A mediator in talks between the Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union over a protracted industrial dispute has given the parties his recommendations.
Talks between the port and union workers on a collective contract first broke down in September 2011.
Then followed a series of strikes, lockout notices, threats of mass redundancies, court action and allegations of threats to staff.
The court-appointed facilitator has been holding mediation talks for nine months.
The Maritime Union says the facilitator has made some recommendations, but the details are confidential.
Union president Garry Parsloe says the union remains hopeful of a settlement and will discuss the recommendations with members at meetings over the next two days.
He said the union will then hold discussions with the facilitator about how to proceed.
Ports of Auckland says it will consider them and will probably meet with the facilitator.
Listen to Garry Parsloe