A UNION representing public servants at Dubbo has called on its members to turn out in droves as it goes head-to-head with the government about changed working conditions.
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The union yesterday claimed the Dubbo economy would lose $2 million if the government's proposals were successful and the private sector would feel the pinch.
Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said public service growth had outstripped population and economic growth by more than 20 per cent and the changes were necessary to sustain the economy.
A Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) representative was in the city yesterday to meet with members ahead of a stop work meeting scheduled for October 8.
PSA acting regional organiser for the central west Cassandra Coleman said prison officers, Roads and Maritime Services employees, police support staff and other workers the union represented had asked for action.
She said the removal of the 17.5 per cent leave loading equated to a loss of $1000 to each public servant.
The organiser claimed that, with up to 2000 public servants in Dubbo, the cuts equated to a $2 million loss to the city's economy.
"That's less haircuts, less cappuccinos and less beers bought at pubs," Ms Coleman said.
Dubbo-based PSA central council delegate Peter McGlynn said he was fielding a lot of inquiries from colleagues.
"The way they get excellent workers for the public service is the conditions that are offered," he said.
"I'm worried not only for public sector workers ... big business will want to make similar cuts."
Ms Coleman laid down a challenge for Mr Grant.
"I want to know what your local MP is going to do about the loss of $2 million from the economy and the pain that will cause families," she said. When Ms Coleman was asked if the two opposing sides could compromise, she said the government did not consult the PSA, a claim Mr Grant refuted.
"Potential award savings identified as part of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) negotiations are subject to agreement being reached between the government and the PSA, which serves to further undermine the PSA's argument that there has been little consultation," Mr Grant said.
The MP said he supported any government move that would serve the best interests of the entire Dubbo electorate even if a section of the community refused to believe the measures were necessary to sustain the economy.
"Public servants cannot be quarantined from addressing the need to protect the state's AAA credit rating," he said.
"We do not have the luxury of spending more than we earn nor is that a legacy I wish the children of this state to inherit."
faye.wheeler@ruralpress.com