Call for wide reforms in shipping industry

Press, 9 May 1985, Page 26

Call for wide reforms in shipping industry

PA Wellington Industrial relations in the shipping industry are unsatisfactory and capable of being improved, according to the Minister of Transport, Mr Prebble. Announcing the formation of an industry review committee, he said wide ranging reform was essential if New Zealand shipping was to seize opportunities to expand and increase jobs. The review committee, whose establishment results from a recent conference at Waitangi on New Zealand’s maritime future, will be chaired by the Parliamentary Under-secretary of Transport, Mr Jeffries. A document released by the conference said present arrangements for handling

industrial relations in the industry had proved inadequate. A review of the role, composition, and terms of reference of the Marine Council, the Maritime Appeal Authority, and the Shipping Industry Tribunal was needed.

“The tribunal in particular, needs urgent review and a more effective disputes procedure put in place,” the document said.

Mr Prebble said the maritime industry also wanted better training and wider flexibility so that all employees could take advantage of new technology being introduced in New Zealand ships.

The conference also wanted “sociological” advances to match the pace of

technological change. “The ultimate goal should be a one-class lifestyle aboard ship, including accommodation, messing, recreation and conditions of work,” the document said.

Mr Prebble said that in his view many industrial disputes in ships were the result of their rigid class structure. The review committee will also comprise representatives of the Seamen’s Union, the Cooks and Stewards’ Union, the Engineers’ Union, the Merchant Service Guild, the Shipping Corporation, the Union Shipping Company and the Ship Owners and Employers' Association.

The committee will report back to Mr Prebble by the end of July.