NSW govt loses case against rail union
Phoebe Loomes |
The NSW government has lost its bid to halt industrial action on the state’s train networks after a ruling by the industrial umpire.
The state government has had its case against the Rail, Tram and Bus Union dismissed by the Fair Work Commission on Saturday, after earlier in the week losing an initial bid to block the action.
The NSW government and Sydney Trains sought to terminate all industrial action taken by the rail union, arguing it was endangering life and causing economic impacts to the state.
It also called for a decision to be returned within five days.
The commission handed down its full decision on Saturday, dismissing the case by the government in full.
“I find that no part of the protected action of the Unions … would threaten to endanger the life, the personal safety or health, or the welfare, of the population or of part of it, or cause significant damage to the Australian economy,” Fair Work deputy president Bryce Cross wrote.
The union’s NSW secretary Alex Claassens called the battle a waste of taxpayer’s money.
“The NSW Government ran, and lost, a case aimed at stopping protected industrial action that doesn’t even currently exist.”
He said there are no plans to continue industrial action next week, and in recent days has accused the government of overplaying the union’s role in network disruptions.
Mr Claassens said the union remained resolute on securing a government commitment on safety upgrades to a fleet of Korean-built trains.
“We don’t want this circus of the government’s making to continue.
“We need to sit down at the table and get a resolution that delivers safe trains and fair wages and conditions. It’s as simple as that.”
While the government previously offered $264 million to upgrade the overseas-built fleet, it has so far refused union demands for a formal deed confirming the agreement.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the government wanted trains back on the tracks as soon as possible.
“This has been 18 months but enough is enough. I want the trains on the tracks as quickly as possible,” Mr Perrottet said on Friday.
Transport for NSW said industrial action along with COVID-related staff shortages and weather impacts had caused delays to services.
AAP