LPC Disappointed in RMTU Notice of Strike Action

2 December 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

LPC Disappointed in RMTU Notice of Strike Action

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) is deeply disappointed in the announcement this afternoon that the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) members in LPC have voted for an indefinite ban on overtime from 17 December.

There are 157 RMTU members in this negotiation, which represents 30% of LPC’s staff.

“This is premature and unexpected as we are still in negotiations with the Union. We have not had a response to our offer from the Union,“ said LPC Chief Executive Peter Davie.

“We have recently achieved a settlement for 18 months with the major Union at the Port. Its members will be receiving 3% higher wages and their back pay before Christmas.

“We have not refused the proposal for an Industrial Council.

“After all the hard work by staff post-earthquakes, the RMTU action will potentially negatively impact on the recovery process. LPC is absolutely committed to supporting the Port and city rebuild and the Canterbury economy. We are also totally committed to the negotiations and thought we were still in that process until the RMTU’s surprise announcement today about industrial action.”

“It is regrettable that the RMTU announcement of the ban on overtime just before Christmas will impact their members’ income over this period and potentially affect them and their families into the New Year.”

“Following RMTU’s actions this afternoon, the process now requires us to go to mediation to attempt to resolve the issues.“ said Mr Davie.

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