Yesterday the Public Service Association (PSA) and Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) confirmed that 23 of the 47 RMS workers in Wagga will lose their jobs. 

Staff were informed of the changes last week in a letter stating their jobs were to be “abolished”. 

It was a slap in the face to many long-serving employees, according to south west regional organiser for PSA/CPSU Michelle Mackintosh. 

“There are people there who have worked there for 37, 38 years,” she said. “There was no thank you – now they’re just a number and told here’s your voluntary redundancy.”

The cuts are across the board including road maintenance staff, administration and business support. 

The union is now encouraging staff to voice their concerns about the reform to the RMS.

Meanwhile, Ms Mackintosh said the union was on the battleground in the hope it can save as many jobs as possible. 

When The Daily Advertiser made inquiries into reports of the job cuts last week, the RMS confirmed it was undergoing organisational reforms aimed “at improving customer service and increasing cost efficiencies.

A statement provided said staff were being kept informed throughout the process. 

“RMS is ensuring services are maintained in regional NSW, and relocating new functions and positions to the South West region as required,” the statement said. 

“RMS has in some cases created new roles and will relocate new functions and positions to the South West region to ensure there is no negative impact on regional employment in the region.

“Where the reforms impact on roles, staff will be able to apply for other roles within the agency, for job swaps or voluntary redundancies.”

The union claims the cuts could come into force by September 27. 

Calls to member for Wagga Daryl Maguire for comment yesterday were not returned.