Contracting out fears grow among KiwiRail workers

Media Release: Rail & Maritime Transport Union
Wednesday August 8, 2012

Contracting out fears grow among KiwiRail workers

Fears of widespread contracting out of KiwiRail jobs are growing, with more examples emerging of contractors building up capacity to take over the SOE’s jobs.

KiwiRail have this week confirmed that they are seeking to cut 181 staff positions from their Infrastructure and Engineering division.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said the union has learned that Fulton Hogan has been acquiring Hi-Rail vehicles In Dunedin, Greymouth and Auckland.

This followed advertisements by the company for rail workers skilled in “rail project development, track construction, brownfield railway work” and more.

“We have also learned today that Dunedin KiwiRail management have told local contractors to ready their staff to carry out rail engineering work,” Wayne Butson said.

“When KiwiRail came out with their proposals, we said that we would be keeping a close eye on them to make sure it was not simply a contracting-out strategy by stealth.”

“Our fears appear as if they are being proved correct. This leaves us very concerned about the future of jobs at KiwiRail.”

“It is a huge big mistake to contract out jobs and the wealth of experience in KiwiRail’s Infrastructure and Engineering division, when there is still so much work needed to restore New Zealanders’ rail track and infrastructure asset.”

“Our union and KiwiRail have had a productive relationship over some years. But if there is a Ports of Auckland style contracting-out agenda at play here, CEO Jim Quinn had better front up and explain this,” Wayne Butson said.

Ends.

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