Union too busy to picket ships loading logs

By DITA DE BONI

Carter Holt Harvey logs have been loaded on to vessels this week without picketing by the Waterfront Workers Union.

It is understood a ship has visited both Bluff and Nelson to pick up logs, and another is due in Nelson today.

Both ports have been flashpoints in the dispute between Mainland Stevedoring and Carter Holt Harvey on one side and the union on the other in the past four months, but it has been business as usual this week.

Union secretary Trevor Hansen said yesterday that the union was far too busy arranging affidavits for the upcoming substantive case against Carter Holt and Mainland to organise picket action.

The next court battle, for which a date has not been set down, will concern the case for damages against the union.

On Monday night, an injunction was granted to Carter Holt and Mainland which prevented WWUnte disrupting of log loading, though peaceful picketing remains an option.

Mr Hansen said he would advise members not to do anything that would cause the union to be in contempt of court.

The most important issue was gaining recognition that there was a social impact with ports reforms.

Labour Minister Margaret Wilson did not comment yesterday on whether the Government intended to set up an inquiry into ports reform.