12 Jan 2012

Auckland port and workers fail to reach deal

5:43 pm on 12 January 2012

Ports of Auckland and striking workers have failed to come to an agreement despite a long day of negotiations.

About 300 workers belonging to the Maritime Union are striking for the fifth time this summer over their collective contract.

Ports of Auckland is disappointed in the outcome of Thursday's mediation talks and is continuing with plans to make the workers redundant and replace them with contractors.

The main sticking point has been the Martitime Union's refusal to accept a flexible roster.

National president Garry Parsloe says strikers on Thursday agreed to work flexible hours but Ports of Auckland would still not accept their offer.

Mr Parsloe says he does not think the company wants to reach an agreement.

However, Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson says the union does not understand the need for urgency in order to prevent more financial loss.

Mr Gibson says the union would not give enough specifics about what hours workers would commit to.