agreement.

Posted on

Maritime Union of New Zealand back struggle of Australian Unions against anti-Union, anti-worker laws

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has offered its full support to Australian Unions in their struggle against anti-Union laws.

The CFMEU Construction Division was recently placed in administration following unproven allegations of criminal activity and new legislation rushed through the Australian Parliament.

The Maritime Union of Australia is a division of the CFMEU, and is backing a High Court challenge against the Federal Government’s “unjustified, chaotic and reckless decision” to place the CFMEU’s Construction Division into administration.

Mr Findlay says MUNZ agrees with the Maritime Union of Australia that the Federal Government in Australia has effectively robbed construction workers of an effective union.

“Maritime workers on both sides of the Tasman support key democratic principles including the presumption of innocence, natural justice and due process under law.”

“The Maritime Union of New Zealand is federated with the Maritime Union of Australia, and the MUA and the wider CFMEU have our full support in their struggle.”

Mr Findlay says all workers should be aware of the dangers of extreme anti-Union agendas that undermine the hard won rights of workers to organize. 

“This is a disturbing precedent and must be challenged.”

The Maritime Union in Australia and New Zealand have their origins in the Federated Seaman’s Union of Australasia founded in the 1870s.

“Governments come and Governments go, but the Union and the organized working class are here to stay.”

Posted on

Substantial progress for transport under the Labour-led Government

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union says substantial progress in the ports and shipping sector in the last term needs to be continued under a Labour-led Government.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says three key successes of the current Government have been in building coastal shipping capability, improving health and safety through the Ports Health and Safety Leadership Group, and laying the foundations for improved conditions in the industry through Fair Pay Agreements.

He says the interests of the transport industry are wider than shareholder profit, and the needs of workers and the environment need to be prioritized.

Mr Harrison says the $30 million coastal shipping fund has seen new New Zealand flagged vessels come onto the coast after years of decline.

He says following the pandemic disruption, the transport industry now acknowledges the need for a vibrant coastal shipping sector.

“Coastal shipping is a low emission mode and provides resilience in the face of the extreme weather events that are already disrupting land transport links.”

He says the development of the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group led by Maritime New Zealand and implemented by the Government has been a game changer.

“The maritime industry has had a terrible rate of deaths and injuries in recent years, and this is now changing as the industry works together under the new system.”

Mr Harrison says Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) are a great step forward for undervalued workers.

“Even employers now acknowledge the low wage casualization model has been a failure and we have to provide decent wages and conditions for all workers.”

He says workers make up the majority of voters and need to focus on real issues and the facts of what was in the interests of working-class people.

“Past promises of tax cuts have always benefited the wealthy section of the population – they do not benefit the majority of workers who need better wages and conditions and public services.”

Mr Harrison says Labour and the Greens have demonstrated a clear commitment in Government to the interests of workers and a sustainable and resilient transport industry.