Delays in clearing cargo backlog after Auckland dock strike

CARRIERS see difficulties ahead moving a backlog of export goods to the Auckland waterfront in the wake of a 48-hour dock strike, reported The New Zealand Herald.

The port said it would also put on extra straddle-carriers to minimise delays for trucks bringing export consignments to the waterfront.

But Chris Carr, of the Carr and Haslett trucking firm, said: "I don't think we'll have the most co-operative straddle-carrier work force. I'm not saying the guys will be belligerent for the sake of it - but after a strike I think they will be off their edge."

Mr Carr said turnaround times for container traffic were generally very fast, although the threat of two "rolling" strikes in the next two weeks made it desirable for the port company to delay plans to introduce a new truck booking system on October 15.

There is uncertainty about how fast the 265 workers will work, given a ban by the Ports of Auckland on their use of company parking lots. "There might be a bit of a snarl-up because of the company locking us out of its amenities and carparks," said Maritime Union local chief Denis Carlisle.

But port management said parking at the two container terminals would be open despite an earlier posted notice to the contrary.