Steve Gurney diversion sends wrong message on rail safety

Media Release: Rail & Maritime Transport Union

Friday 27 January, 2012

Public understanding about the serious consequences of poor driving at level crossings is not helped by police diversion being offered for collisions involving careless driving, rail workers say.

Athlete Steve Gurney’s car crashed with a passenger train on a level crossing near Rangiora in September last year. 

He pleaded guilty to careless driving and was yesterday offered diversion.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said Gurney was wrong last year to label the incident a simple mistake.

Click here for Full Media Release

Retaining skilled rail workforce needs to be a priority for Transport
Minister

Media Release: Rail & Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday 14 December, 2011

An important issue for the new Transport Minister will be how to retain skilled rail workers in New Zealand, their union said today.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union represents more than 4,500 workers in rail and ports, and looks forward to meeting with Gerry Brownlee in the near future.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that as oil prices increased over time, rail would become even more essential to the national transport supply chain, and the retention of a skilled workforce was critical to that.

Click here for Full Media Release

Hillside Workers Down Tools, Express ‘No Confidence’ in Their Bosses and Call on CEO Jim Quinn to ‘Step In’

Media Release: Rail & Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday 16 November, 2011

Angry Rail & Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) members downed tools this morning for a stop work meeting that has passed a motion of no confidence in Hillside site manager Andy Bisset and KiwiRail Workshops Manager Clive Cooper-Smith.

The meeting comes four months after 44 jobs were slashed at the South Dunedin Railway Workshops.

‘The 110 workers that survived the job cull are being offered at least 10 hours overtime per week, we estimate that about 30% of the labour on the projects that are being worked on is  being outsourced and there are around a dozen outside contractors actually working alongside our members in the factory,’ said RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson.

Click Here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail separation concerning – foreshadowing privatisation?

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU)

Sunday October 30, 2011

Rail workers would be concerned if KiwiRail’s move to separate its business in two is a foreshadow of future privatisation, their union said today.

KiwiRail announced on Friday that it is seeking government endorsement to separate into two businesses, one owning the rail corridor land and the other owning the rolling stock, properties and other assets.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that this structure sets up the company for privatisation.

“KiwiRail CEO Jim Quinn has said it is essentially a paper transaction and won't change how they operate.  If that is the case, then we question the point of the move,” Wayne Butson said.

Click Here for Full Media Release

Mothballing Northland rail line short sighted

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU)

Wednesday September 28, 2011

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is backing a petition to save Northland's rail network.

The petition, signed by over 10,000 people, will be presented at Parliament next month.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that mothballing of provincial rail lines was short sighted.

“We support the efforts of the Save Our Rail coalition in Northland,” he said. “They know that to have a world class transport infrastructure means a commitment to a quality rail network as a key part of the transport supply chain.”

Click Here for Full Media Release

Wage Increase for Port Workers Reflects Their Commitment to the Community

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Friday 16th September 2011.

The two main waterfront unions have voted to ratify a collective employment agreement at Lyttelton Port that delivers a wage increase of just over 10% by September 2013. The increase is delivered in four stages over the next two years.

“Lyttelton Port has kept going through three major earthquakes in the last year, the latest on 13 June. Our members have played a crucial role in keeping the Port operational and ensuring the flow of goods that keeps a large part of the South Island economy going,” said Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson

Click Here for Full Media Release

Parliament can’t ignore 14,000 people’s views on local rail jobs

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday 8th September 2011.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union says Parliament cannot ignore the concerns of 14,000 people who want to keep rail manufacturing jobs in New Zealand.

The union has written to Transport and Industrial Relations Committee, which met yesterday, asking to give evidence before it in relation to the petition signed by 14,000 people calling on the government to commit to building rolling stock in New Zealand workshops.

Meanwhile, earlier yesterday it was revealed that KiwiRail’s supplier in China had under-delivered on a major Australian order, forcing Downer EDI to spend significant amounts of time fixing problems with the trains.

Click here for Full Media Release

13,854 Kiwis want to save Hillside and Hutt rail workshops

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday August 9th 2011.

Lower Hutt rail workers whose jobs are at risk say the government needs to listen to the 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for trains to be made at home.

