Rail & Maritime Transport Union IIISSUE ISSUE # 22232333

Published Regularly - ISSN 1178-7392 (Print & Online) 18 December 2009 Employer Collective Agreement report back meetings all week. The meetings have been MERRY CHRISTMAS held in all reasonable sized locations from one end of NZ to the other. It is pleasing to ND APPY report that the jointly developed RMTU- A A H , KiwiRail wageround framework has been resoundingly endorsed by members JOYOUS AND SAFE attending those meetings with the vast majority of votes being unanimous. Equally encouraging is that members have 2010! resoundingly endorsed the “no claims” It has been a busy year. For all that are approach to this year’s negotiations so as to having a break over the Christmas and New allow negotiators to focus on aligning Year, we hope you have a restful period off, conditions into the single collective for those that still have to work – take care, agreement. be safe. The Steering committee Merry Christmas (9 RMTU and 9 KiwiRail) and Happy New will meet in Wellington Year 2010. On behalf of the Union’s on Tuesday 22 December to debrief from the President, National roadshow tour and to RMTU Management Committee plan our meetings for CHRISTMAS and Staff we wish all 2010. CLOSEDOWN members and their families Thank you to all members who made the The Union’s a happy and joyous effort to attend meetings National, Bay of Christmas. We also wish and gave your support to Plenty and Lyttelton you a healthy, safe and the plan. Offices will be closed from 24 prosperous (the only way Please ensure that all of December 2009 to with collective bargaining) you vote in the MECA ballots in February 2010. 18 January 2010. 20 10 . No staff will be on call or available on the Stat Days except in GOVERNMENT dire emergency. Scott Wilson in our Auckland Office is “on deck” during the ACTION NEEDED TO AVOID Christmas/New Year period. He is JOBLESS GROWTH contactable on 0272464961 or 09 2705115 or rail ext 98115. Though the Minister of Finance says we have “been through the worst”, the Government’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update KIWI RAIL GROUP MEETINGS – forecasts unemployment rising to 7 percent PROPOSED MECA in the next 3 months, falling only marginally (to 6.9 percent) in 2011 and still at 6.0 As you all know we have been participating percent in 2012, said CTU Economist and in Joint KiwiRail Group-RMTU Multi Policy Director Bill Rosenberg. NZIER’s just-

2 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist released consensus forecasts are more RAIL DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY pessimistic, forecasting unemployment sticking at 7.0 percent in 2011 and 6.3 INTERPRETATIONS percent in 2012. The foundations of the D&A policies we have The Update shows improving outlook for today in Rail were initially discussed and both growth in the economy and agreed in 2003. The outsourcing occurred government finances, though still with within the Rail industry and the D&A policy some risks. then became employer specific policies. Like “The forecast is therefore for “jobless the Collective Agreements there have been growth”: not enough jobs being created for some movement in wording over time but people entering the labour force such as the union believes the application, intent and from education, and to get unemployed application of the 2003 rail Industry D&A people back into work,” said Rosenberg. policy has been unchanged. The changes have essentially been of a technical nature ‘The Government should be using its as testing methods have changed etc. greater room for movement to put more money into creating jobs and actively KR Networks (formerly ONTRACK helping those who become unemployed. Infrastructure) believes otherwise and is stating that a positive (or non negative) “It is not good enough for Mr English to say result will result in immediate summary that only the private sector can create jobs. dismissal unless an employee has already We hope they do, but there are enough “put their hand up” for rehabilitation. risks on the horizon, especially for exporters, that it cannot be counted on. The extensive discussion, agreement and application of the rail industry policy has “Spending on infrastructure, new housing always included a strong emphasis on and green development are some ways it rehabilitation with aligned fair treatment and could help. It should also be putting more graduated warnings that c/would eventually resources into active help for people out of lead to dismissal if rehabilitation was not work to help them get new skills if they achieved. need them, and to search for work. This change in approach by KRN (ONTRACK) “Investment in skills development and is of concern