Lyttelton Port workers begin overtime ban

Workers of Christchurch Rail and Lyttelton Port have begun an indefinite ban on overtime, according to the Rail and Maritime Transport Union.

The ban was announced at a mass meeting at the Port after negotiations between Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) and the union failed to make headway.

“Our members have already voted for multiple full stoppages at the port, however we see industrial action as a last resort so we’ve limited ourselves to the overtime ban at this stage”, said RMTU South Island Organiser John Kerr.

“It gives us no pleasure to see local businesses affected, but we do know the ban has already hit a number of major companies hard,” said John Kerr, noting that at least one ship due for repairs had already been moved elsewhere.

“Recent deaths and serious harm injuries have inflamed relations here, but the workers are passionate to tackle health and safety issues head-on with a more consultative approach”, said Kerr.

“Their proposal, which LPC rejected, was aimed at boosting productivity and profitability by establishing a consultative body to harness members’ talent and engagement for making their own jobs safer and more efficient. It’s disappointing that LPC don’t see the value in a 21st century approach”, said Kerr.

“The same model at KiwiRail has successfully boosted safety and productivity performance, and our rail members are supporting the workers at the port to replicate that system”, said Kerr.

“These guys are working hard on this, but they need the support of management. The 18% payrise LPC’s CEO Peter Davie got last financial year took his salary to $1.2 million, while the workers wondering are starting to wonder what he is actually being paid for.”

“If management was truly concerned with safety of the workers and the productivity of the port they’d take their proposal more seriously at mediation tomorrow.”

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