Visit the 
Visit the Successful action last Wednesday and meeting with the Ministers
Dear members,
Following from the successful industrial action taken on Wednesday by members along the Illawarra and South Coast lines, we met with Employment Relations Minister, Damian Tudehope and, for the first time, Regional Transport Minister, Sam Farraway on Thursday evening. Also present were the Acting Secretary for Transport, and the Sydney Trains Chief Executive.
In what can only be described as a product of the continued spiral by this Government out of control, there was widespread confusion about where bargaining was up to, and who was responsible for the almost total shutdown of the Illawarra and South Coast lines on Wednesday. It was as if the right hand was not speaking to the left. We again pressed the Government on who was actually calling the shots. Nobody in the room put their hand up. We can only assume it’s Premier Dominic Perrottet who despite repeated requests, is still refusing to meet with us.
During discussions about our ongoing safety concerns regarding the New Intercity Fleet, the Ministers committed to review a deed to lock in the safety alterations we require. We have heard this before and wait with bated breath to see what it says. Remember that under no circumstances will we allow the Government to force us to pay for its transport stuff-up out of our pay and conditions.
During the meeting, we also expressed our outrage about the backtracked 18 previously agreed claims – including some which were agreed over 12 months ago! When we put them on the spot about these backdowns, we were once again told simply that “well this is the Government’s position”.
The Government was informed that their failure to agree to our outstanding claims and reinstate the claims it had backtracked on meant that all protected industrial action planned for August is going ahead as planned. Plans are also in motion to continue action into September.
We called for an immediate recommencement of bargaining meetings to continue the process and allow for progress to be made toward an enterprise agreement. In the meantime, our actions continue with Strike Action Area 2 walking off the job next Wednesday between 10am and 4pm.
Remember you can find the full calendar of actions at: www.ourrightsourfight.com.au/
In Unity,
RTBU NSW
Issued & authorised by Alex Claassens, Secretary, Rail, Tram and Bus Union – NSW Branch
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 92642511
nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au
12 August 2022