Auckland Waterfront dispute – taking too long to resolve!

The timing of suggestions today that the facilitation process for settling the long-running Auckland waterfront dispute is unwinding invites a cynical response.

Michael Barnett, head of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, was commenting on the maritime union suggestions that a resumption of strike action could be considered.

“The longer it takes to resolve issues at the waterfront, the greater the risk of the ports assets continuing to erode.

“The business community and people of Auckland are the losers from this.”

The length of time the facilitation process has taken strongly suggests that a lasting and positive settlement is unlikely – and that is a huge disappointment, said Mr Barnett.