South Island regional organiser for Rail and Maritime transport, John Kerr spoke on behalf of the union, to Metronews about the lack of communication given to employees about their redundancies.
The timing was unfortunate, to say the least, which has made people very upset.
“It would’ve been helpful if the chair of Dunedin Railways Kevin Winders, had given the CEO the opportunity to inform their members before he spoke to the media because it is never good to read something like this in the media before you’re told by your employer.”
Winders told Otago Daily Times and Stuff, this morning, Dunedin Railways would be closing, which would result in the loss of fifty one jobs.
Dunedin Railways is yet another company which has had to close due to the damages COVID-19 has caused New Zealand’s tourism industry.
Kerr said for the former employees, it is potentially devasting for them as they have worked there for decades and it is a job many of them are very passionate about.
“Regardless of the loss of income, it has cut people to the core and shook people’s sense of purpose.”