Maritime Union says Ports of Auckland strike notices could be lifted

The Maritime Union says strike notices at the Ports of Auckland for January 2012 could be lifted if management move from their entrenched position over casualisation and start bargaining in good faith.

Maritime Union National President Garry Parsloe says industrial action could be suspended whilst parties are serious and bargaining in good faith.

"There are a number of issues that there is plenty of room for constructive discussion around."

He says union members are not opposed to productivity improvements at the port.

"In late September 2011 workers at the port were advised that for the month of August 2011, Container Terminals averaged 28.33 crane moves per hour, the best ever crane result recorded at the Ports of Auckland".

"We are going forward here, so we don't understand the complete negativity coming from Port management and some employer groups and we suspect there may be some other agenda. However the door is always open."

Mr Parsloe says recent productivity improvements demonstrate the willingness of your current workforce to lift performance, but not at the expense of undermining family life.

"The concept of total flexibility is not an option, as workers require some certainty and security with their hours worked so they can have a life outside work."

Mr Parsloe says maritime workers were already a flexible workforce, working shifts 24/7 in a demanding environment.

"The key issues are that casualization and outsourcing are not an option. We want to maintain a skilled permanent workforce."

ENDS

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