The Maritime Union at work
February 26th, 2012 at 4:00 pm by David FarrarWatch this video from a non union employee at Ports of Auckland, about how the union employees treat him. Also recall that the Maritime Union is affiliated to the NZ Labour Party, which advocates on their behalf.
Hat Tip: Whale Oil
Related posts:
- Maritime Union wants total control
- Local Labour backs Maritime Union
- Maritime Union succeeds in getting their workers sacked
- Jackson calls on union to be more violent and intimidatory
February 26th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I am simply appalled that this kind of thing can happen. The POAL are required to provide a safe workplace, so can they fix this problem? Oh, I know…
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Same shit happened at Dunlops in Upper Hutt. Union bullying, full on.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Like most leftists, the MUNZ are hypocrites. They only disapprove of racisim when it’s not to their advantage. After all if the’left’ really disliked racisim, they’d want to get rid of the racist legislation that’s on the books now. Wouldn’t they?
cheers
David Prosser
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Its very sad to see that in New Zealand, unions have changed from helping and supporting real workers, looking after their rights to pushing some sort of political agenda. I don’t understand why unions do not support National instead of Labour, labour has done very little for NZ workers in the last 15 years, why the fuck would you support them?
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
is this guy brave or stupid .. his life will be hell for a long time
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
immigant (4:36): I don’t think that unions have actually “changed” – they’ve always been about looking after themselves, at most lip-service to any concept of principles, they will fuck over anyone who gets in their way, and they fight dirty. They have been like this for decades.
My uncle has a good tale (from mid-1970′s) about his young wife who was bailed up and sexually assaulted by one of the dirty old pricks in her workplace. She complained to her union rep…who was unfortunately the wife of the old pervert, the complaint was never followed up, instead she (the victim) was hounded out of her job. She wanted to continue working in that industry so they decided not to involve the police, but summary justice was dispensed (with “compound interest”) a few years later (sorry, can’t elaborate!). The lesson for all was NEVER trust a unionist…and also, revenge is a dish best served cold.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Oh my God, those union scum “hid the pool table balls”. How low can you go? I trust the Police were called.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Bit of a missed opportunity there.
Vote:Would have been interesting to hear what this blokes pay and conditions were like compared to when he was in the union.
Apparently someone was unable to look past the allegations of ‘racism’ and pissing on the bbQ and their ‘sensational’ value. I would have liked to have known what the racism was that he was making claims about, convenient word to throw around.
In particular, because the filming was in a restricted part of the ports where permission to film would have been needed, it seems Gibson is intent on making the situation worse. As always there will be another side to the story but I don’t think the hole is getting any shallower. I still don’t understand why both sides can’t ‘box for a later date’ the issues that can’t be resolved and keep the Port working, I’m surprised that someone is not making that call, if not just for the reason of keeping the economy in mind.
February 26th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
The payment in the bank and the holiday to Australia will go along way to cover the “BROS” hurt feelings but a good try POA.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Is that the best you can do mike? Meanwhile its a union offical who got his ass fired for racism so why don’t you fuck off for a bit and let your brain catch up.
See you in 2057.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
plebe: of course, shoot the messenger. Never seen that before from the left.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
“Oh my God, those union scum “hid the pool table balls”. How low can you go? I trust the Police were called.”
Very revealing.
The spitting and the shoulder charging doesn’t bother you then.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
No doubt the man in the video will call the cops if he is really concerned.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Call the cops for sptitting and shoulder charging? What sort of priority did you think that would get mike? But good that you’re so unconcerned. I’m sure if this type of behaviour was happening to union members you’d be similarly unconcerned?
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Either it’s beastly behaviour or it’s not. Many scabs have endured worse, surely. Storm in a tea cup, anyone?
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
God they employ the brightest scabs dont they the POA? Im suprised the nasty unionist didnt stop him hitting KFC after his dodgy flic, and did he get the ping pong balls aor the pool balls (One thick scab) Notice the eyes shifting left where the bonus BOSS MAN was standing,shades from the communist block,say the right thing or get shot. or worse appear on Kiwiblog as a honest BRO.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
And if it was a boss behaving like that to an employee, it’d still be a storm in a teacup, eh Mike?