The workers’ petition was presented to Dunedin South MP Clare Curran at Parliament a short time ago by workers from Hillside and Hutt rail Workshops. Clare Curran was flanked at Parliament by Green Party Transport Spokesperson Gareth Hughes

“Up to 30 positions at Lower Hutt’s workshop are now at risk. This follows the redundancies of 44 Dunedin workers last month, both a result of KiwiRail purchasing rail rolling stock and electric units overseas” said Wayne Butson.

Click here for Full Media Release

Procurement policy must support jobs

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday July 21st 2011,

The rail workers’ union says a government procurement policy that supports jobs is urgently needed, and welcomed Labour’s moves in this direction.

“KiwiRail’s decision to not bid for either the $500 million contract for Auckland’s new trains, or for the 300 flat top wagons, was resoundingly rejected by workers, business leaders, the city council and others as taking a very short-sighted view of procurement,” RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

Click here for Full Media Release

Govt happy to talk Hobbits, but not trains

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday July 20th 2011,

New Zealand’s unwillingness to back rail manufacturing is out of step with two recent developments in similar countries overseas, the union for rail workers says.

Last week KiwiRail confirmed redundancies at Hillside workshop in Dunedin, a result of the SOE purchasing rolling stock and electric units overseas, rather than having them made locally.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that the New Zealand situation contrasted with recent developments in Australia and South Africa.

Click here for Full Media Release

Union- KiwiRail Talks Back On Track, Public Rally Still On

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday June 28th 2011,

The RMTU met with KiwiRail management today to discuss proposed 40 job losses at Hillside Railway workshops in South Dunedin. Whilst the talks were generally constructive, the RMTU is clear that we have to maintain the pressure on the Government to save these jobs and the future of the workshops.

‘We’ve called a rally in Dunedin on Saturday 9 July to send a message to the Minister that his Government, as the shareholder of KiwiRail, has a responsibility to these workers and to Dunedin’, said RMTU Organiser John Kerr.

Click here for Full Media Release

Joyce creates jobs overseas by selling out NZ workers

Media Release: Greens

Thursday June 9th 2011

Steven Joyce must take the blame for another 41 Kiwis being put out of work by this Government’s policies, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.

The Government gave KiwiRail $500 million dollars to build 38 new carriages for Auckland's electrified rail network.  KiwiRail, with ministerial approval, tendered the contract overseas despite a strong economic case for building the carriages in New Zealand prepared by Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL).

“This contract should have gone to the workshops in Hillside in Dunedin and Woburn in the Hutt Valley,” said Mrs Turei.

Click Here for the Full Media Release

Misjudgement costs Kiwis jobs

Media Release: Labour

Thursday June 9th 2011

The forty one jobs lost at KiwiRail’s Dunedin Hillside workshops today illustrate the real-life effects of government procurement policy, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Parker and Labour MP for Dunedin South Clare Curran.

“Transport Minister Steven Joyce claimed jobs were not at risk. Today’s layoffs provide the harsh proof of his misjudgement,” David Parker said.

The Hillside workshop is the repository of significant engineering expertise for New Zealand, and one of the largest employers in Dunedin.

Click here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail job losses could have been avoided – union

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday June 9th 2011, 1pm

Proposed KiwiRail job losses in Dunedin could have been avoided if the government and KiwiRail had made sure major rail manufacturing projects were carried out by New Zealand rail workers, their union said.

KiwiRail will today announce to workers a proposal to cut 41 jobs at its Hillside workshop in South Dunedin.  Workers have until 1 July to comment on the proposal.

“The Transport Minister needs to front up and take responsibility for these proposed job losses.  Inaction from Steven Joyce and KiwiRail has lead to this situation,” Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

Click Here for Full Media Release

ACC reforms: Tell the real story behind KiwiRail’s safety record improvement

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday 1 June 2011

The use of KiwiRail as a pin-up company for improved safety outcomes obscures the fact that worker participation was the key to turning around the rail industry’s safety record, the rail workers’ union said today.

ACC Minister Nick Smith today sighted KiwiRail as an example of how better safety outcomes can occur at workplaces where employers manage their own accident claims and rehabilitation.

But Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said that this significantly overlooked the critical turning point for health and safety in the rail industry.

Click here for Full Media Release

Merit in discussing who should own Auckland trains

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday 26 May 2011

There may be some merit in a proposal to transfer ownership of Auckland’s new electric trains to Auckland Transport, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union said today.

KiwiRail is in the final stage of a tender process for the $500 million job to build 38 three-car electric multiple units and 13 locomotives for the Auckland rail network.

Click here for Full Media Release

Manufacturing decline in Otago shows need to back Hillside

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday 12 May 2011

Declining manufacturing in the Otago region should be a wakeup call to the government to
support the local rail manufacturing and associated engineering industries, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union said today.

Click here for Full Media Release

New RMTU president

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Union members in the rail and maritime transport industries have a new leader, following the election of Tauranga port worker Aubrey Wilkinson to the post of National President of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU).

Click here for Full Media Release

Workers' Memorial Day: Mourn the dead, fight for the living

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday 28 April 2011

Today’s Workers Memorial Day commemorations would be particularly moving, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) said today.

Workers’ Memorial Day was first observed in 1989 in Canada, and now on April 28 each year hundreds of communities and worksites around the world honour those who have died or been injured at work.

Click here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail must enforce local content provision in shortlist

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday 21 April 2011

Rail workers are today calling for a firm commitment from KiwiRail that it will rigorously enforce local content provisions it placed in tender documents for the construction of Auckland’s new trains.

Late yesterday KiwiRail announced the two shortlisted firms for the $500 million job to build 38 three-car electric multiple units and 13 locomotives for the Auckland rail network.

Last May, Chambers of Commerce, local government and unions commissioned a report setting out the economic benefits of building the trains in the Dunedin and Lower Hutt workshops.  BERL’s report estimated a local build would have added between 770 to 1270 additional jobs, $232 to $250 million to GDP and an increase in crown revenue by a net $65 million to $70 million.

Click here for full Media Release

Government leadership lacking on KiwiRail

Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday 14 April 2011

Rail manufacturing workers say KiwiRail procurement decisions are too important to the local economy for the Transport Minister and Prime Minister to wash their hands of them.

An announcement from KiwiRail’s on the successful bidder for the $500 million purchase of 38 three-car electric multiple units and 13 locomotives for the Auckland rail network is very close, it was noted in Parliament’s Question Time yesterday.

Click here for Full Media Release

Rail union condemns TranzCoastal service withdrawal
Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Monday 4 April 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL 8PM

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union has condemned the decision to suspend the TranzCoastal passenger service.
RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson says the decision to mothball the Christchurch–Picton passenger service until 15 August 2011 was short sighted and bad business.

Click here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail: stop shunting rail passengers on to buses

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Friday March 25, 2011

Rail workers say KiwiRail should stop paying for coach services between Christchurch and Picton, and resume the TranzCoastal passenger train on that line.

 KiwiRail suspended South Island passenger services following the February Earthquake, but so far only the TransAlpine to Greymouth has resumed. Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said it was time for the passenger line to return. 

“We understand it is costing the company over $20,000 for alternative bus transport from Christchurch to Picton.”

Click here for Full Media Release

SOE overlooking local workers for loco engineering jobs

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday February 9, 2011

An Auckland railway worker says that KiwiRail should focus more on up-skilling local workers rather than recruiting overseas for their engineering jobs.

Bernie Henare, chairperson of the Auckland Rail Branch of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, said KiwiRail was too focused on overseas recruitment for upcoming locomotive engineering jobs in Auckland.

“Why is KiwiRail going overseas to recruit workers when we have plenty of willing Kiwi workers here to choose from,” he said.

Click here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail must honour commitment for local content

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday January 20, 2011

KiwiRail must honour the local content provisions it put in tender documents for the construction of Auckland’s new trains, rail workers say.

 Tenders close this week for the $500 million job to build 38 three-car electric multiple units and 13 locomotives for the Auckland rail network.   KiwiRail’s May 2010 tender document encouraged firms to ally themselves with New Zealand subcontractors or suppliers and “include as much New Zealand content and resources in the design, construction, delivery, testing, maintenance and support of the EMUs as is appropriate.”

Click here for full media release

KiwiRail must honour local involvement pledge

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Monday July 19, 2010

Rail workers say KiwiRail must honour the local content provisions it put in tender documents for the construction of Auckland’s new electric multiple units.

KiwiRail announced late on Friday that they had reached a short list of four potential suppliers to build the trains, following an expression of interest process in May.

Click here for full media release

Fire at will extension compromises workers’ safety – rail union

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Friday July 16, 2010

Extensions to the law that makes it easier for employers to sack workers will put the health and safety of more workers at risk, a transport union is warning.

“Workers in dangerous industries like rail need to have the confidence that they can raise health and safety matters without fear of repercussion,” Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

Click here for full media release

Kiwi Jobs Bill will help stem loss of manufacturing

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday July 14, 2010

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) says stronger local procurement requirements are needed to stop more manufacturing work going overseas, and the union is supporting Clare Curran’s Bill to help achieve this.

Click here for full media release

Much needed rail investment encouraging

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday May 18, 2010

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) is encouraged by the funding boost to the country’s rail network, and is welcoming an apparent commitment to retaining it in public hands.

“$750m over 3 years is much needed investment,” RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

Click here for full media release

Rail investment welcome but more needed

Media release CTU

Tuesday May 18 2010

The CTU has welcomed the announcement today of ongoing investment in rail. It is however only a fraction of what is needed.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “The signal of government commitment to improve and retain the network is positive.”

Click here for full media release

KiwiRail tender may see some work done locally

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday May 18, 2010

Rail workers say strong local content provisions in tender documents for Auckland’s new trains reflects a dedicated ‘buy local’ campaign from unions, local authorities and chambers of commerce in Dunedin and Wellington.

Click here for the full media release

KiwiRail decision a slap in the face to rail workers

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Wednesday May 12, 2010

Rail workers are gutted by KiwiRail’s decision, announced a short time ago, to not bid for the construction of Auckland’s new electric trains, labeling it defeatism at its worst.

Click here for full media release

Why Just Dismiss Hillside's Capabities?

Otago Daily Times

Phil Goff

A report by economic consultants shows there is a strong business and economic case for building rolling stock at Hillside workshops in Dunedin, says Phil Goff. Why, then, won't the Government consider it?

Click here for the full article

Jump in Otago unemployment demonstrates need to back Hillside workshops

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Thursday May 6, 2010

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union says today’s big spike in unemployment in the Otago region, bucking the trend nationally, demonstrates the need to support rail industry jobs like those at Hillside workshop in Dunedin.

Click here for Full Media Release

KiwiRail ‘Cinderella’ comments unhelpful, rail union says

Attn: Political and Transport reporters

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union

Tuesday May 4, 2010

The union for rail workers is questioning whether Steven Joyce’s reference to KiwiRail as a Cinderella foreshadows an intention to cut back on investment in the SOE.

In an interview on Close Up last night Transport Minister Steven Joyce said that KiwiRail had been treated like a Cinderella in New Zealand for a long time.

“What does Steven Joyce mean by this,” Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) General Secretary Wayne Butson said. “Is this the opening shot in a signal to downgrade investment in the company?”

Click here for Full Media Release

New BERL report backs up case for locally built trains

Attn: Political and Transport reporters
Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union
Monday May 3, 2010

A new report out today by economics consultancy BERL proves there is a strong economic case to build the trains needed for Auckland rail electrification at home, and the union for rail workers is today launching a campaign to encourage government to make sure this happens.

KiwiRail has $500 million to purchase 38 three-car electric multiple units and 13 locomotives for the Auckland rail network. 

Click here for the Full Media Release

Strong case for KiwiRail to build rolling stock for Auckland urban rail development

Media release on behalf of The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU), the Dunedin City Council and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions  - Monday 3 May 2010

If KiwiRail builds the electric units and locomotives required for Auckland's urban rail development in its workshops, New Zealand would benefit nationally from additional jobs, economic output, tax take, and improved trade balance according to a study by economic consultancy BERL released today.

BERL’s analysis shows that the benefits compared to production overseas include:

• Between 770 and 1,270 additional full-time equivalent jobs over the construction period (depending on its length).
• $232 million to $250 million added to GDP.
• An increase in Crown revenue by a net $65 million to $70 million.
• A benefit to the trade balance of $114 million to $122 million.

