Local 52 President Andrea Stevenson went the extra-mile in an effort to help support New Zealand dockworkers who have been fighting for a fair contract from the Ports of Auckland. Stevenson sold 700 solidarity t-shirts and has been encouraging locals to donate to the solidarity fund for MUNZ Local 13 members and their families who were hit hard financially during their lockout.
Members of the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) in Auckland (Local 13) are back to work at the Port of Auckland, according to Secretary-Treasurer Joe Fleetwood’s latest report in mid-May.
Fleetwood noted that tensions remain high because the Port Company doesn’t seem committed to reaching a genuine long term solution with the union and continues to assert they have a right to replace union dockworkers with independent contractors. The government’s Employment Relations Authority called on both sides to sit down for a process of “facilitation” in late May. Fleetwood’s report also noted:
Legal progress has been made to secure strong court injunctions that will delay any contracting-out until a full hearing is completed.
- Continued communication with the elected Auckland Council. There are signs that the body is willing to consider inserting a “good employer” provision into the Port’s Statement of Intent. The Council is also reviewing the employer’s unreasonable rate of return target of 12% that had been used to justify the need for outsourcing.
- The Wellington Branch of MUNZ declined to settle charges imposed after members allegedly refused to service the Maersk Aberdeen for five days following the lockout in Auckland. The settlement would have required the union sign away their right to collective action, at least until 2013 when the contract term expires.
- New Zealand’s conservative federal government continues proposingnew anti-union legislation.
“The contributions and messages of solidarity have been invaluable in achieving the results we have so far,” said Fleetwood, who encouraged supporters to visit the union website for the latest news and updates at www. saveourport.com.