Rail & Maritime Transport Union Volume 2015 # 2

Published Regularly - ISSN 1178-7392 (Print & Online) 27 February 2015 and program planning is well underway by NATIONAL PRESIDENT the Steering Committee. Branches that have not advised National Office of their attendee OMINATIONS ALLED (FROM 2 MARCH) N C are asked to do so as soon as possible to In accordance with Rule 24 of the Rules & [email protected]. Standing Orders of the Rail & Maritime Transport Union nominations are hereby LYTTELTON PORT CHARGED called from current financial members for the position of National President. We have heard today that Worksafe have laid charges against LPC in relation to the incidents that Nomination Forms are available on the led to the death of MUNZ member Brad Fletcher Unions Website www.rmtunion.org.nz or and also that involving RMTU member Mark from the RMTU National Office by Truscott. contacting Julia on 04-499-2066, fax 04- 471-0896 or [email protected]. LYTTELTON PORT DISPUTE ENDS Nominations shall be in writing using the correct nomination form, contain the WITH UNANIMOUS RATIFICATION signed consent of the candidate, and be OF OLLECTIVE GREEMENTS proposed and seconded by financial C A . members (Rule 1) of the Union. RMTU members who work on the Lyttelton Correctly completed nominations must be waterfront have ratified a new collective received by the National Returning Officer agreement giving them a 7.7% pay increase at the National Office of the Rail & Maritime over three years. Our members in the inland Transport Union, PO Box 1103 Wellington port at Woolston have also ratified a new 6140 no later than 0800 hrs on Friday 20 collective agreement, their first, delivering a MARCH 2015. 2.5% increase over one year and allowing them access to the medical insurance The term of office is 2 years (Rule 24.2) subsidy hitherto only available to members and the duties are as contained in Rule 27 on the waterfront in Lyttelton. of the Union’s Rules and Standing Orders. Nearly 200 members of our members voted For the information of members it is in favour of the new agreements following a advised that the incumbent will be seeking protracted dispute with the port that resulted re-election. in the closure of the container terminal at In the event two or more nominations are night on seven consecutive weekends, as a received a postal ballot will be issued from ban on overtime meant safety critical National Office the week commencing maintenance staff were unavailable. That Monday 30 March 2015. action had caused significant disruption to port customers, including major shipping line Howard Phillips Maersk, and led to ships being diverted away National Returning Officer from Lyttelton. The deals were negotiated in mediation as INAUGURAL WOMENS FORUM the RMTU was about to step up the campaign, having issued eight notices of The Inaugural RMTU Women’s Forum is consecutive 24 hour full stoppages. We had being held in Wellington 21/22 April 2015 also planned to take our message to

