Union Keen To Start Dialogue with New Transport

Rail and Maritime Transport Union Keen To Establish Dialogue with New Transport

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

The country’s largest specialist 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 necessary for the restoration and rejuvenation of KiwiRail.

Additionally we look forward to the Minister continuing the strong commitment of his predecessor for the retention of New Zealand’s ports in New Zealand ownership and the implementation of the New Zealand Transport Strategy and the Seachange programme.

RMTU represents more than 4000 members employed within the Rail and Port industries.

The RMTU is committed to being a strong participant in the rejuvenation and growth of the Rail and Coastal Shipping sectors so as to ensure that New Zealand has an environmentally sustainable transport industry which is able to meet the ever growing transport needs of the country into the future.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that “the RMTU recently celebrated its 100 year history as a transport Union and so is well placed to assist with the passing on of valuable practical knowledge that the new Minister may need in getting to grips with all aspects of his portfolio”.

 “The RMTU hopes that the Minister will quickly move to acquaint himself with all aspects of his portfolio and so will be very keen to meet with transport sector stakeholders and to visit KiwiRail and Port worksites to see firsthand the needs of the sector.”

RMTU is also keen to meet with the Hon Bill English, the Minister for Infrastructure, and the Minister of State Owned Enterprises Simon Power as they will have important roles to play in maintaining the rebuild commitment to KiwiRail.

“Whilst the current economic situation means short term low fuel prices we all know that they will rise as the world economy recovers and so this Government must maintain the momentum of building fuel efficient sustainable transport modes for the country.”

“We know that the vast majority of New Zealander’s supported the renationalisation and restoration of the rail industry and so if the previously promised funding is curtailed by this Government the industry will surely collapse against the wishes of voters.” 

ENDS

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