NZCTU, ACTU, ITF Transport Conference Statement

The NZCTU and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, in association with the International Transport Federation, jointly sponsored a Regional Transport Conference in Auckland this week. Below is a conference statement. This is the first time that transport unions have meet to discuss international issues of mutual concern.

Transport unions have recognised that the removal of financial and regulatory barriers, including those within CER, pose significant challenges to transport workers across all transport sectors.

Transport unions are identifying issues of common concern and have resolved to organise on a local and regional level.

Deregulation and the removal of financial and regulatory barriers and the casualisation of the workforce require a coordinated approach by Trans Tasman unions.

We recognise the common threats and have resolved to work together for the interests of workers in both Countries.

The transport industry is increasingly linked as employers operate across all modes.

Australian and New Zealand unions will take a proactive approach to these challenges.

There are common employers in road, rail, shipping and aviation. In response to this unions resolve to work closer together to ensure employers cannot undermine working conditions.

We resolve to establish and continue joint training programs and campaigns at a regional level.
Unions are exploring closer working relations including the establishment of regional and industrial federations.

Unions will coordinate their political and industrial responses on a regional level. The ITF's global solidarity campaign is endorsed and unions resolve to actively work to assist unions in the region.

The conference endorses a road transport organising summit jointly sponsored by the Transport Workers Union of Australia and the New Zealand Transport Union's in Wellington on 17-19 June 2003.

This summit will develop an organising plan that best utilizes union resources and growing union membership in the New Zealand road transport industry.

Transport unions will organise, train and encourage the active involvement of their women members and establish women's structures and international ties. Transport unions will endeavor to reserve positions for women on decision-making bodies and allocate budgets to facilitate affirmative strategies.

The conference participants encourage the ITF's Flags of Convenience campaign. The conference expresses alarm at the apparent lack of concern by the Australian and New Zealand Government's regarding the obvious security concerns associated with FOC's and calls upon governments to immediately follow the US example by ensuring the national economic and security interests are protected through the appropriate regulation and support for a national fleet.

The conference supports the development of national and regional cabotage giving recognition to the fact the Closer Economic Relations harmonise business opportunities for employers, this should be extended to employment growth to the workers of Australia and New Zealand. Similar to sea going cabotage, aviation cabotage is important for the economic development and national security for both countries.

Transport unions condemn the unjustified war against Iraq.

That conference records its solidarity with the union movements in those countries whose governments are supporting the US led illegal and aggressive military aggression against Iraq that threatens to become a wider conflict.

Thousands of aviation and other transport jobs are now at risk due the immoral and unnecessary act of aggression.

The proposed strategic alliance between Qantas and Air New Zealand raises issues for workers in both countries. Australian and New Zealand unions will work closely together to ensure that the interests of workers and the public are protected and enhanced.

The conference agrees to hold regular meetings to pursue and further develop a joint agenda.

Unions Have Role To Play In Reaching Growth Goals

Press Release by New Zealand Government, 2 Apr 2003

World-class transport infrastructure is critical to achieving the governments goal of restoring New Zealand to the top half of the
OECD rankings, Transport Minister Paul Swain told a Council of Trade Unions conference in Auckland.

"Unions and workers have a big part to play in helping us get back there," he said. "Unlike the previous National government we do not see unions as a roadblock to economic prosperity but rather as partners.

"The government is now taking an integrated approach to transport
looking at different modes - road, rail, sea and air - to come up with the best solutions."

As far as shipping is concerned, I know that maritime unions and some
shipping companies have concerns about the impact of the removal of cabotage and marginal pricing by foreign shippers on the coastal trade. "I have asked the industry to provide further information on marginal pricing.

"Having said that I am informed that only 7% of New Zealand coastal
cargo is picked up by foreign ships. If cabotage policy were to be
re-considered, the implications for coastal freight rates would be a
real issue, as competition has kept coastal freight rates under control, and any return to former freight rates could have real consequences for exporters and the regional economies."

The fall-out from September 11 had had major impacts on maritime and
aviation security in New Zealand, said Mr Swain. "It is important that New Zealand adopt the International Maritime Organisations international ship and port facility security code, which comes into effect on 1 July, 2004. This will protect against future terrorist activity and ensure that our trading interests are not harmed by
worries over the safety of New Zealand ports or the security status of goods exported from this country.

"Likewise it is important that New Zealand tighten up its aviation
security. The Aviation Security Service has doubled in size, now employing over 400 staff when, in February 2001, it employed 187. This is a booming industry and presents many opportunities for potential employees.

"Improving the safety of the workplace for employees is another key
consideration of this government," said Mr Swain. Im pleased to note that, from 5 May this year, aircraft workers will be covered under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. This redresses the gap in health and safety coverage of aircrew since the HSE Act was passed in 1992. Keeping the aircraft and passengers safe is one way of ensuring crew safety but now aircraft operators will need to consider if there is anything else they need to do to protect their crew."

The Railways Bill, which toughens up rail safety requirements, would
be ready for introduction to Parliament soon, said Mr Swain. "The old model in which a government owns, operates and regulates the railways no longer exists. The Bill recognises this and is written to manage a number of industry players. The important thing in a fragmented sector is to ensure that safety remains paramount."

Mr Swain said that the idea of a cyber-university for the transport
sector had been floated at the Australian Transport Ministers
conference, which he attended recently. "This could provide
up-skilling for workers in the sector. New Zealand workers could take
advantage of this opportunity and I have asked my officials to follow
this up with their Australian counterparts," he said.

"A thriving and sustainable transport sector along with a strong
union movement is essential to promote the economic, social and environmental goals we have set ourselves. I am sure the Council of Trade Unions will be working with us to accomplish them over the next few years," said Mr Swain.