Maritime Union Raises Concerns Over Lyttelton Port’s Mandatory Fitness Tests

The Maritime Union has expressed concerns regarding the mandatory fitness tests being implemented by Lyttelton Port Company in Christchurch. These assessments were introduced following the tragic death of an employee, Don Grant, in April 2022. Grant lost his life while working on the deck of a cargo ship, struck by coal being moved at the port.

Following the incident, Lyttelton Port Company was fined approximately half-a-million dollars for breaching health and safety regulations. The Maritime Union of New Zealand welcomed the guilty plea and sentencing but raised issues with the mandatory fitness for work program. They believe that the company is using Grant’s death as a reason to enforce medical assessments without considering the employees’ privacy rights.

Lyttelton Port Company’s CEO, Graeme Sumner, stated that the mandatory health assessments were recommended by accident investigators and have been in place since July 31. The company claims to have engaged in consultation with staff and unions, although the Maritime Union is currently in mediation with LPC regarding the health monitoring issue. The union is advocating for a fair and transparent negotiation process to address the concerns of the workers.

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