New Zealand’s rail union says it will be taking strike action against KiwiRail following a nationwide ballot of its members.
It will be the first full national stoppage of the rail system in New Zealand since 1994.
A date for the strike action is yet to be confirmed, however it will affect all rail operations in New Zealand including Interislander ferries and Auckland and Wellington metro systems.
The results of a nationwide postal ballot of KiwiRail workers saw a majority vote for strike action to pursue a general wage increase of 8% after no increases in 2020.
Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) general secretary Wayne Butson says the decision was not taken lightly but was a reflection of the strongly held views of rail workers.
“Rail workers have kept the country rolling throughout the pandemic, and as essential workers they want to see recognition of their service.”
He says rising living costs are reflected in the latest inflation measures and in the ongoing rise in housing and accommodation costs.
Butson says the 8% increase would provide a flat rate universal increase for all members, with an 8% increase being applied to the gross payroll of all members then distributed equally amongst all members.
He says this would provide a fair and equal universal increase to members pay.
Butson says the union’s relationship with KiwiRail has become difficult, with a very high turnover in senior management creating problems.
The results of the nationwide postal ballot saw 1420 (94.41%) vote in favour of strike action and 81 (5.39%) voting against.
“We know how important rail transport is to the freight logistics supply chain and to Auckland and Wellington commuters, and have not taken this action lightly,” Butson says.
‘Settlement can be reached’
KiwiRail deputy chief executive Todd Moyle heads the organisation’s negotiations with the union and says he’s disappointed in the strike ballot outcome.
“In a year in which Covid has already caused so much harm to so many New Zealand families and businesses, the last thing the public wants or needs is a disruptive strike by the RMTU.
“It would halt Interislander ferries just as families prepare for summer holidays, and would further disrupt the supply chain which is already under strain.”
The next round of negotiations between the RMTU and KiwiRail is taking place today (November 16).
“KiwiRail will continue bargaining in good faith to try to reach a settlement and we call on the RMTU to do the same, without resorting to strike action.
“We have proposed several offers that are fair and reasonable in the current environment, and all have been rejected by the union which is demanding an 8% increase this year.
“However, we firmly believe a settlement can be reached and we are working towards achieving that,” Moyle says.
