Lyttelton port workers say they'll reluctantly resume strike action from midnight next Tuesday for at least five days after today's mediation on their dispute over pay and safety was unsuccessful.
Two-hundred workers on Tuesday went on strike after talks over their dispute with the Lyttelton Port Company reached a stalemate.
Rail and Maritime Transport Union organiser John Kerr says the union engaged in negotiations today in good faith and agreed to discuss options for settlement in confidence.
"The RMTU put eight scenarios for settlement to LPC that would have moved us towards settlement and ended the prospect of further strike action, some of which had negligible cost to the employer," Mr Kerr said.
"We are dismayed and disappointed to report that LPC has not amended its position one jot. It appears to us that LPC is unwavering in its determination to attempt to break the will of our members and to inflict unnecessary pain upon the Canterbury economy.
"Accordingly we have no option but to advise that Lyttelton Port will shut due to industrial action for at least five days from next Tuesday. We have no other choice under the existing law governing industrial disputes in NZ," he said.
Maritime Union members have agreed to stop strikes – over pay and safety - for the time being.
"All our members are seeking is equality with other workers on the waterfront. It's sad it's come to this."
Lyttelton Port Company says to honour the confidentiality agreement made during mediation today, it will not be providing any comment on the negotiations.
LPC operations manager Paul Monk confirmed the union strike notices remain in place at the port for March 21 to 25.
"Based on this, shipping lines are already making decisions not to call at Lyttelton Port next week. Many of these decisions will be irreversible even if the strike notices are withdrawn after today," Mr Monk said.
He said the port will be working with customers to try and minimise the disruption that will be caused by the industrial action.
"Lyttelton Port Company remains committed to resolving the dispute," Mr Monk said.
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