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Sydney train chaos: Threat of overtime ban looms over rail commuters

RAIL commuters could soon be in for more pain with rail unions threatening overtime bans should the State government refuse to

Fair Work Commission ruling on Sydney Trains strike

RAIL commuters could soon be in for more pain with rail unions threatening overtime bans should the NSW government refuse to move on its pay offer.

Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, with the unions to meet with the Sydney Trains negotiating team in a bid to break an ­impasse over pay and conditions.

The meeting comes ahead of a major transport rally being organised in Sydney, with frustrated train drivers to join protesters against the West Connex and bus privatisation on February 17.

Under a ruling of the Fair Work Commission, the union is banned from taking protected industrial ­action for six weeks — or until next month.

Commuters could be hit with more delays on trains. Picture: Christian Gilles
Commuters could be hit with more delays on trains. Picture: Christian Gilles

NSW Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) boss Alex Claassens said train drivers stood ready to impose overtime bans at the end of the period should no agreement be reached.

He said the negotiations had ­appeared to make progress but the written documents that followed failed to reflect what had been verbally agreed to.

The key sticking points remain master roster changes and procedures around discipline, while the 2.75 per cent pay rise offer remained unchanged.

“At the end of the six-week ­period, if this is still not resolved, we will go back and put on our badges and impose overtime bans, which we can do,” Mr Claassens said.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-train-chaos-threat-of-overtime-ban-looms-over-rail-commuters/news-story/badae4d6b400451eaebecada3488d3ee