9 February 2012

Ports of Auckland strike notice

CTU President Helen Kelly says the Ports of Auckland management have left workers with few options but to issue strike notices in response to the Ports managements attack on their job security.

Helen Kelly says “the industrial action is a response to the ‘take it or leave it’ offer and tactics from the Ports management – accept all their changes to the collective and work as a casual or be replaced by contractors. This would mean less job security for port workers and their families, fierce competition on wages and conditions, less safety for port workers.”

“Port management is acting completely irresponsibly to the workers and businesses of Auckland who may be inconvenienced because of this strike. They are putting the port at risk by insisting on unnecessary changes to the employment of these workers. The Ports offer leaves over 300 workers and their families facing an uncertain future, these are skilled workers who deserve some security of knowing they have some guarantee of work, and being able to plan their lives.”

“This is an issue for all of New Zealand - casualisation is not good for workers or their families. This is a growing story of working in New Zealand - even when workers already offer a lot of flexibility, they are expected to give more, and often to give up any hope of a structured and healthy life.”

“We are supporting the Maritime union members in this action against further casualisation of their jobs, and loss of job security for them and their families," said Helen Kelly.

ENDS

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