Central West Jobs In Rail Firing Line

Central West workers are fighting wholesale job cuts as the Howard Government moves to take over the state’s rural rail track and contract out track maintenance.

More than 120 jobs in the region would hang in the balance under plans to turn rural lines into a cash cow for the Federal Parliament.

Combined Rail Unions will hold 'Keep Our Railway Together' campaign meetings in Bathurst and Orange Monday November 18.

In Bathurst where 100 jobs are at risk, workers will hold a public meeting in Kings Parade at noon. Speakers will include federal MP Peter Andren, State MP Gerard Martin and Deputy Mayor Kath Knowles.

In Orange, where 20 jobs hang in the balance, a public meeting will be held at Robertson Park at 4.00pm.

Unions will also screen 'The Navigators' a movie dramatising the experience of contracting out rail maintenance in British Rail. It will be shown at the Bathurst RSL at 5.00pm and Australian Cinema in Orange at 6.00pm.

NSW Labor Council secretary John Robertson warned 1500 rural jobs around the state would be lost if the take-over went ahead.

"The Australian Rail Track Corporation wants take over the rail tracks, break up the network and force workers to bid against each other to keep their jobs," he said. "Where this has been tried overseas the results have been disastrous - with massive job losses and decreased safety leading to rail fatalities."

Central West rail workers have established a Campaign Committees to fight the changes and are seeking community support through a petition to be delivered to the NSW Premier Bob Carr later this month.

"We are calling on the Premier to reject outright any move to give up control of NSW rail track and commit to a single chain of command controlling this important public asset."

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