Mediation between Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union has again ended in a stalemate.
Both parties were in talks for the past two days about a new collective contract after the union on Thursday issued another strike notice - extending its current three week strike to four.
Ports of Auckland says the talks have confirmed the parties' respective positions, and there has been no change in the union's position on the fundamental issues.
Chief executive Tony Gibson says after six months of intensive negotiations, and nine offers from the company, the union has gone backwards rather than presenting some constructive, forward thinking proposals that will bring this issue to a close.
He says the dispute has cost the company $30 million since January.
Before going into negotiations on Friday morning, Maritime Union president Garry Parsloe said he was more hopeful of making progress than ever before.
