Distributor blockade

istributor blockade

Minister for Illawarra David Campbell on York Road Woonona the future path of the Northern Distributor.

By Paul Fahy

ANGRY Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) workers could resort to blockades or work bans if the State Government proceeds with plans to contract out work for the Northern Distributor extension.

Representatives for RTA employees hope to meet with NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal before the end of the week. The employees are furious that they have been excluded from working on the $80 million road extension.

Australian Workers Union assistant branch secretary Wayne Phillips said workers would recommence industrial action if the minister failed to act on their concerns.

"We have no other option we are fighting for our jobs, fighting for our survival," Mr Phillips told the Northern Leader on Tuesday.

Mr Phillips said industrial action could include a blockade of the Northern Distributor.

"Anything and everything is available to us and we will use whatever is necessary to be heard," he said.

Union representatives have been trying to secure an audience with Mr Roozendaal for over four months.

Their efforts escalated last week after the government announced tenders would be called for the Distributor project on August 28.

RTA workers held a stop-work meeting outside their Bellambi depot on Friday.