Ports of Auckland withdraws lock out notice

7 December 2011
Media Statement
Ports of Auckland withdraws lock out notice

Ports of Auckland has withdrawn a second lock out notice that was due to take effect following this Thursday’s planned 48 hour strike by the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 (MUNZ).

“I challenge the union to withdraw their strike notice,” Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said.

Mr Gibson said the company had hoped to meet with the union for further mediation today (Wednesday), but MUNZ were unable to meet until Friday, the first day of the strike.

“Not only does this show a disappointing lack of urgency on the union’s part in seeking to resolve what is a very serious situation, it also suggests to us that they are determined to proceed with the strike,” Mr Gibson said.

“In the interest of our customers , the community and the wider Auckland business sector, we have decided to withdraw our lockout notice. We have made that decision irrespective of whether the union decides to proceed with another strike.”

“I challenge the union to withdraw their strike notice and, in the interests of their members’ jobs and the Auckland economy, to make a commitment that they will not issue any further strike notices before Christmas.”

Mr Gibson said the company would be happy to meet with the union on Friday for further mediation, but only if they lifted their strike notice. “We will not meet with them during a strike,” he said.

“This industrial action has already cost Ports of Auckland one major shipping service. Further disruption in the lead up to Christmas will only put further services and jobs at Ports of Auckland at risk.”

Mr Gibson said the strike would have a very significant impact on the port and the Auckland supply chain, with four ships and around 4,100 containers diverting to the Port of Tauranga over the 48 hours. Estimated revenue loss to the port is $950,000.

“For workers, there will be no opportunity to make up this lost income – the ships have confirmed that they are diverting to Tauranga.”

Mr Gibson said three ships that would otherwise have been impacted by the lock out will now be able to be serviced in Auckland.

The company’s Bledisloe and Fergusson container terminals, and associated road and rail services, are affected by the strike. Ports of Auckland’s multi-cargo wharves, cruise business, vehicle import trade, marine services, Onehunga seaport, Wiri Inland Port and Seafuels barge Awanuia are not affected. The on-dock empty container depot will also remain open.

The strike action, which is set down for the period commencing 10.30 pm on Thursday 8 December 2011 until 10.30 pm Saturday 10 December 2011, involves 327 employees out of a total of 580.

ENDS

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