MAF plans for PSA strike on Friday 2 December

Monday 28 November 2005

MAF plans for PSA strike on Friday 2 December

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is finalising contingency measures for a strike planned by the PSA for this Friday. The strike notice is for 24 hours from 4:30am on Friday 2 December 2005, and covers all PSA members who are employees of MAF. Such a strike would have the most impact on MAF quarantine operations at airports and ports.

“We expect disruption at ports and airports and are finalising options to manage reductions in service levels and potential delays,” MAF’s Quarantine Service general manager Ken Harris said.

“We apologise unreservedly for any disruption that this may cause the many people and businesses who use our border services. MAF does not want strike action and is exploring all options to avoid it.

“We have been in close contact with airports, airlines, ports, shipping companies and importers to mitigate any impacts of a strike. We will provide further updates as soon as we can,” he said. (NB: The strike only affects MAF staff and so does not affect other border services such as Customs and Immigration)

“At airports we will be seeking to minimise delays to passenger clearances. Of particular concern is the clearance of perishable risk goods and we will work closely with importers on how this can best be managed. Our focus will be on the areas of highest biosecurity risk.

“Regular updates will be provided to potentially affected organisations as we finalise contingency arrangements.

“MAF is currently in mediation with the PSA and is also seeking to get an injunction tomorrow from the High Court to overturn the strike. We cannot assume that either of these measures to prevent the strike will be successful and are planning accordingly,” Ken Harris said.

ENDS

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