The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has sent the following letter to dockworkers around the world. Please also see the Maritime Union of New Zealand’s video message following the letter.
Dear Friends,
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) and Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) have been negotiating to renew the collective agreement at the port since 6th September 2011.
MUNZ is confronted by management of the Port of Auckland Limited (POAL) who have repeatedly undermined the process of good faith bargaining and attacked workers’ terms and conditions at the port. Over 300 workers at the Ports of Auckland and their families are facing an uncertain future.
In January the President, Paddy Crumlin and I, as General Secretary wrote to the CEO of POAL and called upon him to return to the table since the port was on the brink of becoming a Port of Convenience.
The management has neglected all calls for a negotiated settlement and has now even gone a step further in the drive to privatise the port and is threatening the workers to outsource their jobs and has taken initiatives in that direction.
Our affiliate MUNZ was left with no other alternative left than to go for industrial action which has started on 24 February.
I now call on all ITF affiliates, from which sector you might be, to express your solidarity by signing the electronic petition at http://www.saveourport.com/. Affiliates can also express their support on the ITF website using this link.
Our brothers and sisters in New Zealand need your help, please take whatever lawful initiative you see possible to support them in their fight for a fair deal and respect for unionised workers.
In Unity,
David Cockroft
General Secretary, ITF