Still, good to know where you stand on workplace bullying Mike.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Idiot alert.
‘Oh my God, those union scum “hid the pool table balls”. How low can you go? I trust the Police were called.’
‘No doubt the man in the video will call the cops if he is really concerned.’
‘Either it’s beastly behaviour or it’s not. Many scabs have endured worse, surely. Storm in a tea cup, anyone?’
Now you get back to your train stuff in Wellington Mikey, MUNZ can self destruct by themselves
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
plebe you tard, clearly he’s saying they took both the ping pong balls and the pool balls. Why is basic English so difficult for you?
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Is scab a term that we’d consider normal usage? It seems rather offensive to me….I guess unionists think it’s normal to call people names like that. Basically you (mike and plebe) seem to be suggesting that this guy shouldn’t have the right to negotiate his own employment conditions. I thought that was a right under law – but you seem to be suggesting that he should join the union or expect to put up with this behaviour – and potentially worse. Ah well, I guess it’s hard for a leopard to change their spots, no matter how much the unions try to claim they’ve joined the new century.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Back in the 70,s the only time I saw a Union Rep was when it was payup time. I refused to join and when it got to Court my Boss payed the fees. I was on well above Union rates at the time.
UNIONS ARE SCUM
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
We should be grateful for unions and what they have done for us all.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
A struggling economy and we have discussion about ping pong balls and pool balls.
And this is important for the public to know?
PaulL
6.39
I agree the term ‘scab’ is offensive. I watched Bill Hodge on the news tonight and figures were given about the percentage decrease in union numbers. Somehow I think unions haven’t adjusted to the times, words like ‘scab’ tends to indicate that. As Hodge pointed out changes, which he attributed to Labour Governments, had changed work environments in a way that lessened a need for unions – he’s probably right when you consider the law regarding giving notice, warnings etc. But whatever the causes I still get the impression that unions don’t appear to realise that the use of words like ‘scab’ gives an impression that of it’s either for us or against us. Generally, I think they need a greater appeal to be able to attract members than the kind of image words like that create. Another indication of that is fudging about the average take home wage, that returned to bite them. I’ve been critical of Gibson but I think the union need to be criticised as well for failing to appreciate the public reaction, allowing an obvious opportunity to have their credibility questioned (avg wages etc) and not clearly getting their fair case against casualisation across. Dinosaurs seem apparent on both sides.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
immigant (791) Says:
February 26th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Its very sad to see that in New Zealand, unions have changed from helping and supporting real workers, looking after their rights to pushing some sort of political agenda
Sadly immigrant thats always been the case. The freezing workers unions and many others were full of pond scum from oll blighty in the 50′s 60′s and seventies. They were evil many of them and had no respect for others nor any scruples. Many a person beaten up, knifed and assaualted both physically and sexually. That’s unfortunatley their heritage. Glascow slum scum.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Agree Nostalgia-NZ. Unfortunately the adversarial structure creates this, and I also think that we’re dealing with the last remanants of old-school unionism against a management team that aren’t all that flash. I can see what the management are trying to do – they’re trying to stop the business becoming irrelevant. Paying people for work they don’t do seems to be the kind of thing they’d need to deal with. I’m not sure exactly what they’d do differently though – the union seem determined not to negotiate on this stuff.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Nostalgia-NZ said
Perhaps you need to read this post from Cactus Kate dated 18 January 2012 where she blogs on cases currently under investigation by the Employment Court involving MUNZ members and racism.
http://asianinvasion2006.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/meet-wharfies-racist-and-sexist.html
You’re right; the “racism” label is easy to throw around, but in the case of members of Local 13 of the Maritime Union of New Zealand, it seems to me to be absolutely justified. As for the allegations that non-union staff’s cars have been egged, and that union members urinated on a BBQ used by all staff; if you think that kind of behaviour is acceptable, your standards are certainly not the same as mine.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
I don’t think the term scab is offensive at all. To me it would be a badge of honour.
