Global union negotiates pay deal

Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin returned from Tokyo on the weekend after chairing negotiations with international shipowners that have won better pay and conditions for world seafarers on more than 3,000 ships. The outcome also provides job prospects and security for Australian maritime workers in a new international collective agreement, unique in global industrial relations.

A joint negotiation group of 100 international shipowners reached an understanding with the ITF on October 6 to include seafarers from developed countries among their crew. A special IBF committee will be established by the end of the year to progress these issues. Understanding was also reached that unionised waterside workers should stevedore ships.

"This is a landmark agreement," said Mr Crumlin. "It means we've not only narrowed the pay gap between low paid international seafarers from developing countries and our own, we are building ways to provide Australian, Japanese and European seafarers a future in the industry. At the same time we are protecting the work of waterside workers in these countries to join unions and be protected by collective agreements."

"The Australian Government is conintuing to discriminate against the national interest here," said Mr Crumlin. "They like talking up the history of the trade but ignore the role Australian shipping and Australian seafarers have played in achieving this. Pretty typical!"

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