Portpro trumps MUNZ

The two-and-a-half-year collective employment agreement provides a solid foundation for an ongoing partnership which will “deliver benefits for both parties”, says the port company.

“Underpinning it is a good incentive scheme for rewarding productivity and overall it offers a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” it stated in a media release.

Formed and chaired by long-serving watersider, Grant Lane, PortPro is an alternative to the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) and the New Zealand Merchant Service Guild Inc.

“As I say to the guys, just come to work, do the best job you can for the company and you’ll get looked after – something the MUNZ guys have got to realise,” he says.

Meanwhile MUNZ has recommenced having a periodic presence outside the port gates to deliver a visible reminder its dispute with the port company continues.