Union officials have asked PrimePort management for an extra week to consider proposals.

Both parties met today following announcements that the port company will cut more than half its fulltime staff as container shipping services end next month.

In a plan put to staff on Friday, 42 of 55 positions will go, although 13 new roles will be created. However, the changes mean the outcome will be 29 fewer jobs.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union organiser John Kerr said the port company had presented terms and conditions for those who will take on new roles.

The union asked for an extra week to digest the information. The deadline for feedback had originally been August 31.

Mr Kerr said management was still giving consideration to compensation for casual workers affected by the layoffs.

PrimePort chief executive Jeremy Boys said internal meetings were part of the consultation process.

''We don't propose to be making comment on these internal matters at this stage.''

- © Fairfax NZ News

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