Subscribe to RSSRail Privatisation ‘Discounted’
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union secretary Wayne Butson says he’s pleased to hear the apparent discounting of a future privatisation of rail with today’s announcement of a KiwiRail turnaround plan.
“ We should never repeat mistakes, which is what the privatisation years between 1993 and 2008 are now regarded as, that end up costing more to us as citizens and taxpayers.”
“We are encouraged to hear John Key say that the government is committed to improving and retaining the network.”
Mr Butrson called $750m over 3 years a much needed investment.
“The long term plan for KiwiRail has many important elements, including wagon and locomotive upgrades, affirmation of the connected network (so that any line closures cannot block the network linkage) and an investment in infrastructure to undo the neglect of 18 years of private ownership.”
He said that the union was involved in discussions about improving productivity, noting KiwiRail already had some of the most innovative and productive operating systems in the world, such as remote controlled shunts, track warrant control and single person train crewing.
“We also hope that when it comes to further locomotive and wagon upgrades that the Government and KiwiRail will look for them to be built by our skilled New Zealand workforce, and thereby provide much needed income and work for our struggling manufacturing sector employers,” Wayne Butson said.
KIWIRAIL PLAN COVERAGE
Government says investment in rail will help when oil prices go up
KiwiRail CEO on what the plan means
Governments $4.6b KiwiRail turnaround plan
Labour calls plan miserly
Government confirms MetroRail fare increase
Mike Lee calls for more rail investment
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