Fisheries Christmas industrial action averted

Christmas industrial action by fisheries officers has been averted after discussions today.

The Public Service Association (PSA) and the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) said troubles arose when the Ministry of Fisheries refused to allow the officers to negotiate their pay.

Ministry of Fisheries acting chief executive Stan Crothers said they had come to an agreement on re-starting negotiations.

"Although there are a number of claims still to be resolved, today's discussions have provided a framework to address those issues."

Fisheries officers police quotas for commercial fishing boats and catch limits for recreational and customary fishers.

They also investigate and prosecute people who sell fish caught illegally.

- NZPA