Mainland employs local workforce in South Island
MAINLAND STEVEDORING
Media Release
For immediate release
23 January 2001
Mainland employs local workforce in South Island
Greg Dickson, Director of Mainland Stevedoring, has confirmed that the company is employing local workers during the
loading of the Eastern Forest. The company has hired three permanent and 11 casual workers in the South Island,
including several from the Nelson region. Another 12 people have indicated they would like to join the company once the
level of intimidation is reduced.
"While recruitment is going slower than I would like because of the serious threats of violence, I am delighted at the
high quality of our recruits. My priority now is to train them in using our ShipSys system and our company's strict
safety procedures."
Mr Dickson said that Mainland is being forced to continue bringing workers from the North Island as an interim measure
until it has recruited a full South Island workforce.
"Attempts by the Waterfront Workers Union and its supporters to stop Mainland from employing local people will not
succeed. We are committed to being the best, most innovative stevedoring company in the South Island and having the best
local workforce is a key part of achieving that objective."
Mr Dickson confirmed that Mainland has offices in Bluff and Timaru, and is in the process of opening an office in
Nelson.
ENDS