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Christchurch City Council, the 100% owner  good faith of the port, via demonstrations and other  the collective bargaining framework direct action, if mediation failed. (including strikes and lockouts) The agreements represented a big shift  Employment Relations Authority (the from the employer’s previous position that Authority) only offered a 3% increase over 23 months for waterfront members and nothing at all In short they are all negative in impact to for the inland port. All increases are fully the RMTU and its members. backdated. In addition LPC have agreed to set up workplace forums to allow us to PORTS FORUM engage on departmental and port wide issues during the currency of the collective The Union’s Ports Forum is being held in agreements, instead of leaving such Wellington 9 & 10 June 2015. Port Branch matters to bargaining. This was part of one Secretaries are asked to formalise their of our key claims and is a model our rail representation and to advise numbers of members will be familiar with. attendee’s to National Office via [email protected] as soon as possible to "We're really pleased about the workplace assist with Venue and Accommodation forums. We see it as an opportunity to planning. develop the relationship with the port, and we see this as a new chapter of industrial The national Union will bear the cost of 1 rep relations with LPC," said RMTU Lyttelton from each port branch to the Forum. Port Branch President Andy Kelly. Additional participants are at the branch expense. The Branch wishes to thank all RMTU members who sent messages of support Suggestions for agenda items are and to acknowledge the backing of the encouraged from branches, please Christchurch Rail branch that turned out in forward to [email protected]. numbers at meetings to underline their solidarity with their comrades at the port. REPORT IT! ERA CHANGES 6 MARCH 2015 Disgraced American President Richard Nixon put it this way in the aftermath of the The Employment Relations Amendment Act Watergate scandal: ‘it’s not the crime, it’s 2014 will come into effect on 6 March 2015. the cover up’ and we agree. The changes aim to: Nixon resigned after his attempts to conceal  create and uphold an employment his involvement in a dirty tricks campaign relations framework that increases against his Democratic party opponents led flexibility and choice to the collapse of his presidency. What  ensure a balance of fairness between destroyed public confidence in him was the employees and employers fact he attempted to cover up his crimes.  reduce regulation where needed and Failing to report an incident at work hardly decrease compliance costs, in seems on a par with the leader of the so particular for small and medium-sized called ‘Free World’ trying to hide his enterprises (SMEs) involvement in criminal activity, but if it means management lose “trust and  ensure that businesses that value confidence” in you it can lead to some very employee rights can continue to grow. serious consequences – like losing your job. Changes target the following six main There was an incident before Christmas that areas: two of our KiwiRail members failed to report.  flexible working arrangements A train was damaged and the damage wasn’t discovered until some weeks later. An  rest and meal break rules expensive and time consuming investigation  Part 6A (continuity of employment isolated the time and place of the incident for specified employees) and so our two members found themselves

27/02/15 3 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist facing an allegation of serious misconduct. “We cannot get wealthier as a country by What management were most concerned selling houses to each other and milk to one about was the failure to report. market. It’s very difficult for your union to defend “Not only has National increased the reliance you if you make a mistake but then don’t on dairy products, the figures today show report it. On the whole, unless you’ve been the 30 per cent fall in value of those exports recklessly and deliberately negligent, we was accompanied by an almost three per can in most cases mount a strong cent rise in volume of dairy exports. argument that you should keep your job if Productivity is going out the window. you make a mistake and report it. The task “National campaigned on economic of defending you is far harder if you try and management and cherry-picked statistics to cover up the mistake and get caught out paper over the cracks. It’s time doing so. Especially if what you are and Bill English were straight with Kiwis: the covering up could have exposed other economy is extremely fragile. workers to additional job risk. “ needs a long term plan to Last week there was another incident in the deliver sustainable and diverse export South Island and our members immediately growth. National says it has one – this is yet reported it. The conversations we’ve been another issue they aren’t telling the full truth having with management are very different to the public,” says Grant Robertson. this time. We appreciate that it’s embarrassing if you VACANCY – RESIDENT mess things up but it’s better to be embarrassed than to potentially lose your CUSTODIAN, QUEENSTOWN – livelihood. Your ‘peers and Union delegates won’t judge you – we’ve all made mistakes NZR WELFARE TRUST – so seek advice and if in doubt – report it! The position of Resident Custodian at the Trust’s Queenstown complex will shortly NATIONAL NOT BEING STRAIGHT become vacant – Kathleen and Ross Owens have decided to relinquish the position. ABOUT THE ECONOMY Kathleen and Ross have done a great job at Queenstown. Many members have John Key and Bill English need to be appreciated their friendly and professional straight with New Zealanders about the service and we all wish them well in their damage their failure to diversify the new ventures. economy is doing, after new figures show export growth plunged due to a collapse in The Custodian is the Trust’s representative dairy exports, says Grant Robertson. at Queenstown and liaises with members staying at the complex. The appointee will “Dairy exports fell over 30 per cent be expected to manage and maintain the compared to January last year, dragging facility and undertake minor maintenance total export value down by over nine per work. A list of responsibilities is available cent. This is a blow to a nation that relies upon request to the Trust Office. The on increasing export values to grow the Custodian is required to live on site and a economy, create jobs and boost wages. two-bedroom unit is available to the “National has promised for 7 years to lift appointee. exports from 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae GDP. The latest drop in exports confirms and covering letter to the Trust’s Office by the trend that exports are now under 30 Friday, 6 March 2015. per cent of GDP. National’s economic policies have failed in this crucial area. EW WNER OLL ETWORKS “This is driving a low-value economy which N O – T N leads directly to low wages and bad jobs. Australian owned Toll Holdings has recommended shareholders accept a $6.5bn takeover offer from Japan Post to create one of the world’s largest logistics companies.

