22 MARCH 2012

POAL Issues Lockout Notice To Striking Workers

Ports of Auckland has today issued a Lockout Notice to striking Maritime Union workers.

Ports of Auckland Chairman, Richard Pearson said that in the Port’s view the existing right to contract out must remain. “This existing right will be fundamental to the upcoming mediation.”

“We have today written to the Mediation Service to seek an urgent start to mediation discussions.

The company says in the meantime the Port will continue to operate as it has been throughout the strikes. The company’s stevedores are continuing to service vessels arriving at the container terminals.

Yesterday, following a Judicial Settlement Conference, both parties agreed to a return to mediation.

As part of those undertakings, Ports of Auckland has also agreed not to further progress the commencement of work by competing stevedores for 4 weeks.

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Ports of Auckland Ltd is New Zealand’s most important port, handling around 894,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,500 ship calls and 3.5 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.

ENDS

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