(File image). Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
Auckland commuters can expect more disruption to train services after maintenance workers announced they have also joined strike action.
The rail network has already been under pressure from strikes by some Auckland One Rail staff, which has reduced services at peak times.
Now, workers from CAF, the organisation that maintains Auckland's trains, has told Auckland Transport (AT) that they would stop working overtime and there would be a partial withdrawal of labour.
They would also only be doing scheduled checks on trains and not any other repairs or breakdown related work.
AT's rail franchise manager Craig Inger said he was disappointed that discussions between CAF and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union of New Zealand had broken down and a resolution had not been reached.
"We are very mindful of the impacts that this will have on our customers, and we expect services will begin to be impacted from next week.
"We need our trains to be safe and well maintained, and this industrial action may mean that some trains might not be able to operate," he said.
"Safety is an absolute priority, and if trains cannot be repaired, we won't be able to use them for services. This means we might see more cancellations.
Inger encouraged both parties to find a resolution as quickly as possible.
"Aucklanders have been very patient with ongoing rail disruption, and we appreciate this will be frustrating news, especially given there is already industrial action impacting customers," he said.