and may be leading to encouraging more people into education disparate outcomes within the Rail Industry. are obvious areas for greater government priority. While the union is currently investigating these matters, we need to continue to “Mr English made it clear that there is not a reiterate the same strong message – Drugs real threat from the Credit Rating Agencies and Alcohol – NOT AT WORK MATE! such as Fitch and Standard and Poor’s. He confessed that they will focus on countries We strongly urge/advise any members that ‘which really have a problem’ rather than have alcohol and/or drug dependency/use New Zealand. issues to seek immediate rehabilitation assistance by putting up their hand. “New Zealand’s net debt is now forecast to peak at just above 30 percent in 2016. Debt in the U.K. is already at 59 percent SAVE OUR SOL this year, and forecasts for many countries Was on everyone’s lips last week when in the OECD are for levels well over 100 Organiser Todd Valster was up the Taranaki percent of GDP. last week. The Union was gauging support “Government debt is not the problem. from members for a Union campaign to save Private debt still is, with current account the Stratford Okahukura (SOL) line from deficits forecast to rise to over 7 percent in mothballing and suspected closure. The first 2013 and 2014. train ran over the SOL on 13 December 1932. The line was closed to passenger “The Government appears to be using the trains in January 2007 which was seen by Credit Rating Agencies as a cover for its the local communities at the time as a “kick wish to significantly cut government in the guts”. spending as a proportion of GDP.”

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Let’s all join together to “save Our SOL” as investigating and preventing the most a rail corridor to ensure ongoing serious workplace accidents." development and timely linkage with NZ’s most populace areas rather than a Ms Wilkinson says she will introduce cycleway. We are assured there is no legislation to Parliament in the New Year to government interference in the decision to amend the Health and Safety in Employment mothball (and possible close) despite the Act. Prime Ministers stated love for cycleways – yeah right! The change will be combined with several other proposed changes to the Act. These Material is being developed for the include: campaign. • Providing a levy mechanism to enable PROPOSAL TO CHANGE the Department of Labour to recover the costs of enforcing the Hazardous DEFINITION OF SERIOUS HARM Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 in workplaces; Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson has announced a proposal to change the • Requiring businesses to collaborate to definition of 'serious harm' meet their duties under under the Health and the Health and Safety in Safety in Employment Act Employment Act where 1992. they share a workplace; and Serious harm is a pivotal definition in workplace Aligning the rules of self health and safety incrimination in the Health legislation. If serious and Safety in Employment harm occurs, employers Act with those in the or those in control of a Evidence Act 2006. workplace are required to QUEENSLAND RAIL immediately notify the Department of Labour, the SALE HITS THE UNION Civil Aviation Authority or HURDLE Maritime New Zealand. Workers at QR have walked Ms Wilkinson says it is off the job in protest over the important to set the proposed sharemarket float threshold for serious harm at an of the company’s freight businesses, and appropriate level. over the lack of consultation by the government. QR is to be split into two The proposed definition will include physical entities, with the coal and freight business injuries leading to an employee being and its above-rail infrastructure floated unable to perform their normal duties for under the name QR National. Passenger rail 10 or more calendar days. It will also services would remain part of the include any permanent injuries, specified government owned corporation called QR, events such as electrocution or loss of and a 99-year lease over the coal rail consciousness, and diagnosed occupational network would be included in QR National. illnesses. The Queensland Labour Government first mooted the sale in its June Budget. It has "This definition provides more certainty and been condemned by the public and the will ensure that employers are not required affected unions. to spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with what can be minor matters. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says its members were not consulted on QR’s latest "It will also assist the Department of Labour move, and are angered that workshops such and other enforcement agencies to focus on as those at Redbank, Rockhampton and Townsville are now part of the sale. About

