Maritime Union says it’s time to connect the dots on Flag of Convenience fishing
The Maritime Union has welcomed New Zealand signing up to an international crackdown on illegal fishing – which also provides a clear opportunity to solve the abuse and exploitation of maritime workers.
Fisheries ministers from Australia, Britain, Canada, Chile, Namibia and New Zealand have agreed to a plan which will mean global tracking of fishing vessels, as well as an online database of their names, location and history, to help uncover illegal fishing.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the plan means that “half of the problem” is being seriously addressed.
European dockers victory shows global tide turning against “pirate capitalism”
The Maritime Union says a major Union victory in Europe for job security for port workers signals a turning of the tide in the global maritime industry.
The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly on 18 January 2006 to throw out a plan to extend corporate control over European ports.
On 16 January, 6000 dockers from 16 European countries mounted a strong protest against the plan in Strasbourg, France, in defence of jobs, working conditions, health and safety, and the quality of port services.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says it is a major victory that was gained by an active campaign by workers – and which has implications for the New Zealand industry.
Maritime Union members will refuse to work whaling ships
The Maritime Union says its members will refuse to work with any Japanese ship involved in whaling that visits a New Zealand port.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union supports the two environmental groups Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd in their attempts to end Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.
Mr Hanson says the escalating situation increased the potential for Japanese ships and planes involved in the whaling operation to visit New Zealand.