Ports of Auckland workers will not be silenced

Maritime Union of New Zealand media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 15 February 2012

The Maritime Union says its members will not be threatened by management in their quest for secure jobs at Ports of Auckland.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says the union will continue to present the facts to the public to make up their own mind, despite legal action from the port to prevent the union communicating with the public.

"We believe in free speech and taking our case to the people of Auckland, the owners of the port."

"The Ports of Auckland management believe they have the right to decide what Aucklanders are allowed to read, hear or view."

Mr Parsloe says the union is prepared to suspend industrial action if management started to negotiate rather than dictate and bully.

A week long partial strike began at Ports of Auckland this morning, with workers refusing to work with containers moved by outsourced labour at POAL subsidiary Conlinxx.

ENDS

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