Published Date:
27-Dec-2011
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The Maritime Union is planning a 48-hour strike for December 30-January 1, and another 48-hour strike from 11pm on January 9.

Staff have already been on strike on at least three times this month after negotiations over pay and working conditions broke down.

Maritime Union national president Garry Parsloe says the upcoming industrial action could be suspended if the port's management backs down from its "entrenched position" over casualisation and bargains in good faith.

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

The union rejected Ports of Auckland's most recent offer of an upfront 10 per cent rise in hourly wages, in return for full operational flexibility and productivity increases.

Mr Parsloe says union members are not opposed to productivity improvements at the port but had concerns about other conditions.

"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," he says.

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

Last week, Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson said the continuing strikes were making the work situation "untenable".

"With the added complication of the KiwiRail maintenance shutdown, the union seems to be determined to create as much disruption as it can," he said.

"Ultimately, it's cargo owners and consumers who are paying the price for the union's actions."

The port lost a $20 million dollar contract with shipping company Maersk as a result of the strikes.

Mr Gibson says losing that contract could see up to 40 jobs cut, and further industrial action will put more jobs at risk.