Sydney train strike: Large companies tell staff to work from home

COMPANIES are putting in contingency plans to cope as the strike nears that could “shut down a city”.

SYDNEY commuters have been given some stark advice regarding the upcoming rail strike — don’t bother coming to work.

Australia’s biggest banks have advised staff to stay at home or get a cab on Monday, January 29, which the union has pencilled in for Sydney’s first rail walkout this century.

Companies are making preparations for the strike despite talks continuing.

On Friday, Transport Minister Andrew Constance met with unions to try and head off the industrial action which, it’s been estimated, could cost the state more than $100 million.

A Sydney train strike is still due to go ahead on Monday, January 29.

More than 9000 Sydney train workers are due to strike with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) leading the charge for a 6 per cent pay rise each year for four years. The government is holding firm on a 2.5 per cent increase.

Mr Constance, earlier in the week, described the strike as a “silly stunt,” reported AAP.

There are positive signs from the unions and transport bosses following talks earlier this week.

“We probably had the most movement we’ve had in a couple of months today, so everyone is working hard to get it resolved,” Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey said. Nevertheless, the strike remains on the cards.

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens (left) and Secretary of Unions NSW Mark Morey are seen leaving a meeting with Sydney Trains in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/David Moir.

ANZ and Westpac will encourage employees to work from home, reported The Daily Telegraph.

“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.”

Some companies are expected to also supply staff with taxi vouchers and pay for Uber rides.

Following Labor’s criticisms of Mr Constance’s handling of the union negotiations, the Greens have echoed Opposition Leader Luke Foley’s call for NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to talk face-to-face to the RTBU.

State Transport Minister Andrew Constance address the Media in response to the proposed train strike.

Greens NSW MP and Transport spokeswoman, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, said the concerns of train drivers needed to be listened to.

“Transport workers deserve much better than to be scapegoated by this Government for their lack of investment in our trains and required staff,” she said.

“We support transport workers’ right to take industrial action and to strike if that is what it takes to bring this Government into a genuine negotiation.”

Originally published as Sydney train strike: Large companies tell staff to work from home