David Elliott signs deal that may end Sydney’s train disruptions

Sydney’s train disruption hell is finally over, with the NSW Government and rail union coming to an agreement late Friday afternoon.

Sydney’s train strike hell is over, with the government and rail union coming to an agreement late on Friday afternoon.

Transport Minister David Elliott appeared at the Fair Work Commission, where a deal was struck with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

The Saturday Telegraph understands the New Intercity Fleet deed will see new trains modified to fix the union’s claimed safety flaws, including allowing train guards to look out onto the platform rather than relying on CCTV cameras.

It has been agreed that the union will withdraw all industrial action.

A small number of matters are expected to go to arbitration, however the union can go forward with a vote on the enterprise agreement.

Transport Minister David Elliott signing the new rail agreement.

The industrial relations war between the government and the rail union has dragged on in earnest since the Sydney rail network was shut down in February.

The rail union refused to operate the new trains until a deed was signed, with the trains left to collect dust in storage.

A statement from the NSW Government later on Friday evening confirmed the train disruptions were over.

It is understood the Premier was involved in the final negotiations.

“Millions of Sydney and NSW rail commuters will now be able to catch a train without being unfairly hit by union disruption, following an agreement between the NSW government and the Combined Rail Unions,” a statement from Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister David Elliott and Employee Relations minister Damien Tudehope said.

“For too long school kids, people going to work and small businesses have had their lives and businesses turned upside down by industrial action by the rail unions.

“Today we have put the people of Sydney first.

“We have now agreed to a Fair Work Commission process which will result in a vote by Combined Rail Unions and an ongoing arbitration process on a small number of outstanding items.

“While these Fair Work Commission processes are underway, the Combined Rail Unions have agreed not to undertake any industrial action.”

RTBU Secretary Alex Claassens confirmed that next week’s planned industrial action had been cancelled.

“We knew that eventually common sense would prevail and the government would come to the table with a commitment to deliver the safe trains and the fair enterprise agreement commuters and workers deserve,” Mr Claassens said.

“There is still more work to be done, but this is a significant step forward in this long-

running dispute.

“This win for workers means there is no need for the industrial action planned for next week.”

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