MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 22 May 2009 - for immediate release
 
Ports of Auckland says ‘strike notice unwarranted and unnecessary’
 
Ports of Auckland has received a strike notice from the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) - Local 13.
 
Managing Director Jens Madsen said he was disappointed by the notice, which he says is unwarranted and unnecessary.
 
“We recognise the union’s need to hold a stop work meeting and tried repeatedly to help facilitate this last week,” said Mr Madsen.
 
“Our offer to accommodate this meeting at a mutually suitable date and time remains on the table as a constructive alterative to the proposed strike.”
 
Mr Madsen said the company was also eager to resume negotiations with the union over the collective employment agreement that expired in November 2006 and had been requesting such a meeting since December last year.
 
After issuing yesterday’s strike notice, the union have since agreed to a meeting on the collective employment agreement.
 
The proposed 4 ½ hour strike is due to take place from 12noon on Friday 5 June. The Port's General Wharves, Port of Onehunga and Marine Services are not directly affected.
 
ENDS

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