A Ports of Auckland manager who was at the bargaining table with the Maritime Union has been linked to a company hiring non-union wharfies.
The man has allegedly been recruiting staff for a new company, Pacific Crew Holdings Ltd, which was registered with the Companies Office on February 27.
The timing of the new company – nine days before Ports of Auckland announced it would replace 235 striking union members with non-union wharfies – has raised concerns at the Auckland Council, which owns the port company.
A senior council source told the Herald that the allegations could show a pre-determined view by the port management in what were meant to be good faith negotiations with the Maritime Union.
The ports manager did not return calls and the port company declined to comment on the allegations, saying matters relating to the dispute were before the Employment Court.