Union official trespassed, port confirms

Ports of Auckland confirmed [yesterday] morning that a Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 (MUNZ) official had been issued with a trespass notice.

Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said the company took swift action after receiving a report that the official had incited union members to use force to stop non-union employees from entering the workplace during forthcoming industrial action.

“The threatening nature of these comments is deeply offensive and unacceptable in any modern workplace, let alone by a union representative acting in an official capacity,” said Mr Gibson. “This is a clear abuse of union rights to workplace access.”

“I condemn this attempt at intimidation and bullying and have acted swiftly to protect our employees. The days where this sort of behaviour was acceptable on the wharf are long gone and will not be tolerated under my watch.”

The union official has been barred from the Port of Auckland for two years.

Mr Gibson called on MUNZ and the Council of Trade Unions to condemn the sentiments expressed by the official. “He’s brought the union movement into disrepute and I urge them to make their position clear. This kind of behaviour might have been common fifty years ago but it’s got no place in 2011.”

Ports of Auckland is working with its security firm and the New Zealand Police to ensure the safety of non-union employees during the industrial action.

Mr Gibson confirmed that the official involved had not been involved in negotiations between the company and the union.