The Ports of Auckland plan to lay off workers and hire outside contractors would put pressure on Auckland businesses through continued industrial unrest, the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) says.
The Maritime Union is gearing up for its 330 Auckland workers to be made redundant if the ports' outsourcing plan goes ahead.
"The Ports of Auckland management decision not to settle a collective agreement and to continue with plans to dismiss the current workforce and contract out the Port jobs disregards the impact that more industrial unrest will have on Auckland businesses", CTU president Helen Kelly said on Friday.
"The port seems to have no regard for its workers or the people of Auckland who rely on ships getting in and out."
Earlier, Maritime Union president Garry Parsloe said the requests for proposal (RFPs) outlined by management on Friday morning factored in the majority of union workers being made redundant if the outsourcing plan goes ahead.
While Ports of Auckland stressed the decision was not definite, Mr Parsloe said their actions seemed to speak otherwise.
Ports spokeswoman Catherine Etheredge said Friday's meeting was a chance for management to outline its vision for the proposal.
The union has previously said it would give another strike notice if the proposal for outside contracting was continued.
Mr Parsloe said no decision had been made with the ports set to offer more information on Monday.
NZN