CHH welcomes initiatives on waterfront dispute

Carter Holt Harvey welcomes initiatives to resolve waterfront dispute

Carter Holt Harvey Chief Executive Officer, Chris Liddell says he understands there are initiatives by a number of parties to try to find a resolution to the current waterfront dispute.

“Whilst we have no employment relationship with the protestors, clearly we are concerned about the disruption and damage to our country. The dispute is in danger of becoming a disgrace to New Zealand.

“For nine weeks we have gone about our business working with Mainland, an innovative family-owned company who employ New Zealanders and who have applied clever technology to a critical part of New Zealand’s future.

“Over that time we have been subject not only to legal picketing, but also to unjustified criticism, attempts to sour local opinion against the company, trespass, and the threat of international union boycotts. Mainland’s workers have faced intimidation, slashing of tyres and last night there was the disgraceful sight of Police being confronted by aggressive protestors, some of them drunk.

“I have fielded calls from investors and customers around the world asking what on earth is happening. At a time when New Zealand is trying to grow exports and rebuild confidence in the face of a slowing world economy this is publicity we do not need.

“This is not actually a dispute about casualisation or local jobs for local people - Mainland also employ permanent staff, have recruited local staff and are offering to employ more. It is about a union trying to resist new economy change and protect a monopoly.”

ENDS

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