Ports of Auckland spokesperson Matt Ball says claims by the Maritime Union leadership are entirely false and malicious, and are based on their ideological opposition to automation, not facts.
“MUNZ claims that Ports of Auckland reduced staffing levels as part of automation – this is false. Not a single stevedore has lost their job because of automation,” Ball says.
“In fact, staff have been clearly told that there will be no change to resourcing until at least six months after automation is fully implemented. The port will have additional capacity as a result of automation and may gain more volume, so it is entirely possible that more staff will be needed.
“Stevedores have not been working ‘excessive’ hours. Hours change according to demand. In the early part of the year when things were quieter, staff were barely working their guaranteed minimum hours. During the peaks, hours are longer, but fatigue is well managed through the agreed hours of work policy.
“MUNZ’s biggest complaint seems to be that their members are not being promoted to more skilled roles. Ports of Auckland operates a meritocracy, so skilled roles are allocated according to – skill.
“Before we train people to be crane and straddle operators, they are tested for aptitude and are promoted on that basis, regardless of their union affiliation. Plenty of MUNZ members qualify – but not all. That’s life.
“Finally, MUNZ raised the matter of one individual who was sent an email rejection for a driving job.
“The email was sent in error, the error was noticed immediately and the person was phoned the same day (2 December) and told of the error. They were also told their application would be considered further and a follow-up email was sent.
“MUNZ officials must be aware of this and have deliberately misconstrued the situation to further their own agenda.
“Ports of Auckland will no longer respond to false accusations from the Maritime Union. MUNZ is under new leadership who appear to be on a nationwide crusade against ports and automation, making endless false claims about our operations which benefit no-one.
“Instead we will focus on matters related to the welfare of our staff and the safe and efficient operation of the port for the benefit of Auckland and New Zealand,” Ball says.
