Leaflet drop targets port directors
Lyttelton Port Company workers in the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) have taken their fight to the homes of company directors.
They have launched a leafleting campaign in the neighbourhoods of chairman Trevor Burt and directors Don Elder, Bill Dwyer, Malcolm Johns and Brian Wood.
Most were unable to be contacted except for Don Elder, who said he would not comment because ‘‘it’s an operational matter’’.
The leaflet campaign is one of several high-profile events union members are planning over the next few days.
The leaflets state: ‘‘We thought you would like to know that one of your neighbours [name and address] is a board member at Lyttelton Port which is embroiled in an industrial dispute. We want you to know why the RMTU workers are on strike.’’
The rest of the leaflet outlines the union’s arguments about the dispute and why members felt they had no choice but to strike.
Union organiser John Kerr said further action would include public rallies, as well as a concert in Lyttelton featuring members of local band The Eastern.
‘‘The guys have also called for another ballot about further strike action. They’re digging their toes in and are reconciled to the fact they might be in for the long haul.’’
Lyttelton Port has placed messages on its website saying it will be unable to berth any vessels during the strike period between Tuesday and Sunday.
‘‘However, we now have certainty there will be no strikes at Lyttelton Port the following week – from Monday March 26 to Monday 2 April, inclusive. The union must give us fourteen days’ notice of strike action and no such notices have been received for any days in that week.’’
The port has asked freight companies and customers to hold cargo at their own facilities to avoid a build-up at the port.
This includes container, coal, bulk, tankers and any vessel requiring pilot or tug assistance.
The container terminal and container yard will be open for receiving and delivery of cargo, but freight operators should consult with shipping lines about contingency plans for export cargo before bringing cargo into the port.
Train capacity between KiwiRail’s container terminal at Middleton and the Lyttelton container terminal will be limited to one train per day.
Meanwhile, Kerr said financial donations had been flooding in and the union had received more money than it had at the beginning of the strike action.
‘‘Anyone who needs support will receive it. Members can ask anonymously if they want.
‘‘Our members think it’s really important people understand what this dispute is about. They want to be safe and healthy at work, to be treated the same as other workers at the port, and for their employer to negotiate with them in a constructive, respectful way.
‘‘Our members only want a fair deal, and to get back to work.’’