Wharf workers at the Auckland's ports will stop work tonight for a 48 hour period, the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has confirmed.
Union strike action, and associated lockouts by Ports of Auckland, will result in a closure of the Fergusson and Bledisloe container terminals, and associated road and rail services from 11pm tonight until 11pm Wednesday, 11 January.
Ports of Auckland's on-dock empty container depot, multi-cargo wharves - Jellicoe, Freyberg, Captain Cook, and Marsden - cruise businesses, vehicle import trade, marine services, Onehunga seaport, Wiri Inland Port and Seafuels barge Awanuia are not affected by the stoppages, and will remain open for business.
Ports of Auckland confirmed last week that the country’s largest exporter, Fonterra, had decided to move its export shipments from Auckland to other ports, from the end of January until further notice.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson said the move was directly related to the threat of ongoing strike action at the port by the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
"With MUNZ threatening further strike action, it is inevitable that customers will look for alternatives and contingencies. Shippers need certainty and reliable service," Gibson said.
The move will see weekly trade worth around $27 million re-routed through the ports of Tauranga and Napier instead of Auckland.
Noting that the port had not had any response from MUNZ to its last three offers, Gibson said it was now time for action, not words.
"The port is willing to continue mediation with MUNZ, but only when we receive a formal response to our latest offer, the ninth since negotiations began in August," Gibson said.
Image: Fergusson container terminal and port. Image source: Ports of Auckland