Transport workers have issued a warning for general public stating that it will go on a strike for 24 hours on January 29th. There will be a 24-hour stoppage in all transport services from 12:01 am. The decision has been taken to protest against of Sydney and NSW Trains management’s refusal to negotiate a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement with its workforce.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said that they have announced it beforehand so that general public can make alternative transport arrangements for the strike day in advance. He also said that they are highly disappointed with this decision but NSW had left them no other option by not considering the request made. He added that it’s been more than six months that the workers are trying to negotiate a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement.
Talking to the media, he said, “Workers have been trying to negotiate a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement for well over six months now, but the NSW Government and Sydney and NSW Trains management have refused to bargain fairly – not just around pay, but around basic conditions that impact their safety and the safety of commuters.”
The demands of the workers revolve around fair working conditions and wages in return for the hard work done. The terrible way management and the NSW Government are willing to treat its hard-working employees has been laid bare for everyone to see lately. All workers are asking for is fair working conditions and wages in return for the work they do. There’s never an ideal time to take this kind of action, but the reality is, we have to. The Transport Minister and management haven’t left us with any other choice. Workers can’t sit back and let their wages and conditions, and our transport system, be attacked any longer”, said Mr. Claassens.
The RTBU has shown confidence in public to understand the ongoing circumstance because of which the decision has to be taken and that the public will support them. The workers have been putting in long hours to fit into timetables and yet no step is being taken to ensure workers rights and good working environment. Nor is the pay falling under any category of guaranteed fair conditions. RTBU also stated that the members have made it clear that they have had it enough from NSW Transport Minister and not it’s the government’s responsibility to manage the issue and take required steps for correction.
The 24-hour stoppage follows the announcement of two other decisions announced this week, namely – the displaying of union and industrial materials and a ban on overtime.
