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Wharfies at the Ports of Auckland are preparing to strike for the fourth time, in their latest series of industrial action over wages.
The strike will see about 250 port staff from the Maritime Union of New Zealand (Munz) strike in support of a 4.5 to 4.9 per cent pay rise. The port company has offered around 3.25 per cent.
The union will participate in bargaining using an Employment Relations Authority (ERA) facilitator on Tuesday and Friday next week, but are committed to 3-1/4 hours of industrial action tomorrow, Labour Day.
Maritime Union Auckland Waterfront Branch Local 13 President Denis called the strike action tomorrow symbolic.
Mr Carlisle said workers at the Ports of Auckland container terminal would stop work between 10am and 1.15pm.
"The reason members decided to withdraw their labour at this time is because of Labour Day.
"Our members here normally work Labour Day, as they do every other hour or day of the year except Christmas Day."
An information picket would be held outside the port gates on Monday with workers being joined by family members and supporters, he said.
"Our members intend to make the most of this stoppage by spending time with their families, while promoting their cause."
Mr Carlisle said the 3.25 hour stoppage is in response to the port company which had started making unauthorized payments into workers bank accounts of a 3.25 per cent wage offer which had not been agreed by workers.
- NZPA
