Port strike causes Christmas retail headache

Workers striking at the Port of Auckland are causing headaches for retailers in the run up to Christmas.

Ports of Auckland has received a second strike notice from the Maritime Union.

The second strike will run from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday December 10, on the back of strikes from December 2 to 4.

Importers Institution spokesman, Daniel Silva, says the strikes threaten the Auckland and New Zealand retail supply chain in the lead up to Christmas.

He says while most retailers already have their stock, those who've left it until the last minute, could be in trouble.

Ports of Auckland CEO, Tony Gibson, says the action has the potential to cause substantial delays and add extra cost for shipping lines, exporters and importers.