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The Japanese behemoth, a state-owned “The right for a worker to safely withdraw global postal and logistics player, their labour is fundamental to ensuring fair unexpectedly offered $9.04 a share for Toll, and decent work standards,” says CTU a 49% premium to the company’s share Secretary, Sam Huggard. “I think most Kiwi price. businesses respect their employees and I do not think they would support Business New Under the proposal, the Melbourne-based Zealand’s attack on employee’s human rights transport logistics giant will be run as a in other countries.” division within Japan Post but will keep its Toll branding, Business New Zealand has been part of a transnational campaign to obstruct the ILO Toll Group’s chairman, Ray Horsburgh, hearing the worst cases of human rights recommended the offer to shareholders. abuse against workers, holding the process A shareholder meeting to vote on the offer to ransom until governments and unions will be held in May, with the deal also concede that the right to strike shouldn’t be requiring approval from the treasurer, Joe protected by ILO Conventions. Hockey, under Australia’s foreign “There are many countries where workers investment laws. who take strike action find themselves Toll has a global network spanning road, imprisoned, persecuted and even killed,” air, sea and rail routes, with significant says Huggard. “Brave workers from countries operations in Asia, making it attractive to like Colombia and Guatemala have travelled Japan Post as it looks to expand its global to the ILO to be heard, only to return home operations. denied a chance to speak and exposed to even greater risk of persecution when they In New Zealand Toll operates a number of get back.” companies, including Toll Networks Ltd, where the RMTU has members across the CTU has raised its concerns with Business country. We will be watching event s as New Zealand directly. Now, as Business New they unfold. Our view is this takeover bid Zealand prepares to travel to the ILO in represents a further example of the trend Geneva at the end of February, the CTU has towards consolidation of supply chain set up an online tool so members of the companies – more evidence that unions public can email 20 of Business New need to operate across the supply chain Zealand’s largest members, make them and work together with our brothers and aware of what Business New Zealand has sisters overseas, an approach the RMTU been doing in their name and ask them to has taken for a long time now. tell Business New Zealand to stop. Already more than 20,000 email messages BUSINESS NEW ZEALAND have been sent. TARNISH THIS COUNTRY’S “Business New Zealand has been deeply involved in the strategy. All New Zealanders REPUTATION ATTACKING HUMAN – employers and employees – will want to RIGHTS stop our proud international reputation being tarnished further.” As part of the global day of action in defence of workers’ right to strike, the CTU The CTU’s online tool is available at called on Business New Zealand to stop www.union.org.nz/our-right-to-strike. campaigning to undermine basic human The CTU’s action coincides with activity rights when it represents New Zealand at around the world on the 18th of February, the International Labour Organisation including events in South Korea, Argentina, (ILO). Switzerland, Colombia, Israel, France, Business New Zealand is part of a Latvia, Albania, Slovakia, Morocco, Thailand, campaign by international business lobbies Bangladesh, Botswana, Ecuador, Cambodia, to see the right to strike removed from Pakistan, Philippines, Paraguay, Indonesia, international labour law. Canada, Hong Kong and Turkey.

