Media Release – Rail workers vindicated by report into Sydney Trains chaos

Today’s NSW Government report into the Sydney Trains disruptions of January 8 and 9 confirm what rail workers and their Union have been saying all along; that chronic under-staffing and an unsustainable timetable were the key causes of the major rail disruptions which occurred on January 8 and 9.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said he was pleased the NSW Government Report confirmed the Union’s position.

“Today’s report fully vindicates rail workers and the warnings they have been giving the NSW Government for months. We have consistently warned Minister Constance that this unsustainable timetable and chronic under-staffing have left the entire rail network critically vulnerable.”

“We saw just how vulnerable our railway is on January 8 and 9 and today, the Government’s own report proves us right.”

“As confirmed by today’s report, the operation of the new timetable depends on our train crew undertaking an unsustainable amount of overtime. After months of extraordinary pressure, the train crew have told us they’ve had enough.”

“Excessive overtime and overwork has been a key area of conflict during this recent industrial dispute.”

Mr Claassens said that now the report had been completed, it was time for Minister Constance to act.

“Writing a report which describes the problems and suggests solutions is one thing. Actually implementing those recommendations is another.”

“This cannot be a matter of ‘we’ve produced a shiny report, the job is done.’”

“Rail workers, as do commuters want to see action off the back of today’s report. Let’s get on with taking onboard those recommendations, taking action and fixing this rail network.”

“The Union is more than willing to work with Sydney and NSW Trains, if there is effective, regular consultation and a real commitment by the Government and Mr Constance to follow through.”

“Our rail workers love their jobs and they’re committed running an excellent rail network for the people of NSW.”

“Its now time for Andrew Constance and the Government to step up and demonstrate they’re serious about fixing our rail network, for the 1.3 million commuters who rely on it every day.”