6 December 2011

Ports of Auckland urged to ‘go for broke’ to get a long-term resolution

The loss of shipping business by Ports of Auckland risks Auckland losing its reputation as a business-friendly city and easy to do business with.

There is now no other option for the Port company but to ‘go for broke’ and seek a long-term resolution, said Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

“Auckland’s reputational loss requires we take a stand and back the Port to sort this out once and for all.”

Having international shipping company Maersk say industrial unrest on Auckland’s waterfront was a factor in its decision to shift its business to Tauranga must be taken seriously.

The Maritime Union claim the strike wasn’t about money, but in their words it was about ‘tweaking’ some work conditions.

The facts show that:
• Union pay rates and conditions showing earnings up to $122,000 makes it hard to present an image of a deprived down trodden work force.
• A Port performance study showing Port of Tauranga as almost 20% more efficient than the Port of Auckland.

“In a market where the customer has choice a 20% difference is significant.”

By holding out the Union is condemning the Port to join a downward spiral of diminishing returns and more loss of business.

“Auckland must take a stand. All businesses need to adopt flexible work practices to retain their competitiveness. Like any business, the Port must be able to manage its business to meet the competition.

“Any suggestion that a union owns jobs in a workplace is completely outdated. Our reputation and credibility as an easy city to do business has to be put right with speed and urgency.”

ENDS

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