Dunedin waterfront braces for major pickets overnight

A major picket has been confirmed on the Dunedin waterfront by the Maritime Union of New Zealand early tomorrow morning Friday 5 March 2004.

The Union will be running an overnight picket against Mainland Stevedoring from approximately 2AM on Friday 5 March 2004 when they arrive to load the Amatal-owned fishing trawler ŒJanas¹ at the Sealord Coldstore on Fryatt Street on the Dunedin waterfront.

The Maritime Union says those wishing to join the picket should check and confirm the latest time updates on their website http://www.munz.org.nz or with the Union information line 03 4728 052.

The ŒJanas¹ is scheduled to arrive at 4AM and the picket will be run through to the following afternoon.

Port Chalmers based Maritime Union National President Phil Adams says the issues are simple.

"We are defending secure local jobs and a fair go for Dunedin workers. We want permanent work opportunities not anti-union, casualizing employers ripping the guts out of the local industry."

The Maritime Union has over one hundred and fifty members at Port Chalmers, and represents a group of approximately forty casuals who normally work at the Dunedin waterfront coldstores.

"Our members are 100% behind the action and we expect every single member to be on the picketline, together with family, friends, supporters and other local workers."

Mr Adams says other Unions have offered support for the picket, and out of town branches of the Maritime Union are sending delegations.

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