Rail unions have continued to walk back ongoing industrial action following the NSW Government’s application to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to suspend or terminate industrial action.
Following the NSW Government’s application to the Fair Work Commission to suspend or terminate industrial action it is pleasing that rail unions have lifted a significant number of bans during the course of proceedings, including cancellation of the following actions:
Ban on cleaning trains, station platforms and station facilities (allowing the cleaning of lifts, toilets, and other hazardous waste;
Electrical work on the construction of the Sydney City and Southwest Metro;
On operating Millennium and B Set Trains.
A ban on Transpositions (suspended until at least 11 July 2022);
A ban on station cleaners performing work away from their home depot or station;
A ban on the manner in which work is performed in the form of a ban on performing high voltage switching duties and/or 1500 volt switching duties;
A ban on the manner in which work is performed in the form of a ban on issuing power out permits to contractors; and
A limitation on the manner in which work is performed in the form of a ban on duties related to the facilitation of work on a Sydney Metro project.
The NSW Government remains concerned that continued industrial action will adversely impact the community and projects that will deliver benefits to the community and calls for all rail unions to cease industrial action while we continue negotiations.
Acting Minister for Transport and Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government will continue to work with the unions to secure the best agreement for workers and called on leaders to cease protected industrial action which directly impacts the community.
“By the union’s own admission taking action in the Fair Work Commission was the only way the Government could force the unions to listen and keep our rail network operating with 60 per cent of the bans imposed by the unions now withdrawn,” Mrs Ward.
“We have a world-class train network, and the only reason it isn’t providing world-class services is because the unions are playing politics. The people of NSW deserve better.”
“This is a step in the right direction, especially at a time when NSW is battling natural disasters. The people of NSW want us focused on supporting those most in need, and delivering world-class transport services, and we expect union leadership to do the right thing and consider the impact of ongoing industrial action on the community.”
Mrs Ward said the unions have received a signed letter of commitment from the NSW Government for reconfigurations to the safety regulator approved New Intercity Fleet trains and urged the unions to withdraw all remaining action and continue negotiations to resolve this dispute.
“I want to thank the community and public transport customers for their patience – we know that more disruption is the last thing anyone needs. It is incumbent upon the unions must come to the table and come to a reasonable compromise,” Mrs Ward said.
“The NSW Government will continue to take all necessary steps to back the people and businesses of NSW and put an end to rail disruption.”