Rail Carve Up Threatens Newcastle Jobs

The Hunter Coal Network looms as one of the casualties of by the Howard Government to take over the state’s rural rail track and contract out track maintenance, unions have warned.

Under the deal, the Hunter Coal Network would be handed over to the federal government in a bid to turn it into a cash cow for Canberra. More than 100 workers would be affected by the change.

Combined Rail Unions will launch the 'Keep Our Railway Together' campaign in Newcastle on Monday, November 11 with a rally on the Shortland Lawn, Newcastle Harbour at 11.30am.

Speakers at the rally include: NSW Labor Council secretary John Robertson, Newcastle Trades Hall Council secretary Gary Kennedy, Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Nick Lewocki, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union branch secretary Gerry Mohan and Newcastle MLA Bryce Gaudry.

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 Newcastle Trades Hall at 1.15pm.

NSW Labor Council secretary John Robertson warned 1500 rural jobs, many in the Hunter region, 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," Mr Robertson said.

"Where this has been tried overseas the results have been disastrous - with massive job losses and decreased safety leading to rail fatalities."

Newcastle workers have established a Campaign Committee 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," Mr Robertson said.

For more details call John Robertson on 9286 1623 or 0407 457838 or Peter Lewis on 0413 873285

For more details see our campaign page at :www.labor.net.au/campaigns/saveourrail

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