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FOUR YEAR DELAY FOR “We are seeking the following actions from the select committee; firstly that this Select PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE TO Committee conducts an inquiry into the effects of this proposed agreement before it HEAR TPPA CONCERNS is signed and too late for all practical and The CTU and fifteen other organisations political purposes to change. But secondly, have finally, four years on, had the such an inquiry must be informed by the opportunity to present orally to the Foreign detail of the agreement. Informed public Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee debate is also impossible without that detail. select committee regarding serious That is why we are calling for the concerns workers, health professionals, Government to publish online all documents development groups, digital innovators, and to ensure that other information relating environmentalists and many others have to the process is freely available to all civil about the Trans Pacific Partnership society before the deal is signed.” Kelly said. Agreement (TPPA). “The TPPA negotiations are now matter of CTU President Helen Kelly commented on extreme urgency if the New Zealand public is the delay “We are at a loss to understand to have an informed say in one of the most why there was a four year delay our important international treaties this country petition, signed by the CTU and 15 other has ever contemplated.” Kelly said. organisations , but much has happened since that makes the matters workers are NEW D&A RECOMMENDATIONS concerned about even more urgent.” The Transport Accident Investigation “TPPA negotiations have reached a critical Commission (TAIC) has issued four point. Trade Ministers from all the countries recommendations to curb drug and alcohol will be meeting in March to make the use in the transport sector and says it will decisions that could well finalise the keep a watching brief on the issue each year agreement. There are still many until regulators respond. TAIC’s new Watch controversial and important issues that List publication also highlights its concerns in negotiators have not been able to agree on two other areas: it wants to see operators of because each country has too much at aircraft, boats and ships making more use of stake. There is extreme pressure on them locator and tracking devices, and it wants a to complete the negotiations. We need to licensing system for recreational boating make sure they don’t make a deal we will skippers so they can demonstrate an all regret in years to come.” understanding of safe boating. “Over the past four years public concern TAIC says that whilst the MOT supports zero about the TPPA has risen sharply and has tolerance of operator impairment the become widespread throughout the arrangements made by operators within the community. Much public concern has transport sector are uneven and are not centred on the secrecy surrounding the adequate to manage the risk. They go on to negotiations. In no other area of say that in 10 years to the start of 2014, government would a legislator or minister TAIC has investigated eight rail, maritime or ask people to “just trust us” over aviation incidents in which a safety critical something so crucially important, that person has tested positive; 41 people died in could affect the daily life of every New the incidents. Zealander, that contains policies which elections could be won and lost over. TAIC says regulators and operators need a Significantly; once ratified, it is almost set of measures to prevent substance impossible to reverse. It is more like a impairment in people who perform safety constitution than ordinary legislation, but critical tasks in the aviation, rail and the process for information, consultation maritime sectors including recreational and debate is medieval compared to the boating. Their conclusion is that “the risk of way this Committee routinely deals with performance impairing substances legislation.” Kelly said. contributing to further transport accidents and incidents will remain unacceptably high

27/02/15 6 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist until the regulatory environment deals wish to exercise their rights and participate properly with this safety issue”. in the decision making aspects of the Union they should ensure they inform National WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY – 28 Office of any change of address or contact details as soon as possible. This includes APRIL any change of designation or employer. International Workers Memorial Day is 28 Branch Secretaries hold “update of April 2015. The day is about remembering membership forms” that you can post or fax those workers, especially RMTU members, in or alternatively for immediate action who have been killed whilst at work. members are reminded to utilise the update of membership details link on our website In 2015 the theme for the day is "removing www.rmtunion.org.nz. exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace" Hazardous substances are found For example – All national Union elected in almost every workplace in NZ and many positions are up for election this year and so workers have no protection against the there may be votes conducted by mail. If we possible effects, despite the fact that tens have the incorrect address info you will not of thousands of workers have their health get a vote as you will never receive a voting destroyed by asthma, dermatitis, lung paper. Update now! disorders and cancers because of exposures. COMPANY DIRECTOR SENTENCED All Branches are asked to commence formal TO HOME DETENTION FOR arrangements for services at memorial sites. SAFETY FAILINGS All members are requested to attend a The Director of a house-moving company memorial service organised near them. has been sentenced to four months home detention, and his company fined $60,000, As usual we ask all members to stop after a house he was transporting brought what they are doing at midday to down a power line. The power line was left “Mourn the dead – Fight for the living” live on the side of the road, killing six lambs, and to think about how important five ewes and two sheep dogs. The shepherd personal safety is to us all and the narrowly avoided being electrocuted in the importance of going home safe at the incident. end of our days’ work. Arthur Britton’s company, As usual we will be Britton Housemovers Limited, requesting Rail employers was sentenced today in the to approve all train and Hastings District Court on other operations stopping th charges under the Electricity at midday on the 28 for 1 Act 1992, and Health and minute. Safety in Employment Act. Please advise us of all On 18 December 2013, the services to be held on the company was moving a day? house under Britton’s RMTU MEMBERSHIP direction along Herbertville Road in Herbertville. The house crashed into DATABASE UPDATES the power line which then snapped and fell onto the roof of the house. An employee The RMTU membership database is an used a wooden stick to move the power line important tool in contacting Union Members into a roadside ditch. or ensuring members are kept up to date with the latest information. We are Several sheep walked into the ditch and concerned at the number of “unknown” or were electrocuted. Two sheep dogs then ran “return to sender” envelopes returned to after the sheep and they were also National Office as part of this year’s officer electrocuted. The shepherd reached out to elections. We remind members that if you grab the dead sheep but was pulled back at