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300 workers at Redbank and 150 workers Big Belly Woman, Julian Temple Band, at Rockhampton held stop work meetings Native Sons and Roy G and the BIVinators. and walked off the job. RTBU Queensland The festival at Parihaka Paa runs 7-11 State Secretary Owen Doogan said workers January 2010, with Tiki Taane and the Dub organised the rallies themselves in Soldiers to perform on Saturday night. Early frustration at the latest news. "We have an Bird Tickets are still available for $175 until arrogant government that already had 85 7 November, exclusively from to 90 per cent of the people saying we http://www.parihaka.com don't want you to privatise the parts (of QR) you are going to privatise," Doogan • Gates open at 5pm, Thursday 7 January told reporters. "Now we find out they are so 2010 arrogant, they are going to extend the • The Visionaries Stage will showcase privatisation to all parts of QR. "It's a joke.” Taranaki bands from 6.30pm PARIHAKA INTERNATIONAL • The powhiri (opening ceremony) will be at 12pm Friday PEACE FESTIVAL WELCOMES • The poroporoaki will be at 12pm Monday TIKI TAANE Parihaka Paa is situated on Mid Parihaka Taranaki’s iconic Parihaka International Road, between Pungarehu and Rahotuu on Peace Festival welcomes award-winning SH45 (the Surf Highway) in South Taranaki. performer Tiki Taane, and a full 40-piece troupe to the 2010 Festival. Tiki’s set will LEVIES COULD AND SHOULD feature his band, the Dub Soldiers, and Te Pou o Mangataawhiri, the kapa haka group INCREASE BY LESS formed in 1921 by Te Puea Herangi. The increases in ACC levies announced by “Parihaka is the one festival I've been ACC Minister Nick Smith could be even wanting to play for years,” says Taane. “To smaller if the Government funded ACC on perform and be a part of something that the same pay-as-you-go basis as health and has so much depth and history is a huge education, and put a great deal more focus inspiration and honour. To be joined on accident prevention, said CTU Economist onstage with the powerful Te Pou o and Policy Director Bill Rosenberg today. It Mangatawhiri, this will make it an could also afford to do this without the unforgettable experience that can't be significant cuts to entitlements it is planning, topped." he said. “The Parihaka Festival has wanted to “The smaller than threatened increase in include Tiki Taane since it began in 2006 levies was predictable given that ACC’s and 2010 is the first year it has been original proposals did not take account of the possible. We are delighted to be able to extension of the date for full funding to 2019 present this big show at Parihaka,” says (from 2014),” said Rosenberg. “It is the Festival Director Te Miringa Hohaia. Government’s cuts to entitlements and the returns from ACC’s investment fund which Also joining the growing lineup at the 5th are also enabling them to reduce the levy Parihaka Festival is Billy TK and increases. The investment fund has done Powerhouse, who are reuniting for their better than expected, to the tune of $739 first performance in over 30 years. million between June and October. In fact Billy Te Kahika, regarded as one of New this further exposes the misrepresentation of Zealand’s greatest guitarists, has played at the health of ACC’s finances.” every Parihaka International Peace Festival. “The requirement for reserves to fund all In 2010 he will be joined by musicians he current and future costs of current claims is last played with in the 1970s, including responsible for most of the present increase vocalists Mahia Blackmore and Arnold in levies, even with the reduced increases Tihama. Other acts announced yesterday announced today. The proportion of the were the Benka Borodovsky Bordello Band, increase due to greater costs is in fact relatively small. The increase in the Earner’s

18/12/09 5 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist levy (funding non-work accidents) needed statements. It notes that a rise will act more to fund the cost of claims is 4.7 percent. quickly on the economy than usual because But instead the Government has increased more borrowers are using short term, lower this by 17.6 percent. For the employer- interest rate loans.” funded Work account (for work accidents), “There are other ways to head off the the increase needed to fund cost of claims worrying signs of another housing price is 3.6 percent. Instead these are increasing bubble, such as encouraging the supply of by 12.2 percent.” new housing, rather than increasing interest “A pay-as-you-go funding system – the rates. Increasing interest