Media release: Sydney light rail workers forced to take protected industrial action

Workers refuse to check tickets; trams to stop for 2hrs Wed morning and afternoon

Light rail workers will refuse to check tickets for 24hours from tomorrow and Sydney’s trams will stop between 8am and 10am and again between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday following Transdev’s refusal to provide light rail workers in Parramatta with the same wages and conditions as other light rail workers in Sydney.

The Tram and Bus Division of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW said after months of negotiations attempting to get workers based in Parramatta paid the same as workers based elsewhere, light rail workers across Sydney have been left with no option but to start taking protected industrial action.

The action will kick off on Tuesday 28 May with workers taking a range of actions including refusing to wear uniforms, refusing to check tickets and drivers ‘going slow’ on every fourth tram.

On Wednesday there will be a complete stop work between 8am and 10am and then again between 4pm and 6pm.

Over 98 percent of the workforce voted to take protected industrial action over pay issues.

RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary, David Babineau said it’s disappointing that the company has forced workers to this point.

“No one wants to have to take industrial action, but we’ve been left with no other option,” Mr Babineau said.

“The company is attempting to pay Western Sydney workers up to $5 an hour an hour less than workers in other areas. At a time when workers across the board are struggling with cost of living pressures, that’s an insult to workers and their families.

“Light rail workers won’t allow their fellow workers in Parramatta to be paid less simply because of where they’re based, nor will we allow workers in other areas to be paid less than they deserve.

“Workers from all areas of Sydney are doing it tough and failing to recognise the financial pressures its workforce is not going to help solve the current impasse.”

Mr Babineau said he is hopeful the company will come to the table quickly so that the action can be stopped.

“We’re hoping common-sense will soon prevail and Transdev bosses will come to the table and deliver equal pay so workers can get back to doing what they do best – moving people around the city.”