Notice of industrial action from 1800 hrs June 8 through to 0600 hrs June 11 was previously withdrawn as discussions on a new collective employment agreement progressed earlier in the month.
However, with stalemate then reached, the MSG members went on strike from 1800 hrs on June 15 through to 0600 hrs on June 18. It was understood no shipping movements took place at the port during the period.
At that time, Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne commented: “Despite ongoing negotiations over a number of months and additional discussions … the two parties remain some way apart on an agreement.”
However, following that weekend’s strike, Mr Byrne signalled a positive turn in mediation.
“As a result of progress in discussions, the MSG has withdrawn the strike notices that were in place for the period from Friday 22 June to Friday 29 June.”
Mr Byrne has previously indicated that in a week-long strike “all import and export movements would cease … and significant parts of PNL operations would cease to operate”.
No further announcement has yet been made by either party and the specific issues of dispute have not been disclosed. It is understood there are no active notices of industrial action.