Strike notice threatens Ports of Auckland

By Nick Stride

Friday 20th August 2004

Workers at Ports of Auckland will start strike action next week unless a contract dispute is settled.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand, with around 260 workers at the port, has issued two strike notices.

Auckland branch president Denis Carlisle said his members would strike for three days from August 25.

A notice has also been served for four days from September 2.

The employment contract covering the union's members expired on January 1 and management has so far failed to negotiate a
replacement.

The notices cover around half of the port's 540 staff. The Rail and Maritime Union and the Maritime Guild are also represented.

The union action came to light during a briefing by chief executive Geoff Vazey for analysts this week on the full year financial results.

Analysts at ABN Amro said labour shortages meant the port company might be in a weak negotiating position.

The notices were grounds for caution "in an environment that has to be conducive to wage increases."

The port is New Zealand's main container hub and its biggest general cargo port.

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