Wharfies and Ports of Auckland close to deal

By SCOTT MacLEOD

Auckland watersiders have shelved their threat to strike all next week, allaying fears of serious economic disruption.

The Waterfront Workers Union yesterday lifted its notice to strike for seven days from Monday after it made "sufficient progress" in talks with employers at Ports of Auckland.

Union branch president Denis Carlisle said Ports had agreed to let all union members be covered by a single collective contract. Both sides also seemed close to agreeing on a productivity bonus scheme on top of a modest pay rise.

Mr Carlisle said averting the strike meant that there was no longer a need to divert ships to the rival port at Tauranga.

Ports chief executive Geoff Vazey said talks would continue today before an independent mediator. An agreement was close, but some small details still needed to be resolved.

Mr Vazey was "very pleased" that the strike had been sorted out.

Up to 250 wharfies were to strike in an action that Ports estimated would affect 36 ships carrying 11,000 containers.