WELLINGTON: Lyttelton Port and a workers’ union remain embroiled in an industrial dispute, with union members increasingly frustrated.
The container terminal has been shut for overnight shifts over three consecutive weekends because of safety concerns.The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) said yesterday workers were now tired of the continuing dispute and wanted a resolution.
The terminal has been closed for three weekends during midnight and 6am shifts. On Friday the closure started at 4pm as a result of pre-approved staff leave.RMTU South Island organiser John Kerr said the union wanted to engage with the port’s management on several “show stopper” differences.
The two sides held different views on pay levels, the formation of a joint industrial council to develop a relationship over health and safety and productivity, and the inclusion of inland port workers in a general collective agreement.
Kerr said the closures continued to have an impact on the port. Last weekend a Maersk ship had unloaded some cargo, and had sailed before outward-bound cargo could be loaded.
