Govt must declare stand on ports – Maritime Union
September 10th, 2009
The Maritime Union is asking where the Govt and the Minister of Transport stand on the future of regional ports after Fonterra announced last month it is withdrawing from some regional ports in favour of transporting goods by long distance rail. Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says jobs are under threat, casualisation is hitting workers hard, and the viability of regional ports is under a cloud after the decision, which has created intense debate in the regions and the transport industry.
Hanson says the union’s national executive met with a Fonterra representative last week and although the meeting was a useful initial step none of the issues have been resolved. “We want to see Fonterra registering the fact they have a social responsibility to the communities they work with, not just a narrow focus on short term benefits for their shareholders.” However, he says the Govt seems to have “turned on the auto pilot and left the bridge.”
Hanson has reiterated his belief there has to be a co-ordinated national strategy for ports and transport. While Fonterra has a role, it should not be able to dominate for its own benefit. He says the lack of response from the Transport Minister is a concern as it appears the Govt has “gone to sleep” on a major issue in the regions and heartland NZ communities it electioneered on. “This is bigger than Fonterra. We are talking about the future of transport in NZ and if we leave it up to the biggest player to call the shots, then the result will not be a good one.”
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