SOE overlooking local workers for loco engineering jobs

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.

“There is no advantage to bringing a locomotive engineer in from overseas to drive Auckland commuter trains, as they will have to go through the same training and on-the-job training as a local would.”

Bernie, who is Maori, said that as an SOE KiwiRail could do a lot more to train young Maori workers into the rail profession.

“With unemployment at 6.8 per cent we need to take a good look inwardly before we cast our eyes offshore,” he said.

RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson said that as attention focused on jobs and the economy in this year’s election, the RMTU was calling for all parties to have strong policies about both local recruiting and skills development, and local procurement for rail manufacturing work.

ENDS

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