Train drivers vote in favour of industrial action

TRAIN drivers have officially voted in favour of industrial action if they do not get the pay deal they want. This comes after a horror week of train delays.

TRAIN drivers and other transport workers have officially voted in favour of taking industrial action if they do not get the pay deal they want.

Results from the Sydney and NSW Trains ballot run by the Rail, Tram & Bus Union mean they can strike legally, although no decision has been made as to what industrial action will be taken.

Delegates from the union will be meeting in coming days to determine what will happen next.

The ballot gives the workers the right to strike legally, but they will be required to give the Fair Work Commission 3 or 7 days notice depending what the action is.

This comes after a horror week for commuters, with driver shortages leading to significant delays across the entire network.

From the Sydney Trains workers who voted, more than 90 per cent agreed to distribute union materials and participate in partial work or overtime bans. And 84 per cent voted in favour of a one week or indefinite strike if they do not get the deal they want.

From NSW Trains workers, more than 90 per cent voted in favour of stoppages of up to 72 hours. More than 73 per cent voted for a 1 week or indefinite strike.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the results didn’t guarantee they would go on strike, but added members were “angry” at how they were being treated by the government.

“What this means is that the option to take various forms of protected industrial action is now live, but we are still very hopeful we won’t have to go down that path,” Mr Claasens said. “Industrial action is always a last resort. Management are in a position to avoid that situation, and we’re still very hopeful they’ll come to the table and negotiate a fair and reasonable offer before we get to the point of action.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said he would continue to negotiate in good faith “despite the union bosses demand for a 24 per cent pay rise”.

“I urge the union bosses to put the needs of NSW Trains customers first before unnecessary strike action,” he said.

“The Government will agree to a pay rise for NSW Train drivers in accordance with the wages policy — a policy that applies to teachers, nurses, police and all public sector employees.”

“Again, I want to thank the drivers, customer service personnel and all the staff at NSW Trains, for the dedicated work they do for our customers.”