NSW train workers make gains after strike
Commuters have narrowly avoided being hit by further industrial action on the NSW rail network after the transport department agreed to a period of intensive bargaining, the workers' union says.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says Transport for NSW, NSW Trains and Sydney Trains agreed late on Friday evening to send senior management figures to the negotiations.
In response, workers have postponed plans to halt overtime for two weeks, hold a series of one-hour stop works on Monday, and carry out two-week ban on foreign depot working.
It comes after Sydney's trains were beset by delays and cancellations when workers took industrial action last Wednesday.
The strike meant only about 30 per cent of services ran.
Union secretary Alex Claassens described it as the first meaningful engagement in the bargaining process since the enterprise agreement in May.
"It's disappointing that it took rail workers taking industrial action to force management to the table, but this is a significant step in the right direction," Mr Claassens said.
"Rail workers have no wish to inconvenience the public. It's regretful that it took serious network disruptions to get to this point, but the truth is industrial action is the only reason senior management are now talking to us."
Central to the dispute is the workers' demand for higher pay.
Asked about the strike last week, Premier Dominic Perrottet said the government's pay offer was "fair and reasonable" especially when so many have lost work during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
"Transport workers, just like other public sector workers such as our nurses, emergency workers, aged care staff, and police officers, have carried us in these difficult times," said Mr Claassens.
"At a bare minimum, our public sector workers should be paid fairly and respected for the work they do."
A 'go slow' industrial action is still planned for Friday.
The union has also put an indefinite ban on working with the new Intercity Fleet - which it describes as unsafe.
AAP has contacted Transport for NSW for comment.
