Port denies union claims

The Port of Tauranga is claiming reports Tauranga casual stevedores ranks are riddled with unreported injuries is politically motivated.

The Port’s chief executive Mark Cairns says the union sources making the allegations that casual stevefores are too scared to report injuries for fear of being overlooked for work, is attempting to discredit the comparisons between the Port of Tauranga and Ports of Auckland productivity achievements.

Port of Tauranga.

Mark says the ongoing Ports of Auckland dispute is centred on an attempt by the port to bring their productivity levels up to the Port of Tauranga level.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand is claiming the comparisons are invalid and productivity levels achieved at the Port of Tauranga are at the expense of health and safety.

“We are aware the Union has been accessing Port of Tauranga health and safety statistics through ACC in an attempt to validate their claim,” says Mark.

“This information does not support their contention, as the port’s safety record is one of the best of all New Zealand ports and is less than half of the ACC’s all port average.

“We understand that the total number of lost time injuries at the Port of Tauranga over the financial year ending March 31, 2011 was less than 20 per cent of Port of Auckland’s.”

Mark says Union claims accidents going unreported for fear of casual stevedores being blacklisted are conveniently unsubstantiated.

“If such concerns were valid, why were they never raised directly with the Port,” says Mark.

“MUNZ have never before been scared to come forward with matters of concern. It’s our belief they are seeking maximum publicity over a spurious claim in order to advance their position on the current dispute with Ports of Auckland.”

Mark says the Port company works with all unions and service providers to collectively improve health and safety with the objective of providing a zero harm work environment.

“We have regular Port Users Health and Safety Forum meetings where health and safety issues are addressed,” says Mark. “MUNZ are an active member of this forum which provides an obvious platform for them to bring forward matters of concern.”