​Ports of Auckland today welcomed the Maritime Union’s decision to withdraw their opposition to the lifting of interim court orders related to legal action the union took during last year’s strikes.

The orders, which restricted Ports of Auckland’s ability to hire and train staff, had been in place for 14 months. They were only ever intended to be in place for a short period, until the full legal action could be heard.

Earlier this year Ports of Auckland applied to the Employment Court for the interim orders to be lifted, an application MUNZ previously opposed. Today, MUNZ reversed its position and has agreed that the orders be rescinded. The court hearing scheduled for next week in relation to these matters will now not take place.

Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO said “We welcome this change of heart from the Maritime Union. It is a positive step which should assist the parties to continue in facilitation and settle a collective agreement.

Three days of facilitation will be scheduled for the week commencing 3 June 2013.

​ENDS