Maitland Jobs In Rail Firing Line

Maitland rail 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 130 jobs in the region would hang in the balance under plans to turn rural lines into a cash cow for the Federal Parliament.

Amongst Upper Hunter Rail Towns: Maitland risk 95 job losses, with a further 40 in Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone.

Combined Rail Unions will hold a 'Keep Our Railway Together' campaign at Maitland Park - Devonshire St, Maitland - at noon on Friday November 15.

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 East Maitland Bowling Club at 5.00pm

NSW Labor Council assistant deputy secretary Michael Gadiel 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."

Hunter 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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