Ports of Auckland issues notice of lockout

18 NOVEMBER 2011
Media Statement
Ports of Auckland issues notice of lockout

In an attempt to avoid strike action by the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 (MUNZ), Ports of Auckland has issued a lock out notice.

“This decision is one which has been made with sincere regret, but is considered crucial to encouraging union members to withdraw the proposed strike and settle a new collective agreement, thereby avoiding further industrial action,” says Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

Mr Gibson says that continuing to operate without a settled collective agreement looks likely to be highly disruptive, with MUNZ signalling they will continue to strike each Friday and Monday on an ongoing basis. This would have a significant impact on shipping line customers, exporters, importers and ultimately consumers.

“I cannot stress enough that Ports of Auckland will lift the lockout notice if the strike notice is lifted,” Mr Gibson says.

Mr Gibson says Ports of Auckland is unable to negotiate under the threat of strike action, but is willing to participate in mediation.

“We are meeting with the Department of Labour and the union at 9.30 am on Tuesday and I am hopeful that through mediation we will be able to find a solution.”

The proposed strike involves the complete withdrawal of labour by MUNZ employees within the container handling, road and rail services at the Waitemata seaport for two 24 hour periods:

1. From 10.30 pm on Thursday 1 December 2011 until 10.30 pm on Friday 2 December 2011;
2. From 10.30 pm on Sunday 4 December 2011 until 10.30 pm on Monday 5 December 2011.

The lock out notice commences 12.01am Sat 3rd Dec and concludes 10.30 pm on Sunday 4 December 2011.

The industrial action affects the Fergusson and Bledisloe container terminals and associated road and rail services. The port’s multi-cargo wharves, cruise business, marine services, Onehunga seaport and Wiri Inland Port are not affected by the proposed strike.

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