News Release

31 January 2013

Positive development in ports dispute

The Mayor has welcomed the reaction of both parties to the facilitator’s recommendations in the Ports of Auckland dispute.

Ports of Auckland Limited has advised the facilitator that it is willing to accept the package of recommendations, despite being unhappy with some aspects.

The Maritime Union welcomed the company’s announcement, and said the recommendations as a whole are a useful basis to enter into what it hopes will be a successful round of negotiations.

"This has been an exhaustive and fair process and throughout it, I have urged both parties to accept the recommendations of the facilitator,” says Len Brown.

“It has been almost nine months since the facilitation process began. I know Aucklanders will welcome the positive response of the parties to the facilitator’s recommendations.

“I look forward to a speedy return to negotiations and a settlement of an issue which has cast a shadow over our port for too long. Auckland is keen to move ahead.”

The details of the facilitator’s recommendations remain confidential at this stage.

ENDS

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