Ports prepare for strike

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is going to court today in a last-ditch attempt to stop strike action by quarantine inspectors.

The strike on Friday threatens to cause disruption at airports and ports.

The Public Service Association gave notice 10 days ago that its members would be striking for 24 hours from 4.30am on Friday.

MAF's Quarantine Service general manager Ken Harris said the ministry was in mediation with the union but was also seeking to get an injunction from the High Court to overturn the strike.

However, MAF could not assume that either of these measures would prevent the strike and was "planning accordingly".

"We expect disruption at ports and airports and are finalising options to manage reductions in service levels and potential delays," he said in a statement. "We apologise unreservedly for any disruption that this may cause the many people and businesses who use our border services."

Contingency plans were being put in place, and MAF was working with airports, airlines, ports, shipping companies and importers to mitigate any impacts of a strike, he said.

"At airports we will be seeking to minimise delays to passenger clearances. Of particular concern is the clearance of perishable risk goods, and we will work closely with importers on how this can best be managed."

- NZPA