rates will same as is used for health, education and encourage a further rise in the exchange rate National Superannuation – would which is hurting manufacturing exporters, significantly reduce increases in levies. It and may discourage the resumption of would simply need to be backed by a investment in the economy.” reserve to prevent sudden jumps in levies and to provide for natural disasters and GOVERNMENT SHOULD DELIVER other unusual events.” OUR EEKS EAVE OR “We also have one of the worst rates of F W ’ L F workplace fatalities in the world – about FATHERS - KOMITI seven times that of the U.K. for example. In 2003, New PASEFIKA Zealand was 23rd in a The Council of Trade Unions Komiti ranking of fatal accident rates Pasefika is calling on the in developed countries. Government to implement the Reducing accident rates recommendations from the would reduce levies Families Commission to provide significantly in the long run four weeks’ paid parental leave and make better workplaces.” (PPL) for new fathers. Komiti Pasefika convenor Jerome CONCERN THAT Mika says the National Party should MONETARY POLICY act on its previously expressed concerns about child neglect and AND GOVERNMENT the appalling rates of child abuse SPENDING WILL TIGHTEN TOO by promoting fatherhood and strengthening families. QUICKLY "National said a lot about the need to The CTU is concerned at the signals from strengthen families and deal with child the Reserve Bank towards an earlier rise in neglect while it was in opposition. Now the Official Cash Rate (OCR) and its call for they’re in government it’s time to stop tighter government spending. “While paying lip service and start doing forecasts for unemployment are easing (the something.” Reserve Bank now forecasts a peak of 6.7 “Paid parental leave has been shown to be percent in June and Treasury below 7 affordable and to have genuine benefits for percent) there is still a long period where parents who would otherwise struggle to unemployment is forecast to be high. The afford time with their new babies, and as the Reserve Bank is forecasting it to remain Families Commission report points out this is above 6 percent until March 2011,” said the most important time for bonding.” CTU Economist and Policy Director Bill Rosenberg. Komiti Pasefika supports the Families Commission recommendation in addition to “This is not a time for cuts in government the other changes that the CTU have called spending, nor major tax cuts, nor for for: access for seasonal and casual workers tightening monetary policy. The Reserve to the PPL scheme, increasing the duration Bank is now hinting that the OCR is likely of PPL for the primary care giver, and to be increased in mid 2010 rather than increasing the payment levels. later in 2010 as it was signaling in previous

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“If we want to build strong families and the rest have previously been finalists (and improve the chances of our young people BNZ and Westpac were joint winners in then it’s time to bring in four weeks’ leave 2005). for new dads,” continued Jerome Mika. This tells you something about these “Pacific Island communities have a growing corporate recidivists. In fact this is such a young population and place huge strong field that the defending champion, importance on our families. For the minister BAT (British American Tobacco NZ), which to simply brush it aside is not acceptable to won the 2008 Roger, couldn’t even make the us and we’re calling on her to give the issue finalists. the proper attention it deserves.” ANZ was nominated very specifically for its The Komiti Pasefika is a constitutionally role in the ING frozen funds scandal, which is recognised body under the umbrella of the a continuation from 2008, when it was also a New Zealand Council of Trades Unions with finalist for the same reason. BNZ and members from the Tongan, Cook Island, Westpac are there for a variety of sins but Niuean, Samoan, Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and first and foremost because they have been Fijian communities. found guilty of massive tax avoidance in a case that Inland Revenue has brought RAIL CHRISTMAS ROSTERING against all four Australian-owned banks (ANZ and ASB are yet to have their day in court). ARRANGEMENTS The total amount of tax avoided is more than $2 billion. To assist in preventing a repeat of previous year’s unlawful rostering and “screwing of Infratil is there again, as it was in 2008, the scrum” treatment of the Stat Days the because of union bashing (specifically for Union has been assisting KiwiRail with the locking out Auckland bus drivers by its NZ development of agreed rostering guidelines Bus subsidiary. Last year it was for NZ Bus for the Christmas New year period. It is locking out its Wellington workers. Do you hoped that in this way we will head off a detect a pattern emerging here?). repeat of the disputation that followed Newmont Mining, which was last a finalist in 2008/09 Stat day rostering fiasco. 