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  2. Casualisation of Worforce Must Stop

Casualisation of Worforce Must Stop

Media Releases

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has used Questions on Notice and a debate on the school cleaning contract to call on the Government to prevent the casualisation of the state’s workforce and the erosion of pay and conditions.

Last year, thousands of cleaners were left wondering if they would be thrown out of work when the Government announced plans to make cleaners reapply for their jobs at the end of its contract this coming July. After a protracted battle, cleaners won the right to be offered their same role after the contract ends.

Ms Hornery has also used Questions on Notice to ask the Minister for Education about the number of permanent and casual positions that are available for teachers in NSW following a number of complaints from casual teachers who are looking for permanent work.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery

“There is no more important issue for families and communities than providing good, steady jobs.”

“We are living in a time where the workforce is increasingly casualised and for many people, job security has become a thing of the past. The rise of the so-called gig economy means many people are forced to live hand to mouth.”

“How can people be expected to build lives when they’re worried about getting enough work to pay the rent next week?”

“School cleaners have been battling for their jobs every time there is a contract change after they were first contracted out in 1994.”

“The number of jobs available for permanent teachers is decreasing with 2000 less permanent positions available in 2017 compared to 2012. Almost 50 percent of the workforce is casual.”

“It is not unusual to hear of teachers that have been doing this for a decade or more and many leave due to the lack of opportunity and career progression.”

“We cannot continue to treat the workforce like this. We must ensure workers have job security.”

“I call upon this Government to prevent the casualisation of the state’s workforce and the erosion of pay and conditions.”

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