Union strike action to affect Busways services in western Sydney on Monday morning

STUDENTS using Busways services on several routes in western Sydney will have to make alternate arrangements to attend their schools on Monday due to strike action by the Transport Workers Union.

Drivers, belonging to the TWU, will be on strike at Busways depots in western Sydney on Monday, August 29. Picture: Kristi Miller

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STUDENTS using Busways services on several routes in western Sydney will have to make alternate arrangements to attend their schools on Monday due to strike action by the Transport Workers Union.

This follows the earlier strike on Friday, August 19 as part of the union’s ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations.

The action, which also affects the Central Coast depots, will impact several local schools with the strike action scheduled from 5am-9am.

Busways said 330 schools will be affected by the strike action.

“Regrettably there will be disruptions to route and school services during the stoppage and buses will not be operating to timetable,” a Busways spokesman said.

“School and route services in the morning will be affected.

“Parents and customers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements for Monday morning.

“Given that the stop work action will be undertaken during a peak transit time affecting commuters and more importantly schoolchildren, Busways initiated proceedings yesterday (Thursday) with the Fair Work Commission for an order to suspend the industrial action on public welfare and safety grounds.

Several T75 Busway buses, which service Rouse Hill Anglican College, have also been late or no shows.

“However, the Fair Work Commission declined to make an order to suspend the industrial action.”

The Busways spokesman said all 330 schools affected by the strike action have been notified of the disruptions and they are making arrangements to replace the striking drivers.

“Busways staff will be available at key interchanges to assist customers with information and flyers will be distributed to all passengers travelling on our services from Friday morning,” the spokesman said.

“In addition, arrangements are being made to cover as many absent drivers as possible.

“Busways apologises for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and appreciates the community’s understanding as we continue to work with the Transport Workers Union to resolve these issues.”

Commuters are advised to visit the transportnsw.info for updates or phone 131 500.