Union conference shows growing international links

Maritime Union conference shows growing international links for maritime workers

Media release
Monday 20 October 2003 ­
for immediate release

The Maritime Union of New Zealand is holding its first Triennial Conference in Wellington this week.

The three day conference will be held at Westbrook House, 181 Willis Street, on October 21, 22 and 23.

Delegates and officials from throughout New Zealand will be joined by nine representatives from the Maritime Union of Australia, and two representatives of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) from the United States.

The Conference will be addressed on its opening morning by Minister for Port Security Harry Duynhoven, Minister of Labour Margaret Wilson, and CTU President Ross Wilson.

The Maritime Union brings together two of New Zealand¹s oldest Unions, the Waterfront Workers Union and Seafarers Union, as well as stores and warehousing workers.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the amalgamation process is now completed.

Elections of national officials are taking place by postal ballot and will be completed by November 10.

³What we are seeing is the start of greater unity at national and international levels as workers realize this is the way to organize in a globalized economy,² says Mr Hanson.

He says the formation of a Tasman Maritime Federation with the Maritime Union of Australia is already having benefits for both partners, the Maritime Union of Australia and the Maritime Union of New Zealand.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand was working for stronger co-operation between maritime unions around the Pacific region.

ENDS

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