MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

07 December 2011

CBAFF urges Maritime Union to return to mediation

The Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand (CBAFF) has urged the Maritime Union to cancel a planned second strike at Ports of Auckland and return to mediation talks.

CBAFF vice president Trevor Duxfield said that the weekend’s industrial action had already had significant impact on CBAFF members, importers and exporters and Auckland road carriers and was set to hit retailers too.

Ports of Auckland has withdrawn a second lock out notice, which had been due to take effect for the second 48 hour planned strike by union members, due to start at 10.30pm tomorrow.

“The union has made its point and should now call off the industrial action and get back to the mediation table as soon as possible for the good of the Auckland regional economy,” said Mr Duxfield.

“The first lock out and strike has already caused significant impact to many businesses. Six vessels were affected over the weekend with three diverted to Tauranga and one to CentrePort Wellington.

“That included a large groupage container with cargo for ten different importers, much of it intended for the Christmas market in Auckland, which is currently sitting in Wellington.”

Mr Duxfield said that while this cargo can be transported to Auckland by train, CBAFF members and importers had been asked to contribute to additional import costs to cover this. All the importers involved will have to agree to the extra costs and the container isn’t expected to arrive until December 21, almost three weeks late.

“CBAFF is providing advice and support to some very stressed people who are, understandably, very concerned at the considerable delays they face in getting their product to market,” said Mr Duxfield.

“Seven more vessels would be impacted by further industrial action, with four having already indicated they will be diverting to Port of Tauranga.

“It’s time for the union to agree to get back to the mediation table as soon as possible and enable everyone to get on with working together to ensure we continue to have a successful and productive port for the region.”

ENDS

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