I might get some t shirts made and go for a walk down by the POAL.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
RIGHTIES, this scab is truly a future managment prospect,does the scab work or is he a managment trainie,he (the scab) worries about ping pong balls, pool balls and the sky card,to me he sounds more like a lazy overpaid BRO scab not a hard working unionist, a hard worker WORKING,not a scab worried about his little balls.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
bb. no wonder you drive a cab.
plebe Obviously the left don’t respect others rights despite their screaming it loud for how many years. You are a disgrace. And supposedly unions and the Labour Movement fought for all those rights that are actually now entrenched in Legislation.
Clearly we are all mistaken.
Vote:You are not a decent citizen at all.
February 26th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Christ you talk some nonsense plebe, but that takes the cake.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
PaulL
7.15
Maybe management should have gone ‘bit by bit’ toward their goal, they had time on their side.
Vote:Going ‘into the alley’ when there was no need to seems to have caused the crisis.
Instead we are in a ‘fighting lockon’ which gives me the impression of a hasty decision that didn’t take
into account the union weren’t going to roll over and die, nor understood the old style ‘street fight’ was home ground for the union. In the meantime the message that seems to be causing the union problems is that they are still seen as the ‘old dog’
and therefore perhaps not relevant, or so relevant, in the modern employment market.
In other stratospheres, the print media are losing their relevance, as are copy right laws and restrictions, unions, for the reasons Bill Hodge pointed out, appear to be faced with being unable to adapt to the relevance of the times.
February 26th, 2012 at 7:53 pm
PIA,
plebe is sounding a lot like paws
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Interesting stats revealed on Tee Vee Won One tonight:
Private sector union membership has plummeted from 47.5% of the workforce in 1990, to 8.8% in 2011.
The State sector membership has dropped from 97.0% in 1990 to 57.9% in 2011.
Of course, the CTU’s Peter Conway has expressed the “need to lift membership” but the reality is that the unions are relics that should be fast consigned to the scrapheap. Including the NZEI / PPTA / PSA.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/unions-struggling-survival-video-4743067
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
And on the scrapheap is where they will end; unless of course their members want them to remain…
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
some racist undertones there plebe. what a suprise.
apparently if leftys so bad shit its “so? he could go to the cops”. first sign a right winger has done something though and hes guilty as sin. just fucking hypocrites.
the guy in the video seems like a nice bloke. hopefully his working life will be better now.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Both Mike and the bigot pleb have argued that workplace bullying is okay today, Dime. I guess next time when the topic is a bullying manager or coworker they’ll just STFU.
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Amen to that
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 10:34 pm
krazykiwi
10.26
But is the correspondent in the video a ‘human shield?’
Vote:February 26th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Why was there such concern recently that US soldiers had pissed on dead Taleban? Pissing on someone’s barbeque would seem worse to me. I also recall when our Contiki campsite in Paris was burglarised – the burglars pissed on packs in some of the cabins after they had finished hunting for valuables. Lucky I had nothing of value in my cabin. There was a cock-up with locking them – embarrassing for Contiki at the time. But shows the contempt French criminals had for tourists.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 5:51 am
The act of pissing on the BBQ in itself shows a very low regard for Maori and PI cultures which regard places where food is prepared and eaten as being special. Try sitting on a table in the whare kai at a marae, and see how quickly you get told to shift your butt.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 7:08 am
I strongly suspect that it is not the alleged bullying or fouling a BBQ that has outraged some people commenting here. I doubt they would be so upset in different circumstances. It’s just another excuse for an anti-union rant.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 7:46 am
And of course they’re only allegations to this point.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 8:13 am
mikenmild has a closed mind as evidenced by the idiotic responses to obnoxious behaviour. It’s all about the ends justifying the means to him.
The blog equivalent of arguing with a JW
Ignore the little troll
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 8:16 am
“The act of pissing on the BBQ in itself shows a very low regard for Maori and PI cultures…”
Vote:really? it shows a very low regard for ANYONE using the BBQ!!!
