Port strike planned

By MATHEW DEARNALEY

Auckland businesses are bracing for a two-day port strike next week, at a time when trade with Australia is already straining under the Air New Zealand crisis.

The Waterfront Workers' Union has issued notice of a strike against Ports of Auckland for 48 hours from 6.30 am on September 27 unless mediation talks bear fruit after resuming tomorrow. This follows a one-day strike in June.

The company expects about 10 ships to be delayed or diverted, disrupting $150 million of goods in 3000 containers - including 1000 for export.

The Opposition accused the watersiders of "cynical and cold-hearted timing", although their union said it had lifted earlier notices of industrial action as a sign of good faith.

Branch president Denis Carlisle said his 250 port company members voted unanimously before the international crises to reject a company package including too many exemptions from collective wage-bargaining.

He acknowledged the parties were close on wages but said coverage issues, including those involving casual workers and their right to choose to be part of a collective agreement, were among obstacles to a settlement.

It is understood the company has offered a wage rise of more than 5 per cent, with limited backdating and to be stretched over more than two years, but with financial incentives to boost productivity and thus attract larger container ships.