Mainland employs local workforce in South Island

Mainland employs local workforce in South Island

MAINLAND STEVEDORING

Media Release

For immediate release

23 January 2001

Mainland employs local workforce in South Island

Greg Dickson, Director of Mainland Stevedoring, has confirmed that the company is employing local workers during the loading of the Eastern Forest. The company has hired three permanent and 11 casual workers in the South Island, including several from the Nelson region. Another 12 people have indicated they would like to join the company once the level of intimidation is reduced.

"While recruitment is going slower than I would like because of the serious threats of violence, I am delighted at the high quality of our recruits. My priority now is to train them in using our ShipSys system and our company's strict safety procedures."

Mr Dickson said that Mainland is being forced to continue bringing workers from the North Island as an interim measure until it has recruited a full South Island workforce.

"Attempts by the Waterfront Workers Union and its supporters to stop Mainland from employing local people will not succeed. We are committed to being the best, most innovative stevedoring company in the South Island and having the best local workforce is a key part of achieving that objective."

Mr Dickson confirmed that Mainland has offices in Bluff and Timaru, and is in the process of opening an office in Nelson.

ENDS

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