• Full Story

Rail workers to picket Chinese wagons

Print

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 8:36a.m.

KiwiRail is looking to scrap 70 jobs (NZPA)

KiwiRail is looking to scrap 70 jobs (NZPA)

Unions aren't giving up on hopes that KiwiRail will reverse its decision to award a lucrative construction contract to a Chinese firm.

A proposal to make 300 container flat top wagons offshore could result in the loss of 70 jobs in Dunedin and Lower Hutt.

KiwiRail is spending $29 million on buying the Chinese-made wagons, rather than spending an extra $7m building them locally, and is axing the jobs so a smaller workforce can maintain its stock.

Yesterday, more than 1000 people marched in central Dunedin in support of 40 Hillside workers whose jobs are in jeopardy.

Rail workers plan to picket the arrival of Chinese made wagons expected in Tauranga on Thursday.

RadioLIVE

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

10 Jul 2011 02:38p.m.

Phil wrote:

Well Alien,what will it cost the government to pay them a Benefit?This government is not creating employment,it is encouraging unemployment,look at how many government jobs have been lost since they have been in power this term!

10 Jul 2011 11:29a.m.

Alien wrote:

time the unions realized that kiwi rail is a struggling business that the government should never of brought back. It does not have the extra $7 million needed. if you keep doing this you will see it struggle more and far more laid off.