Lyttelton Port remains closed

Representatives from RMTU and the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) met on Monday morning to try avert strike action by 200 union workers at the port, who are concerned about current pay and safety procedures.  John Kerr, RMTU organiser, told Autofile last week: “We have heard loud and clear what the business community are saying, we understand the impact the dispute is having, we want to reach a deal, we are very close, the difference between what we are asking and what LPC are offering amounts to a quarter of the CEO’s salary [950,000 a year].” "Unless we reach an agreement on Monday, it is highly unlikely we will be withdrawing those strike notices.” RMTU strike notices remain in place through to 25 March inclusive. Operation procedures Berthing Vessels LPC will be unable to berth any vessels during the strike period.  This includes Container, Coal, Bulk, Tankers and any vessel requiring pilot and/or tug assistance. LCT Operations The Container Terminal will not be stevedoring any container vessels or coal vessels during the strike period. The Container Terminal and Empty Container Yard (ECY) will be open to receive and deliver cargo between the hours of 0700 and 1500 Monday – Saturday. LPC will be able to continue Reefer Power and Monitoring services at the Terminal. Train capacity between KiwiRail Container Terminal and Lyttelton Container Terminal will be limited to one train per day.  Customers should contact KiwiRail to discuss contingencies. Exports LPC will continue to receive cargo with a valid booking number for vessels scheduled to call at Lyttelton.  However shippers should consult directly with their shipping lines to determine what contingency plans are in place for export cargo prior to bringing cargo into the Port.