
The NSW Nationals has launched a petition to stop the Minns Labor Government from axing the state’s only regional rail service provider along with more than 100 jobs.
The decision is part of the latest wage offer made to the Rail Tram & Bus Union (RTBU) and would provide an additional one per cent increase to Sydney train drivers.
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson said there’s no clarity around what impact the merging of NSW Trains and Sydney Trains will have on the community, who rely on these services for essential travel.
“This offer will mean direct job losses, and it will be non-union members and people in the regions who will be targeted, not union members in the city,” Mrs Thompson said.
“These workers are going home to their families not knowing if they will still have a job, so we need as many people as possible to sign this petition, to let the Government know this is simply not acceptable.
“Our residents deserve certainty and stability like everybody else. They deserve the right to be able to put food on the table and to not have their livelihoods taken away as collateral damage.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said the Premier and his Ministers have completely lost control of the negotiations, and the regions shouldn’t have to pay the price.
“Our rail network operates very differently than what happens in the city and NSW Trains plays an important role in ensuring it runs smoothly,” Mr Layzell said.
“Labor created this industrial chaos and getting rid of yet another dedicated regional department and dozens of jobs is not the way to solve things.
“I also want to know where the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads is in all of this, and why she isn’t standing up for the jobs of regional workers like she should be.”
To sign the petition visit: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=sHmpWVItvtXZjnDlsLvB3w