Image: Wikimedia Commons
All inner-Sydney light rail lines will continue to be disrupted this week as unions amp up their industrial action over pay and conditions.
The Dulwich Hill, Randwick and Kingsford services will grind to a halt during peak hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm.
The workers are fighting transport operator Transdev for more sick days and a wage increase in line with the rising cost of living.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is seeking a 23 per cent pay increase and 5 days extra sick leave. Transdev has offered 18 per cent in wage increases and one extra day of sick leave.
David Babineau from RTBU said, “Four years ago that may have been OK but in the last four years, we have seen every single commodity from energy to food to petrol and rent has increased significantly.”
“For a company that made over $9bn turnover last financial year, we don’t think it’s too much of an imposition.”
Light rail workers were also using up their 10 sick days every year, the union secretary said.
“It’s not only just when they’re sick, but if they’re drivers or network controllers on a very tight roster, people use sick days when they’re just too fatigued to do their job safely.”
Transdev Sydney Managing Director Arsene Durand-Raucher described the industrial action during peak hours as “very disappointing”, and urged customers to plan ahead.
“We will have as many personnel as possible on the ground to help manage the disruptions. Testing activities for Parramatta Light Rail will continue.”
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