RAM-led ARC will reverse port casualisation

Today's picket of striking port workers was joined by a contingent from RAM - Residents Action Movement.

Maritime Union members had started a 4-day strike to protest against Ports of Auckland's bid to lift the number of longterm casual workers from just under one quarter to one half of all their wharf staff.

Ports of Auckland's escalating attack on job security is an issue for all candidates in the Auckland Regional Council election. That's because central government has recently placed Ports of Auckland under the ARC's political control.

The RAM contingent on the wharf picket line consisted of Manukau ARC candidate Grant Morgan and three other members of the RAM Committee.

"The RAM Executive is totally opposed to Ports of Auckland treating its staff badly by refusing permanent employment to workers who've been doing over 40 hours a week for many years," said RAM spokesperson Grant Morgan.

"To make matters worse, port management is trying to lift the level of casualisation to half its workforce. This is an outrageous attack on a worker's basic right to job security."

"Ports of Auckland are supposed to be owned by the public, but its top bosses are out of control. They're following their own corporate agenda. A RAM-led ARC will bring them under public control so they treat their staff decently."

Joining the RAM contingent was RAMbo - a Ram with a Bowtie. RAMbo was a big hit with port workers and passing motorists.

Attached is a small resolution photo of RAMbo alongside Grant Morgan (in the tie) plus port workers with placards. A higher resolution photo is available on request.

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