Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand supports the ILWU struggle for decent jobs at the Port of Longview.

We are appalled at the actions of police acting in collusion with multinational corporation EGT and the disgraceful attack on the ILWU protest.

Congratulations to all ILWU brothers and sisters for the active defence of decent jobs against predatory global corporates.

The Maritime Union has identified the New Zealand operations of one of the EGT partners and will be happy to register our strong protest to them and publicize their involvement in anti-union and anti-worker activities, if required. International solidarity is the key to defeating these attacks on working men and working women.

Please let us know if there is any way in which we can assist your struggle. Kia kaha tatau tatau – be strong, we are all one.

Two of New Zealand’s main transport unions have formed a strategic alliance focussed on the New Zealand waterfront.

National officials of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) this week signed an Alliance Charter in Wellington.

The key goal of the charter is to grow unionism and collectivity amongst Port and Waterfront workers through joint action and initiatives.

The charter is based around communication, information sharing, joint campaigning, a political strategy and a national organizing strategy.

Both unions are affiliates of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the International Transport Workers Federation, and the Trans Tasman Transport Union Alliance.

Maritime Union General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the Alliance Charter is focussed on getting all port and waterfront workers in New Zealand into genuine unions and building terms and conditions on the waterfront.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson says that joint projects between the two unions have already been discussed which will enhance the power and influence of organized labour on the New Zealand waterfront.

He says the strategic alliance will have a major impact on the transport and logistics sector within New Zealand and internationally.