Ports of Auckland takes law into their own hands – again

Ports of Auckland takes law into their own hands – again!

Maritime Union of New Zealand media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday 9 November 2012

The Maritime Union says that once again POAL management have shown their willingness to breach the law in their single-minded attempt to get their own way in undermining job security and balanced working arrangements at the Ports of Auckland.

Despite requirements around confidentiality of the Facilitation process the parties entered into earlier this year, and a clear directive from the Facilitator on a process to provide information to the public, POAL have released information about the content of the negotiations in breach of the Employment Relations Act.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says there are major reservations about the accuracy of the information being put out to the public in breach of the law.

"POAL’s action illustrates the difficulty the Maritime Union has had throughout the dispute over a new collective agreement – it is very hard to negotiate in good faith with an employer who will not meet their legal obligations."

"We saw it earlier this year with the attempt to dismiss our members via a contracting out process where we successfully obtained an injunction to stop them proceeding. We are seeing it again now."

Mr Parsloe says the Maritime Union will be issuing proceedings about this continued breach of good faith by this arrogant and heavy handed company.

"In the meantime we will be maintaining the integrity of the process of Facilitation and not commenting further while we work through the agreed process."

The Union will be communicating the facts to members on Monday morning, says Mr Parsloe.

He says the Maritime Union is pleased that the Facilitator has commented on POAL's actions and the Union will be complying with his directions.

ENDS

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