NSW Govt offer rail workers package plus bribe to ignore NIF safety issues

Media release, 24 June: The NSW Government has tonight put an offer to rail workers, which includes a bribe to operate the unsafe New Intercity Fleet.

In a late night meeting with the Combined Rail Unions, the NSW Government said it would agree to a large number of workers claims, but not the changes workers say are necessary to ensure the safety of the New InterCity Fleet. Instead, it will offer up a monetary payment for workers to ignore the safety concerns.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Secretary, Alex Claassens, said that while it is great that a large number of rail worker claims have been agreed to, the NSW Government’s attempt to essentially bribe workers into operating an unsafe train is disgraceful.

“This has always been about safety for us,” Mr Claassens

“The government is essentially trying to bribe workers into operating a train that we know is not safe for commuters or workers.

“It’s beyond disappointing that the NSW Government is continuing to play political games at the expense of workers and commuters.

“Rail workers have acted in good faith throughout this whole saga. All we want is for the government to deliver on the basic safety issues that we’ve been talking about for years.

Mr Claassens said the industrial action planned for this week will continue as planned at this stage.

“We’ve asked the NSW Government to put its offer to us in writing and then will we put it to our members. It’s always up to the membership to call the shots, but if the government thinks rail workers will put safety aside for the sake of a few bucks, I think they’re going to be bitterly disappointed.

“Rail safety is not a game for us, but it seems like it is for some Ministers within the NSW Government.”