RTBU response to misinformation in today’s media

Media statement from RTBU NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens:

There is reporting in some media outlets today suggesting that the actions of rail workers are purely political. This could not be further from the truth.

Rail workers have been fighting against the unsafe New Intercity Fleet for over six years and we will continue to fight, no matter who is in government, until we are confident the safety of commuters will not be put at risk by the fleet.

The idea that refusing to operate trains that we know put the lives of our children and other commuters at risk could ever be considered a political play is simply ridiculous.

There is also misinformation circulating in some media outlets relating to rail workers’ wages. The following is an overview of the wages of some rail workers’ roles, as outlined clearly in the enterprise agreement:

Station Staff (CSA2) – $61,867 pa.

Driver Thereafter – $82,212 pa.

Guard Thereafter – $72,085 pa.

Infrastructure Track Worker – $62,142.60 pa

Cleaner – $52,624 pa

While the RTBU is proud of the fact that we have helped workers negotiate decent wages and conditions over many years, the reality is the wages of our frontline rail workers are nothing when compared to the wages of the Ministers and Transport bureaucrats.

In fact, the head of Sydney Trains earns in one month what station staff on our network earn in a year.

It’s disappointing that misinformation is getting in the way of delivering what the people of NSW deserve – safe trains.

For further information on the safety issues with the New Intercity Fleet and the history of the NIF situation go to www.ourrightsourfight.com.au