21 Dec 2011

No resolution from port talks

3:20 pm on 21 December 2011

Mediation has failed to resolve the industrial dispute at the Ports of Auckland.

Representatives of the Maritime Union and the company met on Tuesday to discuss their dispute over collective contracts.

But the company says little progress was made and the two parties are still far apart.

More than 300 union members held three 24-hour strikes and were locked out for two days earlier this month.

The union has filed notice of two further 24-hour strikes this week and a 48-hour strike starting on 30 December.

Ports of Auckland says it has decided against issuing any further lockout notices at this point.

No further dates for mediation have been agreed.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce says import and export businesses are bearing the cost of the dispute.

Chief executive Michael Barnett told Morning Report the union seems to be targeting periods for industrial action when they will inflict the most damage.

He said the balance must not be right for such a small group to have such a significant hold over the economy in Auckland.