Auckland.Scoop
The war of words between Ports of Auckland the Maritime Union of NZ is continuing. Yesterday, the ports chief executive said the union had threatened a shipping operator. Today the union denied the claim.

Press Release – Maritime Union of New Zealand
The Maritime Union says the latest round of claims from Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson on the activities of the Maritime Union are “increasingly detached from reality.”

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says Mr Gibson’s claims that vessels are not coming into Ports of Auckland due to “threats” from the Maritime Union are fanciful.

He says the reason for many ships not visiting Ports of Auckland currently is that shipping companies are aware of the lack of skilled labour and the likelihood of delays and inconvenience due to the industrial dispute.

“The solution to the dispute is simple. We are happy to talk to Mr Gibson at any time. Drop the contracting out plan, and this port will be back to business in five minutes.”

Mr Parsloe says the only threat causing problems is Mr Gibson’s threat to contract out all Ports of Auckland entire work, putting hundreds of families livelihoods in jeopardy.

He says the conduct of management in denigrating and attacking its workforce was about distracting people from the real issues of contracting out, casualization and privatization.

Mr Parsloe says the people of Auckland have a right to more professional management for the $700,000 plus that Mr Gibson is paid every year.

“I suspect the issue here is that Mr Gibson made a big noise about how the port would be offering seamless services, now the reality has set in, he is standing there looking a bit silly and losing his temper and sending out these somewhat unprofessional statements at 11pm at night.”

“Unfortunately this follows a pattern from the CEO where he is lashing out, he is getting quite emotional, calling his workforce names, trying to shut down any debate, and making all kinds of unproven allegations.”

Press Release – Ports of Auckland (POAL) – Feb 26
POAL has been advised that the vessel operator Pacific International Lines Limited was called by the Secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand (from a conference in Australia) to directly threaten the company that their vessel the Kota Permasan would be blacklisted and their company targeted by union actions in Australia and New Zealand if the vessel came into the port tonight and was unloaded by POAL’s permanent stevedoring staff.

This action is unlawful both in New Zealand and Australia.

POAL Chief Executive Tony Gibson said such threats, bullying and intimidation have characterised MUNZ throughout the dispute and will further serve to fuel public distaste for MUNZ.

“Interference from the Maritime Union of Australia will be strongly opposed by New Zealanders.”

“We have been notified that these threats have resulted in the ship being diverted to Tauranga. The Port of Tauranga operates with all stevedoring operations outsourced under contract making the union’s actions even more bizarre.”

“Again the union is costing Auckland workers their jobs from the safety of their Sydney conference hotel suites.”

“It is abhorrent that a New Zealand union is making direct threats against shipping lines and is inciting Australians to act against the interests of our employees, our customers, Auckland businesses, Auckland City, New Zealand consumers, the New Zealand supply chain and the country as a whole.”

Ports of Auckland Ltd is New Zealand’s most important port, handling around 894,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,500 ship calls and 3.5 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.

And another press release from MUNZ
Press Release – Maritime Union of New Zealand
Workers at the Ports of Auckland have received a major boost with support coming from the global Mining and Maritime Initiative. A meeting in Sydney of the Mining and Maritime Initiative that brings together some of the world’s largest and most effective trade unions has heard from a delegation of Ports of Auckland workers who reported on their struggle against contracting out and casualization.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says the meeting on Sunday resolved its complete backing to striking workers at Ports of Auckland.

“This dispute is clearly seen as an example of the contracting out and casualization that is now rampant in the global economy.”

Mr Parsloe says the dispute is now on the international agenda and the reputation of Ports of Auckland was in jeopardy due to the actions of management.

The Mining and Maritime Initiative brings together global unions including the Maritime Union of Australia, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) from North America, CFMEU (Mining and energy – Australia), United Steel Workers (North America), NUM (National Union of Mineworkers – South Africa), ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association – North America), SATAWU (South Africa Transport and Allied Workers Union), UMWA (United Mine Workers – North America), and CEPPWAWU (Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union – South Africa).

Global union federations involved include the ITF (International Transport Workers Federation), ICEM (International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions) and IMF (International Metal Workers Federation).

The New Zealand unions represented at the Mining and Maritime Initiative are the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the EPMU.