Transport unions form strategic alliance in New Ze

Transport unions form strategic alliance in New Zealand ports

Two of New Zealand's main transport unions have formed a strategic alliance focussed on the New Zealand waterfront.

National officials of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) this week signed an Alliance Charter in Wellington.

The key goal of the charter is to grow unionism and collectivity amongst Port and Waterfront workers through joint action and initiatives.

The charter is based around communication, information sharing, joint campaigning, a political strategy and a national organizing strategy.

Both unions are affiliates of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the International Transport Workers Federation, and the Trans Tasman Transport Union Alliance.

Maritime Union General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the Alliance Charter is focussed on getting all port and waterfront workers in New Zealand into genuine unions and building terms and conditions on the waterfront.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson says that joint projects between the two unions have already been discussed which will enhance the power and influence of organized labour on the New Zealand waterfront.

He says the strategic alliance will have a major impact on the transport and logistics sector within New Zealand and internationally.

ENDS

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