CTU MEDIA RELEASE
15 December 2007
Dock workersdeserve better from Port of Napier
The Council of Trade Unionshas backed the Maritime Union’s campaign to save 85 jobs on the Port of Napier, following a
decision by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council owned Port company to change stevedoring contractors, without securing
employment protections for the current workers.
“The loyal,long serving dock workers onthe Port of Napier deserve better,” CTU president Helen Kelly saidtoday.
“The company has given no guarantee that the current workers will be employed by the new contractor, and if they are it
is almost certain their wages and conditions will be reduced,” Helen Kelly said.
“These workers are not disposable units that can be tossed about in the pursuit of a quick buck, they are members of
families, and of the Napier community.”
“The Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates Council expressed its extreme concern over the recent action at its
meeting last month. Affiliates representing the over 300,000 members of the CTU pledged their ongoing support.”
“We call on the owners of the Port to consider the impact on the local workforce and community that would result out of
this decision, and reconsider their decision,” Helen Kelly said.
Ends.