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New Rule 6A - Associate Membership

This new category of membership is open to any person
who is not usually engaged in an occupation referred to
in the union’s eligibility rule. Associate Members are not
entitled to hold Office, attend or vote at meetings, take
part in elections, or participate in any business of the
Division.

The rank & file newsletter focused on Qld branch Associate Members do not hold financial status or have
and national MUA policy & direction. the rights of a financial member of the Division,
Edition #16. August 16th. 2021 associate membership contributions are determined by
Divisional National Council and lastly, associate
members risk cancellation of their membership without
Correction. Our last newsletter carried the first part appeal if they seek to bring the union into disrepute or
of our story on Larry Foley and his time at Kalmar. involved in actions that seek to injure, vilify or reduce the
We’re gratified a number of readers expressed standing of the union in any fashion.
appreciation for the story. We just need to make a
couple of corrections. First, we referred to John
Shortis in Melbourne, when in fact we should have The origins of this rather quaintly worded provision stem
referred to Jason Shortis as Larry had done. Our from an item put forward by the Queensland Branch for
sincere apologies to Jason for getting his name consideration at the 2016 National Conference, the
wrong. We also should have mentioned that when he purpose of which, was to “create a database of
commenced work with Kalmar in November 2007, supporters of this union and activists who have
Larry started at the Brisbane No. 7 Berth which was supported this union’s struggle and to establish
actually a DP World Berth used by Patrick to community unionism associate membership for those
introduce automation. We expect to bring you Part 2 wishing to be involved in our campaigns and contribute
of Larry’s story in the very near future. to our plight for workers best interests.”

The new rule does not in any way represent the absolute
RULE CHANGES…. BORING!!!!!!!? positivity and inspiration inherent within the proposal
advanced by the Queensland Branch to the 2016
Our front-page story in this edition of the R&F National Conference. Instead, members are left with a
Newsletter concerns rule changes. For most members, mere dead carcass of that proposal, full of negativity
that’s an immediate turn-off. Who’s interested in the with a belt and braces approach to ensuring that
bloody rules? Well, actually, union officials are and “associate members” have no role to play in the unions
what’s more, the more senior the official, the more business whatsoever.
they’re interested in the rules because, ultimately, union
rules determine the way in which power is exercised A full perusal of the 2016 associate membership
within the union. And for you dear rank and file member, proposition reveal it was never intended for the purpose
that of itself, is a very good reason why you should be of having the same status as financial members or
interested as well. otherwise interfere with the leadership role of officials.
However, the new rule 6A is so draconian in its terms –
While not exclusively, the two main sources enabling that an associate member is prevented from
rule changes to be considered, include the Quadrennial participating in a community rally or picket for example,
Divisional National Conference, the resolutions of which organised by the union.
may lead to consideration of rule changes, with the other
being the Divisional National Council, which can also Well might it be asked, why on earth would anyone sign
generate consideration of rule changes. For example, up to such a position within the union, and, just by the
th
we reported in the July 9 R&F Newsletter, National way, be prepared to part with $100 a year for the
Council proposes to change the rules to enable two privilege? The answer is obvious, not many!
additional positions to be added to National Council.
So, what is this rule 6A really all about? For that you
Members should always remain healthily sceptical when have to look to the alterations to Rule 12 – Members
it comes to proposed rule changes, particularly any that Seeking Leave from Occupation – many containing
impact on members rights and obligations or those provisions which do not relate to the heading for that
impacting on the finances of the union for example. The rule.
most recent changes were approved at the union’s AGM
processes in November 2020 and later, by decision of
the Fair Work Commission 13 April 2021.

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