Ports of Auckland - Industrial Dispute

Industrial Dispute

In late 2011, Ports of Auckland became engaged in an industrial dispute with workers represented by the Maritime Union of New Zealand, after negotiations broke down over the expiry of the existing collective contract, and plans by the port to contract out its services to casual workers. The company board cited a Productivity Commission report calling for greater flexibility in the ports industry, and the need to compete with its nearest rival, Port of Tauranga. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) later became involved, warning that Ports of Auckland could be declared the world's first 'port of convenience'. Port workers in other parts of the country briefly downed tools in support of the striking Auckland workers, before being ordered to get back to work.

On 7 March 2012, the Port announced that all striking dock workers would be made redundant. This prompted a strong response from the striking port workers, the Maritime Union of New Zealand, and its global affiliates in the ITF, ILWU and Maritime Union of Australia. The ITF's president, Paddy Crumlin, subsequently declared Ports of Auckland a port-of-convenience on 9 March.

A protest march down Auckland's Queen Street was staged on 10 March, with turnout estimated between 2,000 and 5,000.

In response, the Port issued a full-page letter in the Sunday Star Times, arguing that the port workers earned on average $91,000 for a 26-hour working week. These figures have been disputed by the Maritime Union of New Zealand, which accused the Port of having casualisation plans all along, and twisting its own figures in order to discredit the union.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown refused to take sides in the dispute, garnering criticism from supporters, but offered to mediate in the dispute.

In December 2012, the Port was fined NZD$40,000 by the Employment Relations Authority for deliberately employing strikebreakers during the dispute.