A communal sigh of relief was let out by the commuters of Sydney yesterday (Thursday, January 16) evening, when the Fair Work Commission announced that the rail union’s latest round of industrial action was being put on pause. At this point, the Fair Work Commission has prevented any further industrial action until next Wednesday (January 22) – meaning your weekend journeys should be smooth sailing.
So can the Fair Work Commission just stop people from striking? In short, yes. The Fair Work Commission is responsible for supporting industrial action in the state, but following the government’s call for an interim pause to the RTBU’s industrial action (so that Sydney’s transport system could get back on its feet for the next few days), the Fair Work Commission temporarily revoked its approval on the RTBU’s industrial action (because it's PT is an essential service). If a union goes against the Commission's order, they and workers would get fined.
Train delays and cancellations have been plaguing Sydney’s rail network for months, as the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has been navigating ongoing negotiations with the NSW Government for improved pay and working conditions. This Tuesday (January 14) Transport Minister Jo Haylen addressed union workers with an updated offer of a 13 per cent pay rise over the next four years.
Transport for NSW says they have also offered improved conditions for workers, however, industrial action began again on Wednesday morning, and the next stop was transport chaos. Hundreds of trains were cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday, with buses and light rail services filled to the brim. Mother Nature then weighed in – Wednesday evening’s wild storm didn’t help, with 100 kilometre-per-hour winds causing damage and obstruction to train lines (and people's shoes and umbrellas) across the city.
Now, though, it looks like industrial action will be on hold until a hearing is due to take place next Wednesday. At the hearing, Transport for NSW and the Fair Work Commission will seek to come to an agreement with the RTBU, but we’re not holding our breath. In the meantime, enjoy the strike-free train travel across Sydney while you can, and we’ll keep you posted.
You can learn more about the RTBU's current industrial action via their website, and you can stay up to date and plan your trip around the city over here.