Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Frustration at closure of port terminals

Updated at 12:00 pm on 3 December 2011

The Retailers Association says industrial action at the Port of Auckland will have immense ramifications for the retail sector during the Christmas period.

Because of strike action and lockouts, two container terminals at the port are closed for four days until Monday.

Staff are unhappy with the terms of a new collective agreement.

The Maritime Union says a second strike is planned for the end of next week, with a further two days' lockout.

The chief executive of the Retailers Association, John Albertson, says goods ordered months ago and timed to arrive for the Christmas rush will be sitting idle at the port during the closures.

He says the association wants the port and union to quickly find a solution so retailers can get on with business during their busiest month of the year.

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