Unions seek injunction over lockouts

The PSA and E tū have filed legal proceedings in a bid to prevent the proposed eight-day lockout of aviation security staff.

Two of New Zealand’s leading unions filed legal proceedings in the Wellington Employment Court yesterday, desperate to halt the proposed eight day lockout of aviation security staff.

"We are asking the Employment Court to deal with this urgently and issue an interim injunction to restrain these unlawful and irresponsible lockouts," said Glenn Barclay, national secretary of the New Zealand Public Service Association.

"We consider the lockouts are unlawful because of uncertainty coming from the employer about who is locked out, how long for and the reason for it,” he added.

The Aviation Security Service gave notice of potential lockouts last week but both the PSA and E tū have since questioned the legality of the move which could affect staff at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin airports.

Mediation between the unions and AvSec is currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Barclay called on the organisation to “focus all its energies into bringing an offer to mediation that can settle this dispute and resolve in all action being called off."

AvSec representative Mike Richards declined to comment on the injunction but indicated a response could be expected later today.

Last week, active chief executive John Kay suggested AvSec would pursue mediation where possible.

“Our primary focus is to ensure that this matter is brought to a conclusion in a timely fashion and to ensure safe and secure flights – especially during the school holiday period,” he said. “We will do all we can to maintain our service and minimise disruption.”

For all the latest HR news and info straight to your inbox, subscribe here.

More like this:

$40K fine for bullying employer 

Mayoral candidate makes Living Wage pledge 

UK’s potential PM embroiled in false CV claims
 
 
 

Recent articles & video

Teacher censured for accessing porn on school-issued laptop

Carpool woes: Worker claims additional pay for driving colleagues to work

'Tougher market' ahead for jobseekers as NZ enters recession

Talent mobility: What’s the most challenging country for remote workers?

Most Read Articles

Employer assigns manager to smaller area – is it constructive dismissal?

Unjustified dismissal: technician who didn't have enough work wins over $20,000

Company blocks former worker's employment with competitor