8.15am
Two thirds of the country's fisheries officers went on strike today over lack of progress with their pay claims.
National Union of Public Employees (Nupe) organiser Martin Cooney said 65 officers out of a total 100 walked off the job.
Most were involved in beach surveillance and about 10 per cent were
investigation officers, he told NZPA.
"We had some discussions yesterday with (the Fisheries Ministry), but about midday they came back to us and said there was no change to their position," he said.
The strike has been dubbed "plunder day" by officers who fear the country's poachers will seize the opportunity to deplete fish stock.
Nupe yesterday raised concerns the ministry was being irresponsible for not making provisions to protect fish stocks from poachers during the strike.
Ministry compliance manager Dave Wood yesterday would not be drawn on whether he had made special provisions to deal with the situation, saying only: "All members of police and Ministry of Defence commanding officers, ships and aircraft, are fishery officers."
The one-day strike is being staged by fishery officers in protest against lack of progress on pay claims linked to changes to the scope of their jobs and to controversial proposals to cut staff.
Nupe organisers would discuss future action with members after the strike, Mr Cooney said.
- NZPA
