16 October 2022 – The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) welcome the announcement from NSW Labor leader Chris Minns that Labor is committed to building trains, buses, ferries, and trams in NSW.
For over a decade now, the NSW Liberal government has chosen the overseas-made option for every transport infrastructure purchase. This obsession with offshoring has left the state with delayed and unsafe trains, defective ferries, and cracked trams and seen manufacturing workers lose their jobs.
AMWU and RTBU members know that a better way of doing things is possible – local workers making quality public transport infrastructure here in NSW. With this announcement, rail, bus, tram, and ferry workers are hopeful we can rebuild the transport manufacturing industry and skill up a new generation of workers so we can build them here.
Quotes attributable to Cory Wright – State Secretary, AMWU NSW & ACT
“AMWU members can build trains, buses, ferries, and trams. They did it in the ‘80s and ‘90s with the Tangara trains, and they’re doing it now in Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia where state governments have committed to local manufacturing.
“What we see in other states is the necessary support from government for building things locally and investing in skills and training for manufacturing workers. It will take time to rebuild the industry, but we’re keen to work with Labor to make it a reality in NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Alex Claassens – NSW Secretary, RTBU
“Building our vital transport infrastructure here in NSW will go a long way to delivering the quality transport system we all deserve.