New Zealand dockworkers strike for Liverpool

Dockworkers are preparing for massive international action in September. But in Auckland, New Zealand, the Waterfront Workers decided to go ahead with an earlier plan and struck on Monday 18th August. The following letter was then received by Merseyside Port Shop Stewards.

To: Terry Teague

From: Terry Ryan, New Zealand Waterfront Workers Union

Date: 19 August 1997

Dear Terry,

As previously advised our arrangements for the international day of action could not be changed from the 18th and the Port of Auckland stopped for 2 1/2 hours and a meeting was convened dedicating the stoppage to support the 500 locked out Liverpool Dockers and their families. The meeting was the best attended this union has had for many years. Two opposition M.P.'s Harry Dynhoven, Labour and Liala Harre, Alliance addressed the meeting on Solidarity, local, national, and international and the importance of same given the current attacks on permanent jobs worldwide.

I enclose a copy of the resolution that was carried unanimously by our members.

Further actions will follow in September.

Victory to the Liverpool Dockers

STOPWORK RESOLUTION MONDAY 18 AUGUST 1997

• Whereas:
  Those attending this meeting have stopped work to support 500 Liverpool Dockers locked out for 24 months by the Mersey Dock and Harbour Company for refusing to compromise their principles and cross a picket line
  
• Whereas
  Actions by Waterfront Workers on five continents around the globe, on this international day of action, highlights the effects of casualisation on permanent waterfront workers' jobs worldwide caused through deregulation, privatisation, and reinforced by repressive legislation such as the Employment Contracts Act.
  
• Whereas
  Attacks around the country have eaten into our permanent jobs, we recognise the vital need for solidarity, and recognise that only international solidarity has kept the employers from crushing the 500 Liverpool Dockers and their families. Thus demonstrating that solidarity, on local, national and international levels, is the best way to ensure waterfront workers maintain their specific culture and job security.

Therefore it is resolved:

• That this meeting of the New Zealand Waterfront Workers Union, Auckland Branch determines to continue holding the belief that the Liverpool struggle is our struggle and that victory for the Liverpool Dockers and their families will be a victory for dockers the world over. Therefore just as waterfront employers have gone global, so too must workers to enable them to protect and assist each other.
  
• We further resolve to continue our support, in whatever ways we can, for the Liverpool Dockers and their families until final victory is achieved and these men regain their rightful employment.
  
• In consideration of the above we undertake to coordinate all information and communications relating to the Liverpool struggle, and convey such information within our sphere of influence.