
Issue No 68		25 August 2000

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News

Super Saga

By Zoe Reynolds

The Maritime Union is in dispute with Patrick boss Chris Corrigan over a multi-million dollar super surplus.

For three years Mr Corrigan, who represents the employers on the Stevedoring Employees' Retirement Fund, has stubbornly refused to negotiate with the union over the $88m surplus.

During one particularly volatile meeting recently, he said it could take up to 10 years to settle, MUA National Secretary and SERF chairperson John Coombs reports.

"It was at this point that the union sought legal advice from one of the nation's top superannuation lawyers," he said. "We then wrote announcing that, due to Mr Corrigan's refusal to negotiate in good faith, as of September 30 this year we were withdrawing from all previous agreements. The letter had the desired effect."

Such has been the success of SERF that for some years now the employers have only had to contribute 5 per cent of wage rates into the fund. The surplus made up the rest, effectively subsidising employer contributions. By pulling out of the agreement employer contributions would more than double (the full amount being 12.6 per cent.)

Mr Corrigan has since faxed all Patrick enterprises the following commitment for distribution to members via the company newsletter. It says, in part:

"Patrick's position is that we support the use of the identified surplus for the improvement of benefits to employees and reduced employer contributions, provided a fair arrangement for the use of the windfall benefits can be reached. We are optimistic, because this has been possible on several occasions over the past years. We'll keep you informed."

"Encouraging news," said Mr Coombs. "Now it is just a matter of wrangling over the formula for the distribution, with the union rejecting the employer argument to divide up the 'windfall' on the 2 to 1 formula that applies to contributions (two for them, one for members).

Patrick has been attempting to claw back the super surplus since 1997 and the prelude to the Dubai debacle and the waterfront dispute'. Had the government-backed plot to sack the whole stevedoring workforce and, ultimately, destroy the Maritime Union, been successful, Patrick and other employers would have walked away with the lot.

"It makes you wonder," said Mr Coombs.

Meanwhile letters of support for MUA members about to be made redundant at Patrick's bulk and general terminal in Newcastle, have been flooding national office. Patrick announced the imminent closure of the facility this week.

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Issue 68 contents

Interview: New Unionist
Britain's Trade Union Congress secretary John Monks on life under Blair and why the future of unionism could well rest in Europe.

History: The Victims of Whiggery
George Loveless, the leader of the rural workers who became the Tolpuddle Martyrs, recorded his ideals and experiences in a pamphlet that brings his story to life.

Economics: The Final Station
Corporatisation was first introduced into Australia by the former Greiner Coalition government. What is 'corporatisation' and who should we hold to account under its prescriptions?

International: Massive Union Win in American Telecom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Thursday a settlement with Verizon Communications ending a fifteen day strike by 87,000 telephone workers from Maine to Virginia.

Unions: A Vital Community Service
What keeps the engine of the Australian economy running? Manufacturing productivity, the stock market, exports? Try child care.

Satire: Putin copies Clinton: dead seamen stains reputation
MOSCOW, Tuesday: Russian naval authorities today faced staunch criticism, and the anger of a nation gripped by tragedy, as they conceded that all 118 Russian submariners trapped in the nuclear submarine, the Kursk, had died.

Review: Blow Up The Pokies
Whether it arouses public debate about Gambling is best left to the public but Peter Zangarri thinks Tim Freedman is on a winner with the Whitlam's latest CD.

» Public Sector Workers Win $1.50 An Hour Olympic Allowance

» Olympic Vendors Cream Boss

» Child Care Workers Pick Up 10% Pay rise

» Boston Bags Bonus While Teachers Wait on Back-Pay

» Super Saga

» Homecare Workers Hit Streets

» CPSU Logs On Internet Providers

» 1 Million Reasons to Belong to a Union

» City Rail Security Guards Win Olympic Bonus

» Making a Difference in ICANN Elections

» Sydney Hotel Stoppages Throughout Next Week

» Scientists Protest IT Outsourcing

» Dealing With Workplace Deaths