February 27th, 2012 at 8:54 am
And Mike STILL can’t admit that workplace bullying isn’t okay.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 9:35 am
This is hardly surprising in the circumstances where you have a highly unionized environment with a history if militant behavioural that a non union employee is harassed by those out on strike. The union itself is probably keen to keep out of this sort of behavioural as it is news that will be used against it and it’s claims but the unionized workers will see this bloke as undermining their position.
The issue here is a critical one for the long term competitiveness of POAL and one they need to win significant concessions on from the current position the unions have gained through years of aggressive labour tactics.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Have a read of the comments on the Youtube feed – would appear most of the respondents are a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic.
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=sIHRSeVxSeg
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 10:40 am
actually mike, most of us dont approve of workplace bullying.
we dont look at each case and think – how does this fit in with our political views.
assholes are assholes.
ideologues are assholes too.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 10:58 am
The harrassement and intimidation is relatively low key whilst the media shines a light on the dispute. It’s six months down the track when things get nasty therefore the contractors will have to be alert and on their toes at all times. On a site like this you have to totally abide by the safety rules, stick to walkways, high viz etc because the union guys will pounce and hammer you if you make the smallest mistake.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Actually dime, I didn’t say I approved of workplace bullying. Your concern for this alleged victim is touching though, and I’m sure you’d be a crusader against any injustices in your workplace.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Mike and Plebe – I’ll remember your words of support to the bullying sustained to non union staff if I ever have the misfortune to meet you. I’d love to shoulder barge you and make your day a living hell. Game on prick.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:17 am
You wish Clint – we know you’re all talk though.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:17 am
mike – fuckin oath i would. we have a great team. ive spent a lot of time working on company culture. the last thing any company wants is staff bullying.
and you seem to have no issue with what this guy is saying. i bet if an “evil employer” fired someone for genuine reasons youd be pissed though!
the only bullying dime approves of is the bullying of anonymous internet people like scott chris. thats fine
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:19 am
The employer should sack anyone involved in this bullying, I would on the spot for something as petty as union representation.
What ever happened to “freedom of choice and association.”
Sack em all for bringing the workplace into disrepute.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:22 am
dime
Vote:I’m just looking forward to everyone here making a stand agasint bullying. Oh wait, maybe it’ll depend on who the alleged bully is?
February 27th, 2012 at 11:24 am
Mike, want to bet on that? You like bullying it seems, so you’d get exactly what you’d deserve. If the show was on the other foot you’d be waving placards and crying bloody murder. Fucking hypocrite.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Oh Clint, you’re hilarious.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:32 am
Mike said:
Mike said:
Storm in a teacup “a lot of unnecessary anger and worry about a matter that is not important”. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/storm-in-a-teacup
So for the record,
(1) Mike doesn’t approve of workplace bullying; but
(2) Mike doesn’t think workplace bullying is important.
or perhaps (just a guess, we’ll watch and learn)
(3) Mike thinks workplace bullying is important unless the bullies are union bullies.
/ 4 legs good! 2 legs bad! 4 legs good! 2 legs bad!
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:40 am
“I’m just looking forward to everyone here making a stand agasint bullying. Oh wait, maybe it’ll depend on who the alleged bully is?”
actually youre just trolling.
how exactly do you think the kiwiblog community should make a stand?
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:44 am
dime
Vote:You could express your concerns about other cases. For example:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5246172/Public-service-high-flier-accused-of-abuse
February 27th, 2012 at 11:44 am
Just like I thought Mike. Sad little man.
Vote:You don’t have many friends do you? I know you don’t have a proper job.
February 27th, 2012 at 11:46 am
Rick
Vote:You are deliberately missing the point about this alleged incident.
February 27th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Whereas what little Clint knows is displayed quite often here on Kiwiblog to general derision. Keep it up though.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 11:49 am
Um, you seem to be confused about who is generally derided here mikey. Check the mirror.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
mike- dpf hasnt posted a thread on that case.
from now on in order to comment on a dpf thread, do we all have to list similiar cases and our thoughts on them?
no bullying is ok.
if a high ranking national mp was bullying staff, id want him gone. simple.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Mike. You have belittled the bullying by union members against other workers at the port. That is my point.
