Department of Labour Annual Report 2006

Case Study 4 - Ports of Auckland

Helping employers and workers increase their productivity while ensuring that everyone shares the benefits.

In October 2004 the Department established the Partnership Resource Centre to promote positive workplace relations between unions and employers.

Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union of New Zealand, Auckland Local 13, were among the first of more than 30 employers or unions to use the Centre’s assistance in creating a more productive approach to employment relations.

The port company and the union worked together with the Partnership Resource Centre to clarify which issues they both consider important. The Centre then helped them find ways to build a working relationship that will improve productivity and make the port company a better workplace for employees.

With the Centre’s help, the port company and union have been experimenting with new skills and work behaviours, addressed difficulties in focussing on their shared desire for mutually beneficial outcomes, and discussed issues around rosters and retirement.

The results so far are providing both the port company and the union with confidence that there is a productive way to achieve their interests. That, in turn, has the potential to be good for the whole economy.

The Centre then helped them find ways to build a working relationship that will improve productivity and make the port company a better workplace for employees.

---

Contents | << Previous page | Next page >>
<< Previous case study | Next case study >>