Bluff wharfies won’t accept casualization as their Christmas present

Bluff waterfront workers began picketing at around 11am this morning against Mainland Stevedores who arrived in South Port around midday to work on the log boat "Amber Wave."

Maritime Union Bluff Branch Secretary Ray Fife says the picket will continue to be manned over the next 36 hours by local wharfies and supporters from the local Bluff community.

"The issue is about security of employment for local workers - we will defend secure, permanent local jobs and fight against casualization as long as it takes," says Mr Fife.

Bluff had shown its support with locals and Bluff workers from other industries coming onto picket lines throughout the year to show their solidarity.

Mainland Stevedores have been at the heart of controversy and conflict since their arrival in the South Island, with massive protests in 2000 and 2001, and continuing strife as local workers take action to defend their livelihoods.

The Maritime Union says that employers such as Mainland who operate fly-by-night casualized workforces are a threat to secure jobs.

"They are a threat to the traditional Kiwi Christmas where families should be able to relax in the knowledge that their parents can return to decent conditions and a secure future in the New Year" says Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson.

For further information, contact:
Ray Fife, Bluff Branch Secretary, Maritime Union of New Zealand
mobile 0274 475 317
Trevor Hanson, General Secretary, Maritime Union of New Zealand
mobile 0274 453 532