The strike stopped the movement of imports and exports at the Axis Fergusson and Bledisloe container terminals, Axis Rail, Axis Shuttle and Axis Pack facilities at the port and also affected cargo handling at the general cargo wharves.

The union has committed to a further two strikes, next Tuesday and Wednesday October 17. In a tone reminiscent of the ugly and elongated dispute seen at the port in 2000-2001, both parties appear strongly entrenched in their positions.

Ports of Auckland chief executive Jens Madsen said the union’s demands were “not economically viable”.

“It is very regrettable that the company’s many fair and reasonable proposals to MUNZ to settle the collective agreement have been met with this strike response,” he said.

“MUNZ don’t seem prepared to move, at all, from their claims of increases of 10 a year.”

MUNZ Auckland branch president Denis Carlisle countered that the wage increase being sought was in fact in the range of 4.5.

“The members are united behind what they see as reasonable claims to get a share of the wealth their work generates,” he said.

Heightening tensions, Ports of Auckland has already begun paying its offered 3.25% increase directly into union members’ bank accounts.

Angered by this move, Mr Carlisle said this unauthorised initiative was clearly intended to undermine the union’s position. Mr Madsen countered it was a goodwill gesture, given negotiations on the collective agreement had been ongoing since November last year.