Comrades,

I have been a proud Victorian Branch member for 29 years. 

My career in the industry began in 1994, when I was picked up as a trainee Stevedore with Brambles Shipping at Victoria Dock.  

Starting at the age of 19 and new to the industry, I was lucky to have the opportunity to work and learn from older wharfies and seafarers. They welcomed me into the union, shared their values and beliefs and explained the importance of being united and sticking together in hard times for the greater good of the union and its members. 

They lived and worked through industrial struggle and they fought and won the disputes that led to the establishment of the conditions, wages and workplace rights we all continue to enjoy today. Their union values and principles are as important today, as they were then. 

I thank all the old comrades for their guidance, the education and for instilling in me their principles and love for the union. 

After completing my traineeship in 1996 I was soon endorsed as a delegate and became an active member within the Victorian Branch. I became part of the Toll Stevedoring EA negotiation team and represented our members on the Branch Committee, and at National Conferences.

In 1997 I was given the opportunity to represent the MUA along with other young activist wharfies and Seafarers from around the country at the 14th World Youth Festival held in Havana, Cuba.

Visiting Cuba had a profound effect on me and I began to understand the true meaning of Internationalism. 

I was in the Patrick's, Webb Dock mess room in 1998 when the MUA members were thrown out the gate.

With the lockout, sackings, security dogs, and SCABS that is a day I'll never forget!

The dispute was fought and won, not only through the hard work and organisation of the union and its members. 

It was won through the support of the community picket lines, the wider trade union movement and international solidarity. 

The major turning point in the dispute was when the members of the ILWU Los Angeles in a display of International solidarity with the MUA refused to unload the Columbas Canadas SCAB cargo, forcing the ship to leave the port.  

The MUA and its members never backed down and we won, we were HERE TO STAY!

I later became a volunteer with the ITF and have continued to actively participate in ITF campaigns assisting International Seafarers and Dock workers in their struggles for fair wages, living conditions and rights at work. 

I went to sea in 2008 and have worked in both the blue water and offshore industries. 

As a Seafarer, I have maintained my commitment to upholding union principles. 

I continue to stand up for our member's rights as a delegate, HSR, and as part of the current Toll/Strait Link EA negotiating committee. 

Comrades, with my combined industry knowledge and experience I'm proud of my decision to stand for Assistant Secretary, It’s been 29 years in the making, and I’m ready to lead with INTEGRITY, STRENGTH & RESPECT.  

IU 

Dean Borg