Further Port strike notice ahead of mediation talks - unhelpful

Today’s issuing of a further strike notice by the Maritime Union ahead of tomorrow’s mediation talks on the long-running dispute raises questions of how committed the union is to bargaining in good faith and settling the issues at hand, said Auckland Chamber head Michael Barnett.

“Throughout this dispute we have tried to be fair to both sides, but today’s action by the union will only serve to entrench the huge support in the business community for an outcome that achieves a settlement once and for all,” he said.

There now appears to be only one course of action, and that is for the Ports of Auckland to remain firmly resolved and committed to achieve a lasting solution.”

The union has had numerous opportunities to settle the dispute. Issuing a strike notice on the eve of further talks raising serious questions as to their real commitment to a lasting settlement, concluded Mr Barnett.