27/02/15 7 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist the last moment by the farmer, narrowly are keen to hear if this has happened to you. avoiding electrocution. Please contact your delegate or RMTU Organiser. The house-moving convoy moved on, but the farmer and the shepherd chased after the convoy and told them what had FORESTRY PRIVATE happened. Following a verbal dispute, a ROSECUTION PDATE Britton Housemovers employee returned to P U the scene to put cones down. Even after The NZCTU’s first private prosecution for the this argument, no Britton Housemovers death of a forestry worker has been set down employee called the appropriate authorities for 5 days in Rotorua in July. This case – they were called by the farmer. relates to the death of 19 yr old Eramiha “Electricity is unforgiving. Leaving a live Eruera Pairama who was killed by a falling line on the side of the road and not tree in a forest near Taneatua in Jan 2013. notifying anyone is unacceptable - the No fixture dates have been set for the shepherd and others in the vicinity could second prosecution relating to the death of have been killed,” says Brett Murray, Charles Finlay when he was crushed by a log General Manager High Hazards and near Tokoroa in July 2013 or the third Specialist Services. prosection relating to the death of Wayne “This company was involved in a similar McMurtrie who was struck by a tree he was incident three years ago. There is no felling in the Houpoto Forest in June 2012. excuse for their behaviour and they were very lucky that the farmer’s quick thinking KIWIRAIL'S $12 MILLION stopped a possible death. ASBESTOS BILL “Britton and his company did so many things wrong in this incident. Home KiwiRail says the sidelining of 40 of its detention and a large fine sends a clear locomotives last year because of an asbestos message to others. It is also worth problem cost it about $12 million. considering the consequences for this KiwiRail removed the freight locomotives company if there had been a death.” from service after the manufacturer confirmed the highly toxic material had been LWOP – PUBLIC HOLIDAYS sprayed on metal sheeting in the engine (KR) room. Its chief executive, Peter Reidy, said KiwiRail A strange interpretation from KiwiRail’s pay also reached a confidential settlement with office is, in our opinion, disadvantaging the manufacturer of the trains. members that take leave without pay over a period that includes public holidays. The "It's a mixture of lost revenue during the pay office is stating that because the period, which was at the end of our peak member did not intend to work then they season. Secondly, the cost of refurbishing are not entitled to be paid for the Public the vehicles," he said. Holiday. "And, we had to do that - when Iain Hill, and The RMTU/KR Collective Agreement I met with our Chinese partners, we have a provides for payment or an alternative day confidential settlement with them and we're in most situations whether it was going to quite comfortable with the outcome in terms be a working day or not, this of course is in of where we are today." addition to what is provided for in the The RMTU is gobsmacked at this outcome. Holidays Act. So in summary we have situation where Putting that aside, in a situation where a even after the confidential settlement it has member is on paid leave in a period that cost KiwiRail $12m in balance sheet cost, includes public holidays, they too have no plus the fact they were built in China caused intention to work the public holidays but the closure of a workshop, plus we still have they are paid for them with no leave the gen 2 DL’s to be cycled through Hutt debited. We will be working on this one and Shops to have the asbestos removed. Where