For the record, in my view:
MUNZ bullying is not okay, and is important. (your comments have disagreed on this)
Katrina Bach bullying is not okay, and is important.
Unlike the inference from your posts here, I see bullying as bad and important, no matter who is doing it.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
rick – exactly. unfortunately ideologues cant see how anyone could think that way. its all about the greater good.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Yeah dime, damned idealogues
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Unions are criminal organisations and should be treated as such. They are the equivalent of the Mafia, using thuggery, threats and standover tactics to exploit money from businesses. They do not represent “workers” (it never occurs to left wing idiots that a business owner is a worker), they represent only their members. Time to get rid of them, at least in their current form, and replace the whole adverserial system.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Right on Lee. Why not just declare them “illegal combinations” and deport a few uinionists to Tasmania (see Tolpuddle Martyrs)?
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Scrap the POAL and contract the whole damned thing out to DPWorld.
Vote:February 27th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Hmmm, while watching this clip my BS detector started ringing.
Vote:There is something about this video that seems just a little bit too staged and rehearsed.
I may be wrong but my BS detector usually works!
February 28th, 2012 at 3:43 am
This video pretty much sums up why Unions should be banned!
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 6:48 am
bc
Vote:I tend to agree, in the absence of corroboration or an actual complaint, but true believers like Gwilly lap it all up.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:37 am
“Right on Lee. Why not just declare them “illegal combinations” and deport a few uinionists to Tasmania”
Why be so unfair to the Tasmanians? These scum should be sent to a country that practices their ideology , North Korea or Cuba perhaps.
“I tend to agree, in the absence of corroboration or an actual complaint, but true believers like Gwilly lap it all up.”
And in the face of real evidence, true believers like yourself will continue to try and pretend that there is really nothing to be concerned about.
Tell the truth. If a mountain of evidence and examples was produced, you would still try to find a way to excuse it or downplay it.
By the way. The one and only time in my 25 year working life I have been physically threatened in the workplace it was by a unionist because I refused to go on strike.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 10:54 am
Any other human rights you’d like to restrict? Why stop at freedom of association?
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 11:09 am
Derision Mike? Stop making up nonsense. I have hardly commented here in months, my latest comments were against anti gay bigots and now the bullies in the union that you support.
So what exactly is derisory? Hating violence and bullying and speaking out about it or what you stupidly think is clever tactics by a union to make workers feel like shit?
You’re on a different planet Mike. No wonder you’re too chickenshit to use your real name here.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 11:48 am
What, Clint Heine is a real name? No way.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Well played indeed. But your attempt at humour doesn’t take away that you’re wrong on this issue.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
I hear that the POAL have been advertising in Aussie for workers to replace the scum who are on strike. That action is to be applauded.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
big bruv
I wonder why they need to look so far away?
Vote:I think Gibson is losing his bottle.
February 28th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Nostalgia
I don’t care why they are looking so far away. As long as every single one of the scum who are on strike lose their jobs I could not care where the replacement workers come from.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
big bruv
Of course we need to accept that Gibson, who chose to use the media for part of his battle, has misjudged that by displaying his ‘human shield’ he has entered his role of CEO as that of a petulant sensationalist, out of his depth, running a multi million dollar enterprise. Excuse me for mentioning that Gibson has placed himself as the meat in the sandwich by steering the port into industrial disruption. He hasn’t displayed the common sense, or business acumen, to avoid the most bleak hours on the Auckland water front for over half a century. If, as it seems, he was introduced as a hatchet man, he has first chopped off his own nose.
I thought you might like that.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Nostalgia
Oh dear!, it seems that you are in a world of your own. I had hoped the insanity you display might just have been temporary condition that surfaced when ever the David Bain case was mentioned but it seems that is not the case.
Gibson and POAL have already won the media war. Gibson and POAL have already won the battle with the union scum, both you and I know full well that this dispute is effectively over and the within a week or two the union scum will be begging for their jobs back.
Gibson and POAL have not only defeated the unions low life but they have won the war for the hearts of the NZ public.
Vote:February 28th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
big bruv
Great mixed message, keep up the good work.
Vote:Having already won a war an empty port does not make.
Check it out.