Lyttelton Port Company's mandatory fitness test draws union criticism

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is accusing the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) of not engaging with employees properly in introducing a mandatory fitness test.

The LPC introduced the assessments in compliance with the Transport Accident Investigation Commission's (TAIC) recommendation following the death of MUNZ member Don Grant in April 2022.

But MUNZ national secretary Carl Findlay said the mandatory programme was pushed through without regard to workers' concerns over their financial protection and the wellbeing of those who fail the assessment.

"In short, MUNZ see this as a breach of good faith and LPC not honouring our Collective Employment Agreement," Findlay said in a statement. "MUNZ is very concerned how the death of a worker has been used to implement new policies without bringing along workers and listening to their voices."

Consultation over project held

LPC chief executive Graeme Sumner, however, maintained that they carried out consultation with staff and unions.

"Since June 2022, we have engaged in meaningful dialogue with our staff and unions regarding health monitoring. It was outlined in our annual report last year, and our feedback to TAIC was included in their report. It has also been standard for new employees since 2023," Sumner told Radio New Zealand.

According to Sumner, they also addressed all queries during the consultation and feedback process.

"The decision document was shared with all staff following the consultation's conclusion on 20 June 2024. All unions were informed of the decision 24 hours prior to the broader organisational communication," the chief executive said.

But even the Rail and Maritime Transport Union disputed the consultation with LPC, according to the RNZ report.

"LPC did not make any changes to the MHA (Mandatory Health Assessment) at any stage of the process; basically, they came up with a plan, then went away and tried to work out how they would force it on the workforce, and that is what they have done," the union told the news outlet.

The MUNZ said they are attending mediation with LPC on August 16 on the issue of the health monitoring initiative.

"We are confident we can find a way forward with not only LPC, but also CCHL (Christchurch City Holdings Limited) who manage LPC on behalf of Christchurch City Council," Findlay said.