Maritime Union 2009 Conference
Maritime Union of New Zealand media release
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Maritime workers from
around the world have gathered in Wellington this week as
the Maritime Union of New Zealand holds its third triennial
conference.
The three day conference sets the agenda
for the next three years of the Union and runs through to
Thursday 29 October.
The conference was opened this
morning by Leader of the Opposition Phil
Goff.
Delegates and observers from throughout New
Zealand and from USA, UK, Japan and Australia are attending
the conference.
International speakers addressing the
Conference include Maritime Union of Australia National
Secretary Paddy Crumlin, All Japan Dockworkers Union
ZenKowan Deputy General Secretary Shosaku Machida,
International Longshore and Warehouse Workers Union (North
America) Vice President Ray Familathe, and RMT National
Secretary Seafarers Division Steve Todd (United
Kingdom).
The Conference will also be the last for
long serving Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson
who retires next month after 37 years of active membership
and leadership within the Maritime Union and the former
Waterfront Workers Union.
Elections for the Maritime
Union's four national officers are currently being held by
postal
ballot.
ENDS