REMEMBERING FALLEN SEAFARERS’

RMTnews :: november 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 18 SHIPPING NEWS R MT national secretary Steve Todd represented the union at the annual remembrance service at the Merchant Seamen’s War Memorial garden at Tower Hill, London. He said that it was a privilege to lay the wreath on behalf of those seafaring colleagues who lost their lives in both the First and Second World Wars and, of course, the more recent conflicts such as the Falklands. “Whilst not glorifying war, it is always a very moving occasion and the numbers of veterans gets fewer every year. “It’s a tribute to those very brave men and women that the service is also attended by the younger generation who are prepared to ensure they are not forgotten,” he said. The Memorial Garden is certainly an education walking around and reading the names of the ships with the crew lists from captain to cabin boy. Over 35,000 merchant seamen were lost in World War Two alone, most the victims of U-Boat attacks, with over 5,000 taken prisoner. It is often forgotten that British merchant ships were on the front line in the struggle against fascism. However, under British law when a ship was sunk the obligations of the shipowner to pay the crew's wages went with it. Those fortunate to complete their tough passages received their pay in full. Those whose ships went down, including the relatives of those killed, would very often only receive wages due up to the day of the sinking. O pportunities have arisen for seafaring jobs in Australia’s supply vessel industry which is due to expand rapidly in the next couple of years with massive investment in offshore oil and gas exploration. RMT was first contacted by our very good friends at the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) earlier this year asking if we could supply RMT members as a number of vacancies were coming up. Obviously a lot of issues needed ironing out and, following meetings earlier this year with MUA assistant national secretary Mick Dolman, these opportunities have now become reality. Mick, along with the Freemantle Branch Secretary Christy Cain, are due to visit London to finalise things and meetings with the employing companies are being arranged. Amongst the obvious things to sort out are tours of duty, superannuation and work visas (417s as they are referred to) this is obviously different from normal work visas. Rates of pay will be under the MUA collective bargaining agreement and swings (tours of duty) will be the same as for Australian colleagues. The MUA are insisting that you have to be an RMT member and unemployed members will be prioritised. Whilst there is a recognised shortage in Australia at present, RMT must accept that if MUA members become unemployed or available they would obviously take priority. However, indications are that this is highly unlikely. The jobs available are Integrated Ratings which are similar to GP or IDF so ABs with engine room watch-keeping or Motormen with similar are required. This is another area that needs to be dealt with through the Australian Certification authorities. RMT is grateful to the MUA for this initiative and congratulate them for their efforts. The union has a very good relationship with the MUA and work closely with them in the international field and this is a further demonstration of our cooperation and friendship. Any paid up RMT member that is interested should send their CV to RMT headquarters marked for the attention of Steve Todd National Secretary. REMEMBERING FALLEN SEAFARERS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA