Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union has committed itself to financial, practical and moral support for the workers and their pickets.

He says the situation is a serious one because it showed how multinational corporates in New Zealand are determined to create a low-wage economy.

"It's just a game for the management who get paid fat salaries - and can afford full page ads - but it is the low paid workers in this battle who are putting themselves on the line to ensure a decent income for their families."

Mr Hanson says low pay and casualized jobs are a serious problem in New Zealand, with many families struggling to pay for rising housing, transport and food costs.

"The Maritime Union offers its solidarity and support to these workers."