Commuters faced major disruptions this morning as the RTBU announced it would only be using 4th generation trains, reducing its rail capacity by 75%. Up to 1100 bus drivers are striking across several key Sydney routes.
The final day of August’s actions are the last in a month of continued disruptions to Sydney’s transport network as transport workers push for safe working conditions and fair pay.
RTBU not backing down
The RTBU states that they continue to fight for several claims that have “yet to have been resolved by government”. These claims include improvements to cleaning, infrastructure, safety and pay, which the union say are “the reasons we continue to take industrial actions”.
Alex Claassens, RTBU NSW Secretary said in a media release earlier in the month that further action could have been avoided if an agreement was reached during previous negotiations.
“If there was a signed agreement six weeks ago, we could have avoided the back-and-forth negotiations with a revolving door of Ministers” Claassens said.
Bus drivers striking today are organised by two different unions, and will be on strike between 4am and 7am, and 2:30pm and 5:30pm.
