Metro conversion back on track after breakthrough in negotiations
By Riley Walter
A breakthrough in negotiations has brought an end to a standoff between the Minns government and the rail union, clearing the way for the conversion of the T3 train line for the Southwest Metro.
It means possible delays that would have cost taxpayers $100 million a month are likely to be avoided after the government agreed to additional staffing on the new metro between Sydenham and Bankstown.
A standoff between the Minns government and the rail union is over.Credit: Louise Kennerley
The Rail Tram and Bus Union had asked for the Southwest Metro to be staffed at the same levels as the recently opened City Metro, which has one staff member on every train and platform. The government agreed to the request during talks on Friday.
“We have had very productive conversations, and I am pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that enables both the unions and government to move ahead,” Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.
“We have agreed together to commence an intensive period of bargaining, to accelerate the work on a new enterprise agreement for Sydney Trains and NSW Trains.”
The union told members in an update on Friday night that it had made “massive progress” in negotiations.
“We look forward to having discussions with members over the course of the next few weeks, and finalising a bargain that truly represents the value of the work we perform,” it said.
The development comes after Haylen on Thursday announced train travel would be free over the weekend, in a bid to pressure the union to drop work bans which have disrupted services to sporting events.
Sports fans travelling to AFL and NRL matches at Moore Park on Friday had been warned to expect major disruption to some train lines due to the industrial action before the announcement, which saw the union lift some work bans.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman criticised the government’s handling of the negotiations, saying it was “beholden” to its union masters.
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