Monday 1 October 2007

Strike confirmed at Ports of Auckland

Around 250 workers at Ports of Auckland will strike from tomorrow after an offer from management was rejected.

The strike starts 0700 hours on 2 October 2007 and will run through to 0659 hours on 4 October.

Maritime Union Auckland Waterfront Branch Local 13 President Denis Carlisle says offers from the company had not moved enough to take back to union members.

He says some of the key issues behind the workers action are pay claims, including back pay from 30 November 2006, and a "no cost" claim that seeks to bring a small group of Planner/Supervisors and Cargo Officers to join the Collective Agreement.

"The members are united behind what they see as reasonable claims to get a share of the wealth their work generates."

Mr Carlisle says unless negotiations get back on track there will be more stoppages at the port.

Maritime workers will be on pickets outside the Axis Bledisloe and Axis Fergusson terminals of Ports of Auckland for the duration of the strike.

ENDS

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