Industrial action threatens New Zealand’s Auckland port that could disrupt trade for weeks. Up to 250 dockers walked out for 24 hours late last night and plan to repeat the action next week. The Waterfront Workers Union has indicated a subsequent week-long strike from July 4, which would have serious ramifications.
The strike will delay the movement of 11,000 containers and 36 ships will be delayed or diverted. The port handles the bulk of freight in New Zealand. The strike will affect work at Axis Fergusson and Axis Bledisloe terminals.
The waterside union’s Auckland branch president, Denis Carlisle, said it was time for the workers’ voice to be heard after months of failed negotiations. The union is seeking pay increases to catch up on lost years, it said. It also says Ports of Auckland wants to boost numbers of casual labourers, who work for $12.50 an hour – around $11 an hour less than a stevedore. The union was seeking a 5.5 per cent pay rise and the company offered 2 per cent plus a share of profits, a spokesperson said. Talks were continuing and the company hoped negotiations could avert the second planned strike. The union said negotiations had broken down.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Geoff Vazey said the company needed a flexible labour pool to match its competitors. Some stevedores earn $103,000 annually, he said but Carlisle said they worked 80 hours a week. Ports of Auckland estimates about 50 per cent of its staff are union members.
