Fishery Officers Strike – 5 July Start

Monday 28 June 2004
MEDIA RELEASE

Fishery Officers Strike – 5 July Start

''Fishery Officers have decided that their work to rule over lack of progress in their Collective Agreement negotiations on the issues of revaluing their remuneration and allowing them to carry defensive equipment will commence from Monday 5 July,'' said Martin Cooney, organiser with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) today.

“Given the effect of this industrial action will be that Fisheries Officers are refusing to inspect any location, vessel, restaurant, takeaway, Licensed Fish Receiver or vehicle where they believe any knife, gaff, speargun, chain, oar or other similar item may be located, the striking officers will be effectively confined to base during the work to rule,” said Martin Cooney.

“The Fishery Officers are aware of the potential consequences of their action and want to give sufficient notice to the Ministry, Police and the Fishing Industry including Maori iwi so that they can provide what cover they can.”

“Delegates are asking the Ministry of Fisheries to respond by 5pm Friday 2nd July if there is any change of their position,” said Martin Cooney. “Given the significant extra duties, responsibilities and risks asked of Fishery Officers since 1996, they want to see the Ministry reflect that in their remuneration and also reduce the risks via the provision of defensive capability.”

ENDS

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