Port Company Meets with Union Over Return of Workers

23 MARCH 2012

Media Statement
Port Company Meets with Union Over Return of Workers

Ports of Auckland has today met with union representatives regarding the return to work of Maritime Union members who have been on strike for the past 4 weeks.

The Company advised the union that its “expectation” that workers could return immediately was unrealistic as rosters are allocated in advance and there has been significant disruption to shipping schedules caused from the union’s ongoing strike action.

The company has an obligation to those staff already allocated work for the next 7 days and to ensure that staff are rostered at appropriate levels to service the limited number of ships scheduled to call in the next few weeks.

The Company said it also has a health and safety obligation to all staff given the events of the past months in relation to the strikes. The Company is also engaging with the Labour Department and an independent Health & Safety consultant to report on appropriate working arrangements.

The shift and roster system has also changed since the strikes came into effect. Staff are now working 12 hour shifts.

The company has advised that it will discuss the issue at mediation as soon as it is convened.
ENDS
Ports of Auckland Ltd is New Zealand’s most important port, handling around 894,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,500 ship calls and 3.5 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.

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