2003, is there for the same reason – the appalling impact of its gold mine which has 2009 ROGER AWARD FINALISTS left Waihi with a huge hole in the middle of town. NAMED Rio Tinto Aluminium (which is still better The nine finalists for the 2009 Roger Award known by its former name, Comalco), the for the Worst Transnational Corporation 2008 runner up, was nominated for a range Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand are (in of reasons, but primarily for being the alphabetical order): ANZ, BNZ, Infratil, biggest corporate bludger in NZ vis a vis its Newmont, Rio Tinto Aluminium NZ, power price; and for the huge amount that Rymans, Telecom, Transpacific and the public will have to pay for every job at Westpac. There are two finalists for the the Tiwai Point smelter because the Accomplice Award – the Business Round Government is making taxpayers carry the Table, and the Auckland City Council and its burden of NZ’s carbon emissions, and pay for officials (as part of the nomination of the biggest carbon emitter in the country. Transpacific Industries). Rymans, which people mistakenly think of as Telecom, the winner of the 2007 Roger being New Zealand-owned (the same Award, is the only transnational corporation mistake is made about Infratil), has been a (TNC) to have been a finalist every year finalist once before and for the same reason since the Roger Award started a dozen – it is a prime example of the not for profit years ago (although it has only actually won retirement home industry and it treats both it twice). Transpacific is the only one not to workers and residents poorly. have featured before, at least not under that name. In recent years it bought out Transpacific was nominated for its takeover, Waste Management which, under its aided and abetted by the Auckland City previous owners, was a finalist one year. All Council and its officials, of the excellent

18/12/09 7 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist locally owned and run rubbish and recycling The judges are: Paul Corliss, from operation on Waiheke Island. Christchurch, a life member of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union; Christine Dann, The criteria for judging are by assessing the from Banks Peninsula, a writer and transnational (a corporation which is 25% researcher; Bryan Gould, from Bay of Plenty, or more foreign-owned) that has the most a former Waikato University Vice-Chancellor; negative impact in each or all of the Joce Jesson, a Senior following Lecturer in Critical categories: Studies in Education, Economic University of Auckland Dominance - and an activist in Monopoly, various community profiteering, tax organisations; and dodging, cultural Wayne Hope, Associate imperialism Professor, Communications People - Studies, Auckland Unemployment, University of impact on tangata Technology. whenua, impact on women, impact on The winner(s) will be children, abuse of announced at a workers/conditions, Wellington event in health and safety of March. The Roger workers and the Award is organised by public the Christchurch-based groups, Campaign Environment - Against Foreign Control Environmental of Aotearoa (CAFCA) damage, abuse of and GATT Watchdog. animals Bad luck to all the Political interference finalists and may the – Interference in democratic processes, worst man win! running an ideological crusade The point needs to be made that the likes of Fonterra are not eligible for nomination “LOOKING (we always receive nominations for it and this year got more than usual). We have no doubt that there is a place for an FORWARD TO award for the worst New Zealand owned transnational (of which BEING STRONGER Fonterra is the prime example) and even for the worst company in NZ OGETHER N (Fonterra would probably be a prime T I contender for that too ). But the Roger Award is not the place for either of those. 2010”! Nor is it the place to judge the worst transnational corporation in the world, Enjoy the break, enjoy the although some nominators would have it festivities, enjoy some liquid so. It is for judging the worst TNC operating in NZ (and NZ alone) in the year in pleasure BUT above all else question. Some might criticise that as a make sure you you don’t narrow focus but it is a formula that has worked extremely well for the now very well bring any of it to work. BE established and credible Roger Award. SAFE IF AT WORK!

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