Union troubles continue at POAL

The deal with PortPro was initiated by collective bargaining on 19 September and was followed by formal negotiations. The collective agreement that has now been reached will run for two and a half years by way of an incentive scheme set up to reward productivity. A flexible shift and roster system has also been agreed in the deal – similar to that which has been in place at the Port of Tauranga for over 20 years.

MUNZ has the largest share of workers at the port though and it has pointed out that most of PortPro’s workers are contractors or casual workers, unlike theirs, which are mostly full time port workers.

Disgruntled members have accused PortPro of simply agreeing to all of the port’s bargaining points which “removes all security of employment” for workers, in the New Zealand press this week.

POAL has said that the deal does not affect its current facilitation process with MUNZ – there are three days consultation lined up for next week. The union is still fighting for a collective agreement for its members.

A MUNZ newsletter, circulated yesterday, said: “We are not concerned about this document…We are confident that we will be able to enter into a Collective Agreement. Those who have chosen the PortPro Collective will not be able to come onto the MUNZ Collective.”

However, MUNZ has revealed that its challenged the PortPro registration with the Employment Relations Authority.

Meanwhile, POAL stiis standing firm with its view that if a collective agreement can be agreed across all its ports, it will be able to compete with its neighbour Tauranga on level ground.