Job losses averted in agreement between management and unions at Port Otago
Maritime Union of New Zealand media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday 20 November 2009
The Maritime Union of New Zealand says an agreement it has reached with Port Otago Limited is a "win win" situation that
will prevent job losses.
Maritime Union National President Phil Adams says a meeting of 150 cargo handlers held yesterday at Port Chalmers voted
in favour of a proposal hammered out by the Unions and the Company.
Members of the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union attended the meeting.
Mr Adams says the proposal will see no compulsory redundancies amongst the workforce.
"We believe the workforce will respond to the Company's efforts by continuing to ensure a high level of productivity."
He says some outstanding issues around the work force structure were also addressed by the Unions.
"This is a mutually acceptable solution for Port Otago and its workforce and we are very happy that after some time a
negotiated solution has been put in place."
A number of voluntary redundancies are occurring at Port Otago.
Mr Adams says he believes that the agreement was a positive step forward for Port Otago, and would lead to a stronger
future for this major New Zealand port.
"It is a difficult economic period, but the Port has weathered difficult times before and we are confident we will this
time as well."
Port Otago Limited is owned by the people of Otago through the Otago Regional Council.
ENDS