Overtime ban at the Port of Otago suspended

Maritime Union of New Zealand/Rail and Maritime Transport Union (Port Chalmers Dunedin) media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 3 July 2008

An overtime ban at the Port of Otago has been suspended following last minute negotiations between unions and management.

The two unions at Port of Otago, the Maritime Union of New Zealand, and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, will be meeting with management over the next 7 days in mediation.

Maritime Union of New Zealand President Phil Adams says the overtime ban has been suspended for up to a week to allow a solution to be found.

He says that if mediation breaks down during this time, or if no resolution can be made, then the ban will come back into effect immediately.

Mr Adams says that overtime was worked on a container vessel last night as a good faith gesture following negotiations.

The overtime ban was due to start at 11pm yesterday (Wednesday 2 July).

Mr Adams says the workforce is united in pursuing goals including a good wage increase and opposing the introduction of long 10-hour night shifts which unions believe are not good for health, safety or morale.

ENDS

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