Update Port Of Auckland

by David Sexton - last modified Apr 16, 2012 02:00 PM

An application to the Employment Relations Authority to facilitate a resolution between Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union of New Zealand will be filed early this week, port management says.

PoA said it sought the move after the MUNZ rejected its latest offer.

MUNZ president Garry Parsloe said negotiations should have been completed months ago, however, and said he was frustrated at having to “second-guess” PoA’s intentions.

PoA chief executive Tony Gibson said the offer includes a 10% pay increase, with full-time employees having 160 hours of guaranteed work every four weeks.

A further performance bonus of up to 10% is also included.

Both sides, meanwhile, have sought to ‘spin’ their own view of a new survey from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Gibson said the company shares the concerns of business, reflected in the survey, at delays in introducing modern work practices at the port.
“Chamber of Commerce CEO, Michael Barnett is right - businesses need the port to make these changes and we are hopeful that through facilitation we can find agreement,” he said.

Mr Gibson said the real issue is the lack of flexibility, which results in an excessive paid downtime.

Mr Parsloe, meanwhile, noted the survey’s reference to the effect of the prolonged employment negotiations.

“The reality is we have been continually trying to second guess what port management really needs to get this employment agreement sorted,” he said.

“We have tried several times to address rostering and utilisation issues, and recently tabled further a comprehensive new proposal,” he said.

Back to News