Maritime Union says industrial action on cards if job losses from
Stadium

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says the Port of Auckland is too
important to be disrupted by the proposed waterfront stadium.

Maritime Union Local 13 President Denis Carlisle says job losses are
a major concern if the stadium interferes with the running of Ports
of Auckland, and the Union would consider industrial action to
protect workers livelihoods.

"The Ports of Auckland are asking for guarantees that they will not
suffer any financial loss from the stadium project, and likewise the
Maritime Union will be seeking compensation for our members for any
loss of work."

He says the issue is about safeguarding Port of Auckland's role as a
major working port.

"Any waterfront stadium must not cause disruption to the Ports of
Auckland, as this is one of the key gateways between New Zealand and
the global economy."

He says the consequences of disruption to New Zealand's transport
chain and economic wellbeing outweigh the benefits of a waterfront
stadium.

Mr Carlisle says thousands of people's livelihoods depend on the port
directly, as well as the Port being a central part of the regional
and national economic infrastructure.

"Our members enjoy their sport as well, but the bottom line is that
jobs and livelihoods of all New Zealanders have to come before
entertainment."

He says over $1.5 billion of trade comes through the port every year
and is continually growing.

Mr Carlisle says the Union backs the Port's stance that its
overriding concern is to maintain the efficient operation of the port
and the quality of service.

Ends

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