Auckland Council must stay clear of port issue

Auckland Council should not become involved any further with the strike actions at the port, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says.

"Businesses are increasingly alarmed at efforts by our local politicians to involve themselves in the port disruption," said Kim Campbell, EMA's chief executive.

"A report that Auckland councilor Richard Northey plans to use his position as chairman of a Council subcommittee to recommend that the Council overturn management decisions at the port is provocative.

"A request by other councilors for the Mayor to call a special meeting to discuss the port is unhelpful.

"We are concerned actions like these will only prolong what has been a difficult but highly proper process undertaken from the outset in good faith by the port management.

"To many businesses the dispute has always been more about the survival of the union rather than the interests of the workers directly involved.

"That many of those on strike are being offered jobs at the port at similar rates of pay to those they had previously is a testament to this."