Ports of Auckland says that the two days of mediated discussions have confirmed the parties’ respective positions, but there has been no change in the Union’s position on the fundamental issues: the Port’s ability to operate flexibly in response to changing customer demands, and its right to have other stevedoring companies working at the container terminal. The Union is demanding this existing provision is withdrawn from the Collective Agreement.
Port CEO Tony Gibson says the world’s best-performing ports use several stevedoring suppliers and the removal of these provisions is not something we can agree to.
“Retaining the ability to introduce competitive stevedoring, in whatever form that might take, is critical to lifting the port’s competitiveness and productivity, he says.
“Urgent action is now needed. We will carefully think through our options over the coming days, Mr Gibson said.
“After six months of intensive negotiations, and nine offers from the company, it is unfortunate the Union has gone backwards rather than presenting some constructive, forward thinking proposals that will bring this issue to a close.”
“The $30m loss of business since January and ongoing disruption through strike action has increased the urgency and extent of changes needed to return the port to full performance.”
“Our customers have given us a very clear message that if we are to win-back lost business, and grow in the future, we need to find a permanent, sustainable solution to address these issues for once and for all.”
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