Published: 7 Mar 2012
[First published in Lloyds List Australia 07th March 2012]
New Zealand's Employment Court has issued an order stopping secondary industrial action at Centreport, Wellington.
Wharfies were refusing to load or unload any vessels that had called at Ports of Auckland, which is at the centre of an industrial dispute.
Staff refused to work on the Maersk Aberdeen (IMO 9175793; 1092 teu capacity) at the weekend, and they refused again on Monday.
"Whilst we're pleased the court has affirmed our legal position in the dispute, we're disappointed to be in this position and we think many of our workers are too" CentrePort chief Executive Blair O'Keeffe said.
"We didn't create this situation, but we've worked to resolve it in a reasonable and responsible manner, respecting the rights of customers and staff, and maintaining our business."
Mr O'Keeffe said the court's decision confirmed that CentrePort staff were acting unlawfully by refusing to work on the Maersk Aberdeen.
"We appreciate our people have been put in a difficult position, but we hope the court ruling will result in their return to normal work activities, and that we can continue the smooth and productive relationship we have built up over many years."
CentrePort expects the Maersk Aberdeen to be unloaded later today.