Click here for the Full Media Release

Trains stop for one minute for Workers’ Memorial Day

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union    Wednesday April 28, 2010

Trains will stop at 12 noon for one minute to remember those who have died at work, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) said today, marking Workers Memorial Day.

“Members of our union work in dangerous industries,” said RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson. Click here for the Full Media Release

Road safety compromised by drivers’ long hours and low pay
Media Advisory: Rail and Maritime Transport Union Monday April 19, 2010

Attn: Transport reporters

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) is backing calls for an investigation into truck drivers’ pay, and says that road safety will always be compromised when low pay and contracting arrangements force drivers to break the law to make a living.

Click here for the Full Media Release

Advisory: Make our trains at home, say rail workers
Media Advisory: Rail and Maritime Transport Union Friday 26 February, 2010

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) is using an open day at Hutt Rail workshops this Sunday to urge KiwiRail to back the New Zealand workforce and ‘buy kiwi made’ in its upcoming locomotive and wagon procurement.

KiwiRail is in the market for new locomotives and wagons, and rail workers in New Zealand want the company to commit to building new locomotives and wagons here, rather than upgrading older stock from overseas, RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

Details of the Open Day:

What: Hutt Workshops Open Day, to highlight the work they currently do and what they are capable of doing to build New Zealand locomotives and wagons.

Where: Hutt Workshops, Woburn, entrance via the Bell Road gate.

When: Sunday 28 February 2010, from 11am until 4pm.  NB: Alternative date if poor weather is 7th March 2010.

Ends.

For further information: RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson on (04) 473-6693 or (027) 496-2461

Locomotive engineer shortages can only be fixed with training

Media Release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union Thursday 25 February, 2010

A dedicated commitment to training up the New Zealand rail engineering workforce is the only realistic way of combating the lure of higher wages in Australia that is threatening the industry, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) said today.

“Australian wages for locomotive engineers are almost double and a recent recruitment drive is now beginning to hit the industry hard here in New Zealand,” RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said.

“KiwiRail is experiencing locomotive engineer shortages, and the best long-term fix to this is a dedicated training programme to up-skill New Zealand rail workers in related trades, many of whom would welcome the chance to train as a locomotive engineer.”

“High unemployment in New Zealand also means that a crown entity like KiwiRail should be looking at home for solutions to job shortages, rather than recruiting locomotive engineers from overseas.” 

“Overseas recruitment remains a band aid solution, and we will continue to advocate for a ongoing training programme in New Zealand for locomotive engineers,” Wayne Butson said.

Ends.

For further comment: RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson on (04) 473-6693 or (027) 496-2461

National’s ACC cuts will rip off workers

Media Release for IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday 12 February 2010

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union says latest moves to cut back on ACC cover for injured workers amount to the stripping back of a public asset ahead of privatisation.

“ACC works for injured Kiwis, and we want to keep it that way,” RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said today, following the release of a select committee report considering ACC legislation changes.

“The National government is attempting to portray ACC as in financial trouble and in need of major reform, despite advice from PricewaterhouseCoopers and others about how efficient and cost effective a scheme ACC is.”

Click here for the Full Media Release

Rail Union Concerned About Mothballing Of Central North Island Rail Line

Media Statement For IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 5 November 2009

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) is concerned KiwiRail is mothballing a damaged North Island rail line. A major derailment closed the Stratford-Okahukura Line in the King Country on Monday night, and KiwiRail management have told staff the line will not be repaired. The line was not being closed, but would remain inactive, as management claimed it was not commercially viable to fix it. RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson says the decision was heavily influenced by Government attitudes towards publicly-owned KiwiRail.

Click here for the Full Media Release

CEO's Cluster On H&S

Transport unions demand place for workers in health and safety group

Joint media release Rail and Maritime Transport Union/Maritime Union of New Zealand FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday 11 August 2009

Transport workers have questioned why workers have not been invited to join a new health and safety group being set up by the Minister of Labour. Click here for the Full Media Release

Longer Heavier Trucks

RMTU Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday 22 July 2009

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) says that plans to allow larger trucks on the road will have bad consequences.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson says if larger trucks are permitted, it will make New Zealand roads less safe and will be bad for the environment...

