Rail action today: workers forced to take action

Media release, 28 Sept: Commuters should prepare for delays on the rail networks today, as rail workers are forced to take protected industrial action in response to an attack on safety and conditions and complete disrespect from the NSW Government.

Workers at Sydney and NSW Trains will stop work between 9am and 1pm today (Tuesday 28 September).

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens said workers at Sydney and NSW Trains have been forced to take the protected industrial action following the NSW Government’s refusal to come to the table with a fair new enterprise agreement – in fact, they’re refusing to come to the negotiating table at all.

“No one from senior management, nor the Transport Minister, have even bothered to meet with us at all throughout the negotiations,” Mr Claassens said.

“NSW Trains and Sydney Trains senior management have not once met with their employees to discuss their combined claims. Saying we’ve been forced to take industrial action is not an exaggeration.

“All we’re asking for is a clean, safe and efficient transport system to work in and to be paid fairly for the work we’re doing. At the moment, the NSW Government is refusing to even send someone to the negotiating table to discuss our concerns.”

Among the issues of concern for workers are cuts to cleaning jobs, which would see a decrease in cleaning standards – a huge risk in the current environment, and the introduction of the dangerous New InterCity Fleet.

“We have chosen our actions in an attempt to minimise the disruption to essential workers using our public transport networks, but there will no doubt be delays. No one wants to have to take action, but the government has forced us into this position.

“All we’re asking for is respect, and for safety and security for workers and the travelling public.  We can’t sit back and let the government put workers and the community at risk.”