Hillside staff preparing for redundancy will receive a
Christmas bonus of sorts, following an industry-wide pay
increase for the country's 2500-odd rail workers.
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) yesterday
ratified a two-year deal, which included a base pay increase
of 1.2% in the first year and 2% in the secondyear.
It was backdated to June 30, which meant even redundant
Hillside workers who had already left the South Dunedin
workshops would benefit.
RMTU South Island organiser John Kerr said the backdated pay
should be given to workers before Christmas.
In the case of most Hillside staff, it would increase their
redundancy packages ''substantially'', he said.
''It will make a big difference.''
KiwiRail said it would pay redundant Hillside workers until
the end of January and then provide redundancy packages.
rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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