Port engineers return to work on Thursday

Wednesday 4th April 2012

Ports of Auckland engineers will be the first return to work on Thursday after management lifted its lock-out notice last week.

A group of engineers will be the first of Maritime Union New Zealand workers to return following an industrial dispute with stevedores, where port management want to introduce more casual labour by hiring external contractors.

“The Auckland port is vital to the New Zealand economy and our members want to be on the job contributing their skills and energy, not standing outside the gates while the port stands idle at a huge cost to every one of us,” said Garry Parsloe, president of MUNZ.

Maritime Union of New Zealand workers had been due to return to work late last month after the port’s legal strategy collapsed in the Employment Court, but the port issued a lock-out notice immediately afterwards reasserting its intention to seek external stevedoring services.

Last week, port director Rob Campbell stepped down from the board after a falling out over strategy at the Auckland Council-owned business.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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