The recently proposed Sydney Rail Strike initially scheduled to occur from between 10pm on Thursday 21 November 2024 (later pushed back to commence at 4:15am on Friday 22 November 2024, to accommodate for the ‘Pearl Jam Concert’) till mid-morning on Sunday 24 November 2024, was ultimately cancelled.
This follows ongoing ‘wage negotiations’ between the NSW Government and Rail, Tram and Bus Union (hereafter ‘RTBU’), with the industrial dispute scheduled to be resolved within a two-week deadline.
Although the majority of commuters have been relieved by this announcement, various business leaders have expressed their concerns and uncertainty over potential future disruptions, which may catalyse substantial economic impacts.
The Deal:
The train strikes were averted following crisis talks between the RTBU and the Government (namely NSW Premier, Chris Minns, Transport Minister, Jo Haylen, and RTBU Secretary, Toby Warnes) lifting ‘109 planned work bans’ from Thursday 21 November 2024 till Thursday 5 December 2024.
Though commuters were able to catch trains until Sunday 24 November 2024 as per usual, the Metro underwent scheduled maintenance from Saturday 23 November 2024 to Sunday 24 November 2024, running only from Tallawong to Chatswood.
No major shutdown transpired, and limited 24-hour trains services were run across the pertinent period, per RTBU demands (in exchange for lifting the work bans).
Ongoing Wage Negotiations:
The postponed industrial action was initially raised following disagreements between the RTBU and NSW Government over wage increases for rail workers.
The parties’ positions are as follows:
- NSW Government
- Proposing wage increases (for 14,000 rail workers) of 9.5% over 3 years, namely 3.5% in the first year, 3% in the second year and 3% in the third year.
- RBTU
- Demanding wage increases of 32% over 4 years (8% increase each year).
- Reducing work hours for rail workers.
- Ensuring trains run for 24 hours on the weekend.
A new ‘Enterprise Agreement’ (pay deal) is being drafted across the following 2 weeks of intensive bargaining between the RTBU and Labor Government.
Though finer details are still being determined, the RBTU has raised the prospect of pursuing ‘a mechanism [to] increase the percentage pay rise [for rail workers] … in the new Enterprise Agreement through identifying and abolishing waste throughout… rail agencies and… the Transport bureaucracy… in line with the Labor Government’s policy [for]… pay rises [to]… be linked to “productivity gains.”’
Summary:
Ultimately, it remains currently unclear whether the relief provided to commuters and businesses will be momentary or permanent.
However, should disruptions continue post these ongoing negotiations, the potential economic implications will be accentuated over the critical Christmas business period.
If you or someone you know wish to discuss this issue further, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 8999 9809.