KiwiRail accused of "washing his hair" by the union

The union representing railway workers said KiwiRail is a "green hypocrite" for being engaged in the fight against climate change after scrapping electric locomotives for diesel trains. The Rail and Marine Union said its members "laughed" at KiwiRail by signing an agreement with the 60-member Climate Leaders Coalition

. not to act on a promise to drop the case. A spokesman for Transport Minister Phil Twyford said today that the government would not comment on the issue.

Union Secretary Wayne Butson said the company's declaration on climate change last week was a cynical move. The polygamous marriage of convenience between a group of New Zealand polluters may impress some people, but railway workers are not so easily fooled.

The company plans to replace its current fleet of EF electric locomotives with DL class diesel trains. China, which has similar traction power, promises 30% fuel savings on current diesel locomotives.

Butson said the new diesel locomotives on currently electrified railroads would burn an additional eight million liters of diesel a year, spilling an additional 12,000 tonnes. of carbon dioxide per year in the atmosphere.

In response to union demands, KiwiRail referred to an article by its CEO. Peter Reidy who last week acknowledged that there would be some who would say that KiwiRail "had no right to lead a discussion on climate change" given the decision to replace electric locomotives on a section of the main main line.

& # 39; & # 39; This tiny orphan fleet is not helping us move more freight to rail by simplifying our operations and normalizing our assets. & # 39;

He said that there was also a larger and longer-term image than KiwiRail "

& # 39; & # 39; The energy for this can come from electricity, if we invest in the required infrastructure, or it can come from a brand new source of energy for the rail – l & # 39; 39; hydrogen. & # 39;

KiwiRail claims that electric trains are over 30 years old and that the 15 locomotives in the original fleet of 22 are nearing the end of their service lives.

Electric trains operated only between Hamilton and Palmerston North. The trains had to be connected to diesel locomotives and back after hitting the center of the North Island.

The agreement for the 20 locomotives built in China was worth about $ 75 million.

The union also says it wants the government to live up to pre-election promises to stay with electric trains.

In anticipation of last year's election, Labor had said that it was ordering Kiwirail to maintain an electrified network between Hamilton and Palmerston North and to work on a plan based on evidence. to electrify progressively other important parts of the network.

In an information document addressed to the new government, KiwiRail stated that its board of directors had been informed prior to the election that it would receive a notice of termination and implementation. charge.

In March, the public company had received no instructions.

Mr. Butson stated that union members were unhappy with the government's lack of action

. this government in power with our time, our money and our votes. he said.