The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has signed a new collective agreement with Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) for workers at the Ports of Auckland.
Last week, members of MUNZ settled a four-year industrial dispute with their employer, Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL), over the contract.
The dispute started in 2011 when the two parties failed to reach a deal over pay, contracts and a collective agreement offered by the port.
The port management was also criticised for its attempt to contract out its services to casual workers.
Commenting on this new development, ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: "This dispute goes way back to 2011 and I congratulate the Maritime Union of New Zealand and its members for sticking to their guns and staying strong in their quest for a collective agreement.
"It’s great to see that common sense has prevailed. This is a victory for the good guys."
Maritime Union National president Garry Parsloe previously said that union members had unanimously voted in favour of the new collective employment agreement at a stop-work meeting.
Maritime Union National secretary Joe Fleetwood said: "This four-year dispute put enormous strain on workers and their families at Ports of Auckland and I’d like to congratulate them for their strength and resolve."
