By James Murray
Auckland’s local boards have spoken out against the actions of Ports of Auckland, saying plans to outsource jobs are incompatible with being 100 percent council-owned.
Twenty-eight members from 10 different boards were united in saying Ports of Auckland’s plans to make 320 workers redundant and replace them with outside contractors “is no way to build the world’s most liveable city”.
Ports of Auckland made the decision to go ahead with the redundancies after negotiations at the waterside with the Maritime Union failed, despite drawn out negotiations.
The local board members say the actions of Ports of Auckland are inflaming the industrial dispute.
Concerns were also raised about whether operational efficiency would truly be achieved by firing a skilled workforce and handing their jobs to contractors who had little protection over work-life balance.
The local board members said Ports of Auckland should strive to be a good employer and to accord with the principles supported in the draft Auckland Plan and other local board plans because it is a council-owned company.
''Driving Aucklanders' employment conditions and job security down in a race to the bottom is no way to build the world's most liveable city.
''We're also concerned that the dispute is being used as a wedge by some councillors and interest groups to promote port privatisation. We support Mayor Len Brown's unequivocal pro-public ownership platform, and believe the port chief executive would be well advised to publicly support it too.
''The details of any settlement are for the parties to negotiate, but it is quite clear to us that a way forward should be possible that improves productivity without privatisation and contracting out being threatened, neither of which are proven cures.''
However, Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said contracting out did not amount to privatisation.
“The local board members are wrong," he said.
"Our preference all along has been to work collaboratively with the union to achieve the changes that are needed at the port to ensure it is competitive and financially sustainable. We have been in discussions with the union since March, have made nine offers, and our best and final offer remains on the table."
Mr Gibson said the loss of business to other ports in recent months meant that "urgent action" was required.
“Our singular focus is on addressing old-fashioned workplace practices that are a handbrake on flexibility and productivity.”
Maritime Union President Gary Parsloe said he was obviously in support of the local boards move.
“What they are saying is the support the mayor’s position that the ports are publically owned,” he said.
“I think that is what the average Aucklander thinks as well, they want the port to be owned publically and to benefit from the revenue from it.”
Mr Parsloe said Mr Gibson was not taking part in mediation by not moving from his “final position”, something he believes is reached through mediation rather than as a starting principle.
“I read the CEO’s statement that he’s had enough of mediation and doesn’t want to be there anymore… I [also] heard him on talkback radio talking about privatisation of the port… I find what he says a bit amusing.
“It’s great that these people have come out in support.”
Negotiations failed last week after a six hour session saw the parties “still miles apart”, according to Mr Gibson.
On Monday, the Maritime Union issued Ports of Auckland with a strike notice for January 31.
However, they have said they will withdraw the notice if Ports of Auckland allows them to have a four hour meeting with 327 members of staff to update them on the progress of negotiations.
3 News