Petition Presentation To Parliament.

“TAKE BACK THE TRACK”

On Wednesday 17 October 2001 the Rail & Maritime Transport Union will present a petition to Parliament calling upon the NZ Government to negotiate the return of the New Zealand rail network back into public ownership.

Members of the Union and of communities throughout NZ have rallied to the call for help in filling the petition and in support of the Union’s campaign and this will be their day.

NZ’s rail infrastructure is a national asset and therefore it is entirely appropriate and desireable for the Government to step in an return the entire rail network back into public control. Since Tranz Rail Ltd’s announcements of sale and outsourcing of all facets of the rail operation it has become clear that some current rail lines are under threat of closure. A background paper is available on the Union’s website under HOT TOPICS http://www.rmtunion.org.nz/

The presentation ceremony will start at 1-45pm and will entail speeches from a representative of the Council of Trade Unions, Parliamentarians as well as from the General Secretary of the Rail & Maritime Transport Union. (Bring an umbrella as it will run wet or fine).

This is to be followed by a spectacular event whereby a track gang will actually build a rail track which will lead to Parliament steps. After the track is laid the petitions will be trolleyed along the track and presented to Government.

There will also be a “choir” of Rail workers performing a song on the day.

You are invited;

When: Wednesday 17 October.
Time: 1-45pm

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