The NSW Government acknowledges the Federal Court’s decision today to dismiss the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s application for an urgent hearing on the legality of the proposed union action to deactivate Opal card readers at rail station gates.
The Federal Court has proposed hearing dates for February or March 2023.
It is entirely unnecessary for the union to be in this position. The Government’s priority is allowing rail workers to access a fair and reasonable increase in pay and conditions by taking its offer to a vote. This offer has been negotiated with representatives of six unions during the course of 64 bargaining meetings held over more than 12 months, equating to 50,000 hours and 6,250 business days.
Once again, the NSW Government urges the rail unions to agree to put the proposed Enterprise Agreement package, including the $1.1 billion modifications to the New Intercity Fleet, bonuses for workers for accepting overtime and a one-off payment of $3,185, to a vote of its members to ensure rail workers benefit from the increased pay and generous allowances before Christmas.