Lyttelton Port’s Mandatory Fitness Test For Workers Faces Criticism From Maritime Union

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has expressed serious concern over Lyttelton Port Company’s (LPC) new mandatory fitness tests for dockworkers.

The new requirement follows a tragic incident in April 2022, after a stevedore, Don Grant, was killed after being struck by coal on the bulk carrier ETG Aquarius.

In July 2023, LPC was fined $288,000 for violating health and safety regulations, and Maritime New Zealand was paid $21,000.

Investigations revealed several safety violations at the terminal, including faulty procedures and inadequate risk management for stevedores like Grant.

Since then, the company has adopted new safety measures and fitness tests for all employees, effective July 31, 2024.

However, the Maritime Union of New Zealand claims these tests are discriminatory and dismissive of workers’ concerns.

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay criticized Lyttelton Port Company for using Grant’s death to justify the new policy without even consulting with the workers.

Findlay stated that the mandatory fitness test was introduced without any discussion with the union or considering its impact on job security and employee privacy.

The union argues that the new policy could result in job cuts for those who fail fitness tests and violate the collective employment agreement.

Lyttelton Port Company, on the other hand, claims that fitness tests are crucial for identifying employees who may need additional health support and ensuring safety compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

LPC CEO Graeme Sumner stated that the tests were introduced in response to recommendations from the Transportation Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and have been part of the onboarding process for new employees since 2023.

Sumner added that LPC has been in thorough discussions with staff and unions since June 2022. The company’s feedback process was extended in response to union requests, and all decisions were communicated to staff and unions as planned.

Despite this, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) rejects LPC’s claims of involvement, stating that the firm continued with its plan unchanged despite union feedback.

In an effort to resolve the issue, the Maritime Union of New Zealand and Lyttelton Port Company have set a mediation date of August 16, 2024, for the health monitoring policy.

Reference: MUNZ, RNZ

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