Click here for the full Media Release

Cold Wellington Trains

The union representing rail workers is demanding action on Wellington commuter trains where defective power units are making train travel a "cold miserable experience" for both passengers and staff. Click here for full press release

Rail & Maritime Tranport Workers Mourn Workplace Dead

“The Rail & Maritime Transport Union and it’s members will join with other Unions globally to remember and mourn those who have perished in the workplace, on International Workers Memorial Day” say’s the Union’s General Secretary Wayne Butson.... Click here for full press release

The NZ CTU Fact sheet on ACC Controversy

Friday 13 March 2009 Click here for more details (246kb)

RMTU/MUNZ - Transport Unions Say Sole Focus On Road Building In Infrastructure Package Wrong Focus For New New Zealand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 11 February 2009

Joint RMTU/MUNZ Press Release on the Governments Infrastructure Package along with the Press Release from the Government on the Infrastructure Package. Click here for more details

NZ Has Anti Rail Experts Too!!-

ISCR February Seminar - The Future of rail in NZ - Click here for more details

RMTU Speaks Out on Ngaruawahia Train Incident

Rail and Maritime Transport Union media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 4th February 2009.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) says that action must be taken to prevent a serious rail incident in the Waikato.

The union is responding to an incident on Tuesday 3rd February where children on the Ngarauwahia railway bridge pelted the engineer of a freight train with stones and bottles...Read the full press release ( 432Kb)

RMTU Keen To Establish Dialogue With New Transport Minister

Rail and Maritime Transport Union media relase FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday 17th November 2008

The country's largest transport Union, The Rail and Maritime Transport Union, congratulates Steven Joyce on his appointment as Minister of Transport and hopes the new National Government will continue the funding and other support.... Read the full press release ( 586Kb)

New Zealand transport unions back Wellington Bus Drivers

International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) New Zealand affiliates media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 25 September 2008

Pressure is mounting in support of Wellington bus drivers as major New Zealand transport unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) met today in Wellington and made a statement in support of locked out Wellington bus drivers...Read the full press release ( 24Kb)

Rail workers call for support for ACC changes (June 17 2008)

The Rail & Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) says all political parties should support proposed changes to the ACC scheme to give better support to workers who suffer mental trauma from workplace incidents. Read the full press release. ( 26kB)

Government repurchase of rail and ferry operations great news for rail workers and NZ 

Rail and Maritime Transport Union media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Monday 5 May 2008 

“Railway workers will be celebrating today’s news of the government’s repurchase of the national rail and ferry operations.  This purchase will see the national railway asset and the “iron bridge” across Cook Strait returned to the people of NZ, and the industry will finally have an owner who has the means to be able to back up the promises for much needed investment,” Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) General Secretary Wayne Butson said today.

 “The RMTU campaigned long and hard to get the Labour led Government to buy back the rail tracks but we always knew that in order to have the rail industry deliver what this country needs that they couldn’t stop there.  We have all been urging the Government to go the final step to renationalize the network.” 

Mr Butson says that from the day that the National government sold off the SOE NZ Rail Limited to an American led consortium, the lot of rail workers and customers has been down hill in direction. The flavour of the day was to extract the cash, replace it with debt and do just enough to keep it going.

 “Toll purchased the rail business and they have promised new locomotives since they arrived. Years later, not one order for a new locomotive has been placed. It has been ‘paint them up’ in Aussie colours and send it back out into service,"

 “Recent years has seen an exodus of key skilled workers, who were leaving because they didn’t see this industry going anywhere.  Today’s announcement will start to stem the drift.”

 “The RMTU is keen to be a part of the rejuvenation of the NZ rail industry so that it can deliver the safe sustainable transport option demanded by global warming and escalating fuel prices, and we call upon the Government to make strong early statements of investment in new locomotives and wagons.”

 “We know that there will be those who will condemn the Government buy back as a return to the “bad old days”. To them we say look at the record of the SOE from 1987 to 1993, which saw the entity turn into a profitable enterprise.”

 ENDS 

For further information, contact Wayne Butson, General Secretary, RMTU on 0274-962-461.

Related audio and video links:

Click here to watch the TV3 Sunrise segment 6/5/2008»

Click here to watch the TVNZ One News segment 6/5/2008»

Click here to watch the TVNZ One News segment 5/5/2008»

Click here to listen to the checkpoint radio show»

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