Speakers are lining up to support
the Save Hillside jobs campaign at a public rally in the
Octagon today.
Rally organisers are hoping for a big turnout from Dunedin
residents as they campaign against proposed job cuts at
Hillside Engineering, a cornerstone of the city's engineering
industry.
The Save Hillside campaign was launched in response to a
proposal from KiwiRail last month to cut 70 jobs from its
nationwide rail manufacturing and maintenance operation, with
Hillside scheduled to be the hardest hit, losing up to 40
jobs.
KiwiRail bosses are about to begin their final deliberations
to decide which Hillside jobs are likely to go, after a
consultation period with the employees and union delegates
closed yesterday.
"We will consider all information, finalise our decision
based on that input and then advise our people of the
result," chief executive Jim Quinn said.
Dunedin mayor Dave Cull said he would speak out at the rally
against the Hillside job cuts, which are being proposed by
KiwiRail.
The restrictive view being shown by the Government was
contrary to the traditional models of economic development,
he said.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chairman Peter McIntyre said the
loss of 40 jobs would have a multiplier effect on
"downstream" businesses and the South Dunedin community.
Dunedin South Labour MP Clare Curran said it was Government
policy which had dictated KiwiRail's decision.
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