14/01/2011
For Immediate Release

Alliance Party Supports MUNZ stand on KiwiRail's New Wagons

Co leader Kay Murray says that the Alliance Party welcomes the news that the Maritime Union may refuse to unload KiwiRail's new wagons when they arrive from China.

"Maritime Union President Phil Adams is absolutely correct. New Zealand needs to give top priority to supporting its own industry if there is to be any work for New Zealanders in the future.

It is common sense that the wagons should be built in KiwiRail's own workshops keeping taxpayers money in New Zealand and providing jobs for New Zealanders. However the government has a different agenda revolving around international free trade agreements.

Talkfests, committees and consultants reports achieved very little when it came to getting Auckland's new electric trains built in New Zealand. On their own they are unlikely to have any more success this time around.

If the Maritime Union is prepared to take a stand they must be supported. The time for asking politely has passed. It is time to demand that the government listen."

ENDS

© Scoop Media