As ferry services brace for the Spring surge of visitors, SeaLink has made a pay offer to its workers while continuing last-minute negotiations to prevent strike action this week.
The ferry operator, which services Great Barrier Island, Waiheke, and Auckland, faces a strike from Tuesday as unionised employees seek pay parity with other ferry providers.
First Union organiser Justin Wallace said SeaLink workers want wages and conditions to match those of Auckland Transport ferry crew, who benefited from a cash injection earlier this year.
Around 50 SeaLink workers will stage rolling strikes until October 1st if the matter isn’t resolved.
“SeaLink’s workers are struggling with the absurd cost of living in Auckland while going to work every day knowing that they are being underpaid compared to colleagues who do the same work as them on a different ferry provider,” Wallace said.
In response, SeaLink chief executive Grady Cameron said the company has proposed an 18 percent pay increase for master mariners and a 10 percent rise for other maritime and customer care teams, citing the need to remain competitive.
“We continue negotiations tomorrow and are committed to finding a resolution that is acceptable to both parties,” Cameron said. “We believe further discussions can still lead to a mutually beneficial agreement and are dedicated to avoiding disruption to our operations and services across the Hauraki Gulf.”
Cameron also reassured the community that SeaLink is working closely with food suppliers, waste management, and fuel and freight providers to ensure business continuity on the island during any industrial action.
SeaLink has faced criticism over price hikes in recent years but introduced a discount programme for Barrier residents earlier this year. Ferry services to Pine Harbour will not be affected by the strike.
