Union pay dispute could force further delay to Sydney Metro opening

It’s been eight days since the $21 billion Sydney Metro was meant to open, and there’s no sign of any movement. And now it’s been dealt another blow.

Commuters waiting to use Sydney’s gleaming new Metro could be dealt another blow with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) threatening to send the $21.6 billion project into further shambles over a pay dispute.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that ETU members working at Alstom Transport are voting on whether to go on strike, in a move which could further delay the new Metro opening.

Members have been asked to vote on almost 20 different work bans, including an “unlimited number” of 24 hour strikes.

Alstom maintains the Sydney Metro’s fleet. Industrial action from the ETU could impact maintenance of, and safety checks on, rolling stock.

The proposed industrial action was set out in Fair Work Commission documents.

A ballot of members is open until Friday. If a majority of members vote in favour of the action, the union will be able to undertake protected industrial action after giving notice.

It is understood that any strikes could start as early as August 22.

Other potential actions include a ban on overtime, a ban on the use of technology including testing equipment, and an “unlimited number of indefinite and/or periodic bans on the use of keys (including locks for doors, vehicles, personal isolation locks and electronic swipe)”.

ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks said the action could create a further delay on the new Sydney Metro line opening.

“ETU members are highly skilled and have worked hard on this project for the last five years, but they are currently being offered a pay cut in real terms by Alstom,” he said.

“Workers at Alstom have no choice but to take protected industrial action in their fight for a wage offer that keeps up with the cost of living.”

All quiet at the new Crows Nest Metro station. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Last minute work being done. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“If Alstom doesn’t pull its head out of the sand and make a better offer, its stubbornness could delay the opening of the new Sydney Metro line.”

ETU members are seeking an eight per cent pay rise each year for three years, and improved conditions.

Alstom has offered a 10.5 per cent pay rise over three years.

An Alstom spokesman said the company had “operational contingencies” in place to “minimise any service delays” should industrial action occurs.

“The parties are continuing to progress their negotiations in good faith, and Alstom has proposed competitive, fair and reasonable terms and conditions,” he said.

The potential ETU action is a further headache for the Sydney Metro which was delayed in part due to separate work bans imposed by the Fire Brigade Employees Union.

On Tuesday morning when asked if the Metro would be open in a few days, NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “It’s not too far away”.

He claimed any potential industrial action by the ETU would not affect the new railway line’s opening date.

“We’ve got a target date we want to announce soon … all of the checks by the NSW government have been completed, we’ve handed it to the national regulator who has to make the decision, so we’re hopeful that’s within days,” Mr Minns told 2GB.

In a statement, Sydney Metro said the project “will open soon”.

“Passengers will be informed of the opening date when it is determined.”