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Some workers picketing at the Port of Napier over loss of jobs have been forced to return to work today.
Employment Court chief judge Graeme Colgan issued an injunction at the request of the port company yesterday directing the workers to return to work this morning ahead of the resumption of talks between the two sides later today.
The affected workers, who are members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, have been picketing since Saturday.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand said its members were still on strike and the court ruling did not apply to them.
About 85 staff at Hawke's Bay Stevedoring Services have been threatened with job losses after the port handed the contract to rival Mount Maunganui-based company International Stevedoring Operations.
The strike action, involving about 120 picketers from around New Zealanders and several dockers from the Maritime Union of Australia, has caused two container ships to avoid the port - costing the port company thousands of dollars.
Another ship, which had been waiting out at sea, would enter the port today.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
