The Hunter’s peak union body wants Maitland and the greater Hunter to be considered more in the rail cut debate and has threatened to take action if the government does not postpone the Boxing Day start-work date.
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Newcastle Trades Hall Council representatives have asked to meet with Premier Mike Baird when he is in the Hunter next week to ask him to delay the rail truncation.
Secretary Daniel Wallace said union officials had discussed taking action including a green ban, marching down the rail corridor or stopping the final train from leaving Newcastle station if the government did not listen to the community’s call to delay work.
But he said there were legal barriers that stood in the way of a possible green ban, which would stop workers from participating in the rail cut.
“One thing we’ve learnt is how to box smart. Whatever action we take will not impact the community, but will increase pressure on the government,” he said.
Mr Wallace said the union believed developer Urban Growth and Hunter Development Corporation had too much influence over the decision to cut the heavy rail line at Wickham.
“We believe we’ve got the ability to talk some sense into [Mr Baird],” he said.
“We’ve always been able to talk through issues and that should be how it works for us as a community.”
The government’s claim that a delay to work would cost millions of dollars was an excuse, Mr Wallace said.
“If they aren’t negotiating contracts with little outs in case there are delays, then they need better contracts,” he said.
The union and Hunter Region Concerned Citizens sent a letter to Mr Baird’s office last week.
It accused the government of breaking the region’s tradition of communication, consultation and co-operation that had become known as the Hunter Model.
“The model drives economic activity, as investment decisions can be made on a consistent approach,” the letter noted.
“Our concern is that the NSW government has dissented from this model for some time and that the present value of benefits will not be realised if the community and the workers of the Hunter also dissent from this model.”
The union has 63,000 members across the Hunter and has been instrumental in landmark developments for the city, such as the establishment of the University of Newcastle.