Maritime Union Of Australia

Maritime Union Members workers attended memorial services across the country today to coincide with the funeral of wharfie Stephen Piper who was killed in a work accident on Appleton Dock in Melbourne on July 14.

The services will remember Piper, 41, husband and father of two young children, and also the lives of 7 other waterside workers killed on the job in the last 7 years.

Piper's death has devastated the waterfront community numbed by the loss of three workmates in the last five months after a period of steadily rising mortality rates.

The Maritime Union of Australia's National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said that wharfies and seafarers were in shock and the ceremonies would give them a chance to express their sorrow and support for the family.

"The members of our Union are naturally upset and many are frustrated and angry and want to see their mate off decently and with respect. As one of our members wrote this week: 'No family should sit and wait at the end of the working day for a loved one who never returns' ", said Crumlin.

"Today is a day for mourning rather than chest beating but the deaths and other serious injuries in 2010 represent a crisis in waterfront safety. Grieving workers and their families can take consolation in the determination we have to see that that there is urgent attention given at the highest level of Government and employers to see that our wharves are safe workplaces.

"With 3 deaths in 5 months there is fear and doubt in our workforce and their families. It is a small and productive national workforce with very strong bonds between them, and their work is essential to the national interest. We have communicated to Federal and State Governments and stevedoring companies the need for consistent safety guidelines and regulations right across the country. There is a national crisis due to clear safety failings and deficiencies over a long time and any further delay could mean the loss of another life. That is unconscionable." said Crumlin.

Produced by Jamie McMechan Maritime Union of Australia - Film Unit.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU)
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Australian Services Union (ASU)
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Australian Workers Union (AWU)
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Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union (CFMEU)
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Electrical Trades Union (ETU)
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Maritime Union Of Australia (MUA)
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Public Service Association of NSW (PSA)
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Unions NSW (Unions NSW)
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Australian Council Of Trade Union (ACTU)
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International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
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International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
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