27/02/15 8 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist is the accountability? Who has lost their job about 65 per cent in 1978 to 57 per cent by in senior management over this issue? In 2010. "This is an important part of the story our view the workers as always will pay the of growth in income inequality in New cost as that $12m will have to be recovered Zealand. from somewhere and so there is your The fall in the labour income share is well accountability. known and has been happening in most countries around the world. However it was ZERO HOURS MUST STOP particularly strong in New Zealand," said CTU Economist Bill Rosenberg. He said the New Zealand unions are calling attention to Commission's work is important in that it the spread of "zero hour contracts," where finds that a large part of the fall in the workers have to be available for work, but labour share of income was due to the high have no hours guaranteed, particularly in unemployment, the introduction of the the fast food industry. Employment Contracts act in the early 1990s Unite Union National director Mike Treen, and other factors that "led to a loss of for example, reports that zero hour bargaining power for employees." contracts are now the norm in the industry. Labour's spokesperson on Labour Issues Iain "McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Lees-Galloway agreed that "good labour laws Burger King, Wendy's - all of the contracts mean everyone gets their share of a stronger have no minimum hours, and so people can economy." be - and are - rostered anywhere from three to 40 hours a week, or sometimes 60 hours a week, and it depends a lot on how HOUSE MARKET STILL STRONG you get on with your manager," he recently So far this year, agents in have told the news media. been reporting that the demand for housing According to First Union, zero hour is still strong. There are more buyers than contracts are beginning to creep into the houses available. Auckland is experiencing retail, finance and transport sectors. "This strong immigration growth from three is happening even in some of our well- sources. There is internal immigration from known stores and supermarkets in the provincial New Zealand and cities such as country and a zero hour contract means Wellington. There are those people returning that you are at the whim of that employer," from travelling and working overseas and of said General secretary Robert Reid. course new immigrants. We suspect that even more New Zealanders would like to The Council of Trades Union has warned return, if the exchange rate was more that the contracts can be illegal in certain favourable. circumstances, but few make it to court. "It's a big step for workers to take their Gone are the days, when those returning casual contract to court and say 'hey, I New Zealanders, received a nice windfall on don't think this is fair.' " So they're very their overseas savings. Other factors are unusual, and they're not classified as zero driving the market, including the lack of hours contracts under case law because supply of both dwellings and land suitable that's a new term," said CTU lawyer Jeff for building. This will continue certainly for Sissons. the rest of this year and maybe into next year as well. TOTAL INCOME SHARE INTEREST RATES DECLINES Over the past few months many countries Workers' share of total income has declined have reported low or in some cases negative since the late 1970s, while real wages have inflation rates. This is due to sluggish not kept up with productivity gains, growth, low interest rates and a substantial according to a recent study by the drop in oil prices. New Zealand is Productivity Commission. The study "Who experiencing its lowest inflation rates since benefits from productivity growth" found the 1950s. that labour's share of total income fell from

