As Maritime Union staff mark 14 months of negotiations at the Ports of Auckland, a union formed out of non-Maritime Union staff has signed a collective agreement.
The port company signed the two and a half year deal this week with PortPro, which represents more than 30 staff at the Auckland Council-owned port.
"Ports of Auckland wishes to thank PortPro for the positive and constructive way they approached bargaining, which has been completed efficiently and without disruption" Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson said.
"The new deal is a partnership which rewards both sides: it delivers a productive and cost-effective outcome for the port, and well-paid jobs for PortPro members."
Mr Gibson said the contract includes an incentive scheme to reward productivity and a flexible labour scheme similar to that at the Port of Tauranga.
The Maritime Union and the Council of Trade Unions have queried whether there are links between the company and PortPro, something both parties deny.
Maritime Union national president Garry Parsloe says the staff he represents will accept some flexibility but don't want a similar deal.
"We believe it is possible to do this and have a fair collective agreement that provides security for our members, unlike the Port of Tauranga that Ports of Auckland Ltd continues to hold up as the model."
Maritime Union staff on Friday afternoon is holding a barbecue as shifts change, the first in a series of events to show Aucklanders their dispute is not over.
"The idea is to bring together our members and supporters in a positive way to visibly show the dispute is ongoing and to demonstrate our unity."
Mr Gibson says the port company is still in facilitation with the Maritime Union and was focused on a "modern, flexible collective agreement".
NZN