An Open Letter to the Mayor and Councillors of Christchurch
Tuesday 26 August 2025
We are writing to you with grave concerns for the future of the Port of Lyttelton, a critical asset for our city and region. We, the workers of the Port of Lyttelton, call on you to go on the record immediately.
We ask for a clear, public, and unwavering commitment that you will not privatize or outsource the Port of Lyttelton. Furthermore, we seek your absolute assurance that you will protect the health and safety of port workers.
This means ensuring that safe practices are never undermined by aggressive management tactics designed to cut corners and silence dissent.
We’ve seen the devastating consequences of this approach at other ports.
Hostile management and a disregard for worker safety has led to deaths, serious injuries and major legal consequences. We cannot, and will not, allow that tragic history to be repeated in Lyttelton.
We have seen the benefits of a collaborative, profitable and safe workplace, when management and unions work positively together, and the voice of the worker is heard.
We can have this in the Port of Lyttelton too – but only if there is a change in attitude of the LPC Management and Board.
The safety of our members and the future of our port are not negotiable. We urge you to stand with your community, protect our public assets, and guarantee a safe workplace for all.
Our Port Our Future