Train chaos: ‘Don’t come to work on Monday’ January 29 big banks advise workers
BIG banks are among Sydney businesses telling employees to work from home on Monday, January 29 to avoid the rail strike chaos that is forecast to cost more than $100 million.
NSW
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BIG banks are among Sydney businesses telling employees to work from home on Monday, January 29 to avoid the rail strike chaos that is forecast to cost more than $100 million.
As the union and Transport for NSW bosses yesterday failed to reach an agreement — despite more than four hours locked in “intensive negotiations” — the corporate world was making survival plans.
Some companies were already arranging uber and taxi vouchers for workers, or telling them stay at home.
Monday’s strike is expected to cause major road congestion for those workers who do seek alternative transport to the office, while they are also being warned to expect longer queues for their coffee or at the bank due to a lack of staff.
Childcare centres are also preparing to cop a hit by rostering extra workers on and dropping late fees in anticipation of parents getting struck in traffic.
In the CBD, some cafes plan to shut down completely for the day.
ANZ and Westpac will both encourage employees to work from home.
“ANZ will make sure staff members are not left out of pocket for any additional transport-related expenses they may incur on Monday,” a spokesman said.
“We have flexible work options available for those who can use them, such as working from home, or working from a different work location.”
It is understood ANZ’s line managers have already started talking to employees about staying home.
Westpac was “closely monitoring developments” and would “finalise plans as things become clearer”, a spokesman said. “Westpac has well-established flexible working arrangements, including working from home which will assist many staff if they are unable to make it to the workplace or if doing so would disrupt family or carer’s responsibilities,” he said.
NAB and CBA did not respond to inquiries.
Financial comparison group Finder will encourage its 116 Sydney office staff to work from home.
Childcare Alliance treasurer Karthika Viknarasah, the director of two long daycare services, said centres would roster extra staff.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult for us because we’ll also have to worry about how our staff get to work and pick up their own children,” she said. “I expect parents will be late but we won’t be charging them extra because it’s not their fault. We’re going to have to cop those costs ourselves.”
Yesterday, Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the train strike was “still on the table” after a meeting with Transport for NSW bosses ran for more than four hours.
Unions NSW boss Mark Morey said the situation should have “never got” to this stage and unions would keep negotiating over the weekend.
They will meet with Transport Minister Andrew Constance tomorrow.