Major Dunedin Pickets Planned For Mainland

Media Release Tuesday 2 March 2004 • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Major Dunedin pickets planned for Mainland

The Maritime Union says Dunedin and Port Chalmers maritime workers will be mounting the largest pickets seen in the city in recent years if Mainland Stevedoring are allowed to work on local fishing trawlers.

Information gained by the Union indicates Mainland Stevedores will be working the fishing vessel'Janas' when it arrives in Dunedin on Thursday 4 March 2004.

Port Chalmers based Maritime Union National President Phil Adams says the local workforce is well aware of the history and tactics of Mainland Stevedoring throughout the South Island.

“Our members have worked hard to build up decent wages, working conditions and a sustainable industry here in Port Chalmers and Dunedin, and we are not going to let Mainland wreck it.”

“The Maritime Union has a strong presence and a long history in this city, and we will be calling on all local workers, their friends and families, businesses and the local community to support us – because we all benefit from secure local jobs,” says Mr Adams.

The Union is approaching suppliers and contractors including owners Amatal and Sealord to ask them to appreciate the local workers’ position.

Mr Adams, who is a member of Ngai Tahu, says he is concerned that Sealord are not taking into account the social impact of casualization and anti-union employers.

“Sealord are part-owned by Te Ohu Kai Moana (of whom Ngai Tahu share control) and I want to know why they are giving contracts to companies like Mainland.”

“Once again it looks like working people of all backgrounds, Maori, Pakeha and others, are getting the raw deal,” says Mr Adams.

“We are also telling any local casuals who might not understand the issues – don’t be sucked in to working for a rogue company.”

Mr Adams says the Maritime Union represents the approximately forty local casual workers who normally work fishing trawlers.

“They are one hundred percent behind the Union together with the one hundred and fifty members we have working at Port Chalmers.”

Mr Adams says details on the time of the picket will be posted on the Union website http://www.munz.org.nz and will also be available from the Union office on 03 4728 052.

ENDS

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