Ports of Auckland CEO must focus on dispute, not wild claims

27 February 2012

The Maritime Union says the latest round of claims from Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson on the activities of the Maritime Union are "increasingly detached from reality."

Maritime Union of New Zealand National President Garry Parsloe says Mr Gibson's claims that vessels are not coming into Ports of Auckland due to "threats" from the Maritime Union are fanciful.

He says the reason for many ships not visiting Ports of Auckland currently is that shipping companies are aware of the lack of skilled labour and the likelihood of delays and inconvenience due to the industrial dispute.

"The solution to the dispute is simple. We are happy to talk to Mr Gibson at any time. Drop the contracting out plan, and this port will be back to business in five minutes."

Mr Parsloe says the only threat causing problems is Mr Gibson's threat to contract out all Ports of Auckland entire work, putting hundreds of families livelihoods in jeopardy.

He says the conduct of management in denigrating and attacking its workforce was about distracting people from the real issues of contracting out, casualization and privatization.

Mr Parsloe says the people of Auckland have a right to more professional management for the $700,000 plus that Mr Gibson is paid every year.

"I suspect the issue here is that Mr Gibson made a big noise about how the port would be offering seamless services, now the reality has set in, he is standing there looking a bit silly and losing his temper and sending out these somewhat unprofessional statements at 11pm at night."

"Unfortunately this follows a pattern from the CEO where he is lashing out, he is getting quite emotional, calling his workforce names, trying to shut down any debate, and making all kinds of unproven allegations."

ENDS

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