THE MARITIME Union of Australia (MUA) has confirmed a memorandum of agreement with the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) to tackle ongoing shared struggles on either side of the Tasman Sea.
The federation forms as workers in both countries continue to face what they say is escalating challenges from multinational operators.
Members engaging in industrial disputes are expected to gain access to rapid legal, financial and organising support, regardless of which side of the Tasman they work on.
MUA deputy national secretary, Warren Smith, who has led the agreement making process for the Australian contingent, said the new entity sent a clear signal.
“Any struggle or attack on either union will be met with the full, united force of maritime workers across both countries,” he said. “Maritime workers will stand together whenever jobs, conditions or rights are threatened.”
MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said the move aligned the federation with international models such as the Seafarers International Union.
“This will put us in the strongest possible position to tackle multinationals head on in both countries,” he said.
The ratification by the MUNZ National Council followed resolutions passed at the MUA Quadrennial National Conference.
MUNZ national secretary Carl Findlay said the federation model “creates the framework for coordinated campaigning, shared resources and joint action”.
The arrangement is expected to preserve the existing rules of both unions, while adding shared capacity, deeper cooperation and coordinated industry engagement.
The agreement provides for joint participation in each union’s structures, including national councils and conferences, and establishes an international executive.
The federation is to deliver coordinated campaigns, bargaining support and mutual solidarity across ports and maritime workplaces.
Mr Findlay said the unions would always seek constructive engagement with employers, but unity will remain their greatest strength.
“Where employers are unreasonable or unprincipled, we will stand up and fight, together, for the best possible outcomes for maritime workers," he said.
A major priority is a vigorous campaign for cabotage and for trans-Tasman seagoing trade routes to be crewed by Australian and New Zealand seafarers.
“The federation will support resistance to any attempt to outsource jobs, impose unsafe automation or erode the rights and conditions of maritime workers,” the MUA statement said.
“Recent clashes with stevedores and shipping companies have demonstrated that maritime workers must increasingly defend pay, job security and safe working conditions.”
The federation is also expected to advance joint work on First Nations struggles, trade union education, renewable industries and increase diversity across the maritime sector.