Global unions back Ports of Auckland workers

Global mining and maritime unions back Ports of Auckland workers

Maritime Union of New Zealand media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday 27 February 2012

Workers at the Ports of Auckland have received a major boost with support coming from the global Mining and Maritime Initiative.

A meeting in Sydney of the Mining and Maritime Initiative that brings together some of the world's largest and most effective trade unions has heard from a delegation of Ports of Auckland workers who reported on their struggle against contracting out and casualization.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says the meeting on Sunday resolved its complete backing to striking workers at Ports of Auckland.

"This dispute is clearly seen as an example of the contracting out and casualization that is now rampant in the global economy."

Mr Parsloe says the dispute is now on the international agenda and the reputation of Ports of Auckland was in jeopardy due to the actions of management.

The Mining and Maritime Initiative brings together global unions including the Maritime Union of Australia, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) from North America, CFMEU (Mining and energy – Australia), United Steel Workers (North America), NUM (National Union of Mineworkers – South Africa), ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association – North America), SATAWU (South Africa Transport and Allied Workers Union), UMWA (United Mine Workers – North America), and CEPPWAWU (Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union – South Africa).

Global union federations involved include the ITF (International Transport Workers Federation), ICEM (International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions) and IMF (International Metal Workers Federation).

The New Zealand unions represented at the Mining and Maritime Initiative are the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the EPMU.

ENDS

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