Interislander ferry sailings could be suspended for a week
next month after the unions representing more than 100 crew
announced a strike over pay rates.
The KiwiRail-owned ferry company said both the Aviation and
Marine Engineers Association and Merchant Services Guild
issued strike notices yesterday.
The notices come after several months of collective agreement
negotiations failed to reach an agreement on pay rates.
Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said the strike
would suspend all Interislander sailings from December 1 to
7.
"Interislander remains committed to a speedy resolution and
will continue to negotiate with both unions with a view to
reaching settlement before the strike period begins."
A notice on the Interislander website warns sailings could
potentially be disrupted.
The website said it was a precautionary notice only and the
company was optimistic there would be a "quick and positive
resolution" with no interruption of services.
The two unions represent 70 engineering officers and 54 deck
officers.
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