21 March 2018

Lyttelton port workers to leaflet neighbourhoods of Board of Directors

Port workers are taking their message directly to the communities of the directors of Lyttelton Port, with a leafletting campaign explaining why they have no choice but to take industrial action.

“This is the first of a series of actions planned between now and Sunday,” says John Kerr, organiser for the Rail and Maritime Transport Union. “Our members think it’s really important that people understand what this dispute is about.

“They want to be safe and healthy at work, to be treated the same as other workers at the port, and for their employer to negotiate with them in a constructive, respectful way.

“Instead, Lyttelton Port Company has made one deal with the other union on site and refused to extend it to our members. They’ve made changes to the hours of work at the port which increase the risk of fatigue. And they’re refusing to budge despite us meeting with them multiple times and providing up to eight different options to resolve this dispute.

“Lyttelton Port is vital to the economy and businesses of Canterbury. The port company has put that at risk by openly disrespecting the workers who keep the port running, and by rejecting every offer we put to them.

“Our members only want a fair deal, and to get back to work.

“They have prepared actions for every day of the strike, and will be making sure this message gets out to the communities whose interests Lyttelton Port Company are ignoring.”

ENDS

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