Staff who clean Intercity trains held a small protest in Goulburn over the State Government's decision to privatise cleaning services on Intercity trains.
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Three Moss Vale residents and members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW staged the protest outside Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman's office.
Mrs Tuckerman met with them today in her office.
A prior statement from the RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the workers' jobs were at risk as a result of the NSW Government's decision to privatise the cleaning services on intercity train services.
It is a move that could affect 149 jobs statewide.
"The NSW Government is attempting to privatise the cleaning of our intercity trains. That means they're willing to sacrifice the cleanliness of our trains and people's jobs in order to save a buck," Mr Claassens said.
"That means that the jobs of local Moss Vale cleaners are at risk.
"These are people who live in her electorate who are heading into Christmas not knowing whether they'll have a job in the new year.
"We all know that jobs are hard to come by in regional towns like Moss Vale."
The statement from the RTBU said Mrs Tuckerman had refused to meet with the workers.
This claim was refuted by Mrs Tuckerman.
On Friday, Mrs Tuckerman said she would advocate for these local jobs.
"It's important to me as a local member that I have all of the information pertaining to the issue and I will continue to advocate for the security of local and regional jobs," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"On no occasion did I refuse to meet the RTBU, in fact, I was pleased to have a chance to sit down with the union members today and listen to their concerns. They are aware that I have been waiting for information to enable an informative and meaningful discussion."
"They left my office knowing I will advocate maintaining the security of local and regional jobs, and will be happy to have further discussions once specifics are known.
"My office has a timeline of events and correspondence, I have and will continue to liaise with the Minister's office on behalf of my constituents."
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David Cole
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
