Lyttelton Port workers have given notice of a 24-hour strike after mediation failed to resolve concerns over safety and pay.
Last effort mediation on Wednesday ended with Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) members giving 14 days’ notice for a stoppage on March 8.
“This was supposed to be the twenty-second meeting we’ve had since collective bargaining started in July, but management didn’t even join us in the room, let alone amend their position,” RMTU organiser John Kerr says.
“Management wants to change the hours of work for cargo handlers so the port can operate 24/7. We understand why that’s necessary, but it has to be done safely.
“Despite acknowledging that their demands may increase fatigue to the point the work would be unsafe, management are still pushing the point.
The union is also demanding better compensation for the new work shifts.
It says the new hours could hit earnings by up to $6,000 per year.
“We’re only asking for a fair deal … Workers shouldn’t lose money, especially when the port is profitable,” Kerr says.
Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) chief executive Peter Davie says “it was not possible” to reach an agreement with the RMTU.
“We are disappointed they have responded by issuing a strike notice …
“We are assessing the potential effects for the port’s import and export customers of the strike action while we also continue contingency planning.
“We cannot agree to the unreasonable double digit pay increases RMTU members are demanding. These include wage increases of between 4% and 15.45% depending on their work area.”
Davie says the port company is working on fatigue management through a working group which includes the RMTU.
“It is disingenuous of RMTU to now criticise the process.
“We remain committed to resolving the issues and hope agreement can be reached soon,” Davie says.
Around 60% of LPC staff belong to the separate Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) which reached an agreement last year with operators over roster changes and pay.
