Rail union leaders are striving to reverse a ruling that halted industrial action on Sydney’s train network, potentially causing further upheaval for commuters. In February, the Fair Work Commission decided to suspend such actions until July, aiming to facilitate ongoing pay negotiations. However, the union is now urging the Commission to revoke this suspension, thereby reinstating their right to strike.
RTBU Secretary Toby Warnes stated that since the Commission’s order, the government has become less responsive, with negotiations stalled and the union feeling further away from a resolution. He indicated that while the Transport Minister reached out, there has been no concrete communication for direct negotiations.
The current agreement prevents disruptions until July 1, intended to promote dialogue as discussions regarding pay continue. The New South Wales government is proposing a 15 per cent salary increase over four years, while the union is demanding a 32 per cent enhancement for the same period. Premier Chris Minns expressed his concerns about the union’s request, stating that the lifting of the suspension could lead to chaos on the railways, adversely affecting millions of commuters trying to commute for work or other commitments.
The government has until the next week to respond to the union’s request regarding the suspension of industrial action, with the potential for renewed strikes looming if a consensus isn’t reached.