ITF: International Trade Unions Bring Spotlight To Port Of Auckland Automation Plans
An ITF delegation has actually met New Zealand’s priests of transportation and also work, in addition to the Auckland’s Mayor and also common council, to articulate first-hand the effect that automation postures to incomes of employees, their neighborhoods and also the nationwide and also regional economic situations.
ITF head of state and also Dockers’ Section chair Paddy Crumlin, that led the delegation on December 4-5, recognized the positive discussion in between the federal government, council and also the worldwide delegation: “What’s crucial is that the New Zealand Government and also Auckland Council have actually devoted to continuous discussion with MUNZ and also the ITF on the intro of automation at the Port of Auckland and also the nations various other ports.
“We give thanks to the Minister of Transport Phil Twyford, the Minister of Labor Ian Lees-Galloway and also the Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff and also his councillors for the possibility to chat straight concerning the economic effect on efficiency and also productivity in addition to social and also area effect on employees and also the area of prepared automation at the Port of Auckland.

Image Credits: itfseafarers.org
“Innovation should improve working conditions, not eliminate the workforce, and what I would also say is that for the people of Auckland this should be personal. There are very legitimate concerns about the impact of automation on jobs and the flow on effects on your local communities,” stated Crumlin.
Crumlin likewise expanded the ITF’s inmost compassions to the family members of those eliminated and also hurt in the White Island eruption, which occurred quickly prior to they resulted from consult with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“It is a traumatic and deeply shocking time for all those involved as well as the emergency services involved in the rescue including maritime services and the passengers and crew of the Ovation of the Seas. We look forward to meeting the PM on all of the important matters discussed in her absence and are deeply appreciative of the commitments made to us through her ministers,” stated Crumlin.
The top-level worldwide delegation likewise consisted of: Bob Dhaliwal, ILWU Canada Secretary Treasurer and also chair of ITF Dockers’ Section Future of Work Working Group; Warren Smith, MUA assistant nationwide assistant and also vice-chair of ITF Dockers’ Section Future of Work Working Group; Dane Jones, ILWU; and also Courtney Pecquex from the ITF Dockers’ Section.
The delegation shared their particular experiences and also study appointed effects with the priests and also common council, specifically:
reduced efficiency connected with the intro of automation;
work losses and also the circulation on effect on the area arising from reduced expenses from employees; and also
health and wellness problems.
The delegation likewise advised the federal government to back an extensive port approach, consisting of the requirement for solid maritime cabotage law and also enhanced training and also employment of nationwide seafarers, to make sure the retention of competent maritime employees, advertising safety and security and also safeguard the setting and also countries’ financial and also nationwide safety.
The Ministers of transportation and also work and also Mayor of Auckland have actually devoted to a recurring discussion with MUNZ and also the ITF, acknowledging the value of sharing and also picking up from the of various other nations that have actually dealt with automation and also have solid cabotage legislations.
Reference: itfseafarers.org