Truce In Auckland Dispute In Lead-up To Court Hearing

by David Sexton - last modified Mar 28, 2012 11:40 AM

During an Employment Court hearing yesterday, the parties agreed with MUNZ arguments for an adjournment until 11am Friday with MUNZ also accepting a PoA offer to pay employees who are available to work this week.

On Friday the court is expected to hear evidence from PoA and MUNZ about the alleged health and safety risks of having union and non-union labour working together given the nature of the dispute.

PoA has also confirmed it will not progress plans to contract out labour until an Employment Court hearing on May 16.

“In relation to the current health and safety issue, the company has been very clear that it has health and safety obligations to all its staff,” PoA said in a statement.

Also to be heard in court this Friday will be the MUNZ claim regarding a lockout of MUNZ members.

Meanwhile MUNZ has again called for Auckland Council to intervene and resolve the dispute.

Maritime Union president Garry Parsloe said the parties can keep slogging the issues out in court, but in the end the solution is finishing negotiations.

“Ports workers remain ready to return to work and get the Ports working on behalf of the businesses and customers of Auckland,” he said

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