NSW:Sydney rail workers set to go on strike

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2010
NSW:Sydney rail workers set to go on strike

SYDNEY, Aug 4 AAP - Some Sydney rail workers are poised to walk off the job unless
a row over pay and conditions can be resolved at a hearing on Wednesday.

Fair Work Australia is due to hear the case, but union officials say they hold little
hope an agreement can be reached in time to avert the industrial action.

If that's the case, RailCorp administrators and maintenance workers will walk off for
four hours on Thursday.

"If there is no outcome today, then industrial action is definitely going ahead," NSW
Rail, Tram and Bus Unions (RTBU) branch secretary Alex Claassens told AAP.

"Even if there is agreement in principle ... until we see it in writing we will not believe it."

RailCorp workers want a five per cent pay rise and promises that the increase will
not have an impact on staffing levels.

If the talks fail, workers at maintenance depots and workshops in Hornsby, Flemington,
Mortdale and Sydenham will walk off from 10am to 2pm (AEST) on Thursday.

Workers at RailCorp's administration office in Burwood will also walk off the job.

Mr Claassens said the action should have a minimal impact on commuters.

"This is the first action of many, and it has been deliberately designed to minimise
disruption to the public," he said.

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KEYWORD: TRAINS

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