Ports of Auckland has confirmed that it has filed an application with the Employment Relations Authority to rule on what it considers is a serious and calculated breach of good faith in the Maritime Union’s current publicity campaign.
Over the past week the Union’s publicity in the news media, online, in public advertising and leaflets has included several comments that are incorrect and in many instances untruthful.
The Port respects the Union’s right to communicate with its members and the public, and has no issues with its communications provided they are factual and accurate.
The Port wrote to MUNZ on 8 February asking it to withdraw misleading statements from its campaign website and other publicity materials, but has yet to receive a reply.
The Union describes this as a “major” campaign to attract attention to the issue.
With the potential for this misinformation to continue to feature in the Union’s publicity, the Port is asking the ERA to decide whether this is a breach of MUNZ’s duty of good faith in the current collective bargaining process.
ENDS
Ports of Auckland Ltd is New Zealand’s most important port, handling around 894,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,500 ship calls and 3.5 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.
For further information contact:
Anne-Marie Petersen
Communications Advisor
P: 09 348 5393
M: 021 981 747
Dee Radhakrishnan
Communications Executive
P: 09 348 5247
M: 027 288 5596
After Hours Media Contact Number (5.30 pm – 8.00 am): 09 348 5040
