Latest news with #FionaMansell
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
KiwiRail weighs 70 job cuts as Aratere ferry retirement looms
The Aratere ferry in the Tory Channel, near Picton. Photo: L C Mortensen CCBY-SA 4 The Maritime Union said KiwiRail is proposing to cut 70 of its members' jobs as it pulls the Aratere ferry out of service. The Interislander's only rail-enabled ship will be retired by the end of August to make way for the construction of new port infrastructure in Picton. Two new rail-enabled ferries are not due to arrive until 2029. Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said an employment consultation process was underway. "We will not be commenting on that at this time. Our people have been offered support during this process," he said. "Crewing levels are based on the vessels and the proposed reduction in roles aligns to the shift from three to two ferries." The Maritime Union said the 70 proposed job cuts were in the Aratere's deck and catering departments. Interislander Aratere ferry grounded near Picton on 21 June 2024. Photo: Supplied / Renee Horncastle Further job losses were anticipated for officers and engineers who were members of other unions, it said. Union Wellington branch secretary Fiona Mansell said the announcement was a massive letdown for the crew who had worked hard and delivered on the ageing ferry fleet. "This decision rips the heart out of our maritime workforce, leaving dedicated workers and their families facing an uncertain future. It's a betrayal of the people who keep our country connected," she said. She said the job losses would be a significant blow to New Zealand's seafaring workforce and have a devastating impact on its maritime resilience. "No thought has been given to what KiwiRail will do when it requires more crew for its new vessels in the future," Mansell said. KiwiRail said the pending retirement of Aratere was happening to make Picton's wharf available for redevelopment in time for the arrival of new ships in 2029. "It is no way a reflection of the work of the hard-working crews on our ferries," Roy said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Union Condemns Government's Attack On Pay Equity And Women Workers
Press Release – Maritime Union of New Zealand Maritime Union National Assistant Secretary Fiona Mansell says the Government's proposed changes to the pay equity framework will wreck decades of progress, undermine fairness and equality in the workplace, and harm women in historically undervalued occupations. The Maritime Union of New Zealand has condemned the Government's attacks on hard-won pay equity legislation, describing these as a direct assault on the rights and economic well-being of women and all working New Zealanders. Maritime Union National Assistant Secretary Fiona Mansell says the Government's proposed changes to the pay equity framework will wreck decades of progress, undermine fairness and equality in the workplace, and harm women in historically undervalued occupations. 'The proposals completely undermine the principle that women deserve equal pay for work of equal value,' says Ms Mansell. 'For years, unions have fought tirelessly to establish and strengthen pay equity laws. Weakening pay equity laws will entrench poverty and make it harder for working families to get by.' Ms Mansell says pay equity is a critical component of addressing the gender pay gap and ensuring economic justice. The Maritime Union of New Zealand stands in solidarity with women workers and is working with other unions across the country who have voiced strong opposition to the Government's backward stance. 'Given the serious implications for women's rights, workers' rights, and economic fairness, MUNZ believes Workplace Relations Minister Van Velden's position has become untenable.' She says the Maritime Union was calling for Minister Van Velden's immediate resignation. The Maritime Union of New Zealand will continue fighting alongside the wider union movement and women workers to protect and advance pay equity.