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Our nearest neighbour is probably in rights have been decimated, insecure work recession and has begun cutting wholesale arrangements have become widespread and interest rates. That puts us in a difficult unfettered migration has been allowed to position, as interest rates are higher here flood low paid, low skill work areas. What than in Australia and it is pushing our Government is clearly saying today is – currency up. It is almost at parity. If expect more of this.” Australia cuts its rates again, which they “The Government’s own press release probably will, our currency may appreciate wrongly suggests higher minimum wages in further. This is hurting our exporters to NZ will cost jobs when a large body of Australia. This is serious, as that country is research suggests this is a false link, but our second largest export market. regardless its own statement that a rate of Rationally our Reserve Bank should be $15.50 would cost 5000 jobs suggests they starting to cut our interest rates but should have at least moved to this rate. believes that may add more fuel to the Last year 22,000 foreign student visas and already overheated Auckland property 15,000 working holiday visas were issued market. At least all this is positive for those with all of these workers being able to take with mortgages - interest rates will not be low paid jobs in this country. If a small increasing this year. reduction in these numbers meant real relief in wages for the low paid, this should INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY happen immediately.” SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2015 “Yesterday new figures were released for a living wage, with the rate identified at International Women’s Day is recognised, $19.25. The mean-spirited increase celebrated and supported by thousands of announced today means thousands of hard organisations and individuals across the working families facing another year of world. For the ITF family it is about helping struggling to make ends meet. The economy to secure rights for women, and raise their can afford higher pay increases. From the visibility and participation in the union bottom of the recession in 2009 to 2013, movement. productivity rose 10.1% but real wages rose It’s an opportunity for unions all over the only 1.5%. Workers are due a big catch-up.” world - men and women - to stand together, support their female members TIME FOR GOVT TO GET ON and address the issues facing women transport industry workers in every sector. BOARD CITY RAIL LINK Today’s announcement that construction MINIMUM WAGE NOW THE work on the City Rail Link will begin this year AXIMUM AGE OR is a further sign that the Government needs M W F to get on board with immediate funding, the THOUSANDS Green Party said today. “The announcement today of a fifty cent “While today’s construction announcement is per hour increase for the thousands of a positive step, if the Government continues workers now completely reliant on it as the to delay funding the people of Auckland will pay setting mechanism shows a disrespect be waiting another decade for decent train for the families of this country,” says CTU services,” said Green Party Transport President Helen Kelly. spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The increase comes in on 1 April, and will “Auckland rail patronage has grown 20 barely cover the loss of the two ten minute percent in the year to January 2015, with tea breaks that occurs on 6 March across over a quarter of a million more monthly NZ workplaces. That means people could be train boardings than the same time last working 4.3% longer in an 8 hour day for year, well ahead of ’s 4.9 the same pay.” percent growth target. “Over 300,000 workers are now on or near “We need more frequent trains to the minimum wage as collective bargaining accommodate this growth but the rail system

27/02/15 10 www.rmtunion.org.nz The Activist can’t handle more trains until the City Rail global union federations and trade union Link is built. organisations worldwide, the basic human right to withdraw your labour could have “More Aucklanders than ever before are been removed. It is down to all of our efforts using trains so construction of the City Rail that the attempt was defeated – and it will Link cannot begin too early. be down to all of us to ensure that it is “The Government’s transport priorities are protected. Even as this victory has been all mixed up. Why would it spend billions won, attacks on the right to strike at on expensive motorways when traffic national level continue. volumes are declining, and delay funding “We will all remain vigilant. We will not rail when rail use is growing?” Ms Genter surrender this basic guarantee of freedom. said. In particular we will be closely watching the March meeting of the ILO Committee of RIGHT TO STRIKE UPHELD – Freedom of Association, which will be UT EEDS EFENDING studying right to strike cases, including ones B N D submitted by the ITF and its unions.” Following a worldwide trade union ITF president Paddy Crumlin stated “The campaign to defend it, the right to strike right to strike to protect economic and has been re-affirmed at the International industrial access and respect in the Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. workplace is essential. Thanks to the efforts ITF (International Transport Workers’ of good women and men and their trade Federation) general secretary Steve Cotton unions the attempts by neo-liberal explained: “Unions and employers meeting employers to remove it have been defeated. at the ILO have upheld the general right to But there is no guarantee that they won’t try strike. Two critical provisions are again, including at national level.” recognised: the constitutional principle of He concluded: “Those employers who tried the right to strike, as well as the to crush this basic right have seen the jurisprudence on it of the last 60 years.” attempt thrown back in their face. Trade He continued “There is no doubt that unions, with the support of progressive and without the huge mobilisation efforts of the democratic organisations, drew a line in the sand. That line has not been crossed. Today we can pause for a moment to congratulate ourselves on the worldwide mobilisation that made it so – and then ensure that the next attempt is similarly defeated.” For more details see www.right2strike.org

BITS AND BOBS  Matangi 4472 has been repaired and released back into full operating service. This Matangi Unit was the vehicle involved in the May 27, 2014 collision with the stop block at Melling station.

LET’S BE SAFE OUT THERE & REMEMBER......

SAFETY FIRST!

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