Sydney Trains drivers could stand to earn almost $200,000 as their union threatens industrial action on New Year’s Eve if their demands are not met.
The Railway, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has refused to give in to its demands for a 32 percent pay increase over four years for its members.
The union has threatened industrial action over the next two weeks and has refused to end strikes on New Year’s Eve after failing to reach an agreement despite lengthy negotiations with the Minns government.
In addition to canceling shifts, workers are also refusing to unclog toilets or wash off graffiti as part of their industrial action.
The pay increase would see Sydney Trains’ average total driver package receive $198,764 in the fourth year of the deal, according to government documents seen by The Daily Telegraph.
The documents explained that the expected salary figures would also include charges, allowances and pensions.
According to Transport for NSW, the average salary of a Sydney Trains driver is $128,196, including overtime and allowances.
However, the RTBU claims the basic salary of a train driver is a paltry $78,388 – almost $50,000 less than Transport for NSW’s estimate.
The Railway, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has refused to give in to its demands for a 32 percent pay increase over four years for its members
It comes as more than 580 services were canceled this weekend following the Federal Court’s decision to issue an interim injunction blocking industrial action.
Union officials are also refusing to back out of the New Year’s Eve industrial action, which has led to Sydneysiders canceling their city accommodation and other bookings.
The threat has infuriated hospitality groups such as Merivale and Luna Park, with both companies filing complaints with the Fair Work Commission in an attempt to stop the strikes.
‘Luna Park Sydney [is] extremely concerned about the timing of the industrial action brought by the RTBU,” John Hughes, general manager of Luna Park Sydney, said in a statement.
‘We remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved quickly so that people can go into Christmas with certainty about their New Year’s Eve appointments.’
“We fully respect the rights of workers and unions to ensure fair standards, but believe the timing of this action and the potential impact on Sydneysiders and visitors to the city are short-sighted.”
Businesses and restaurants could take a big hit if the planned disruptions go ahead, as venues often rely on foot traffic during the festive season and one of Sydney’s biggest nights of the year.
Businesses could face a massive loss of revenue of up to $78 million on New Year’s Eve if two-thirds of revelers stayed home, Business NSW estimates.
Commuters have been warned to brace for cancellations and delays as strike action continues across the network
Business NSW also estimated a loss of up to $59 million if the New Year’s Eve crowd was half as large as normal.
The Minns Government has also made an application to the Fair Work Commission (which will appear in court on Christmas Eve) in an attempt to have the bans lifted.
Trains will run slowly from Saturday as part of the industrial action, with drivers moving 14mph slower than normal.
RTBU members have also refused to repair broken or clogged toilets at stations and on trains from New Year’s Eve.
Workers will not clean or remove the graffiti and have also pledged not to address lost property.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen explained that the proposed clean-up strikes would mean some trains would not meet the minimum requirements to operate.
“If these industrial action goes ahead it will mean fewer trains on our tracks and more canceled services and delays for passengers,” Ms Haylen said.
Negotiations between the government and the union collapsed last week, prompting the stern warning from NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb over the celebration.
Ms Webb made it clear she would recommend canceling the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the Sydney Harbor Bridge if the planned strikes go ahead.
‘If trains are not available and people cannot leave the city, I am very concerned about the risk posed to the public as families cannot get home and become stuck in the city. with no way out,” she said on Friday.
RTBU State Secretary Toby Warnes responded later the same day, blaming the government for the entire situation.
“If the fireworks are cancelled, it is entirely the government’s responsibility,” he said.
More than 250,000 people are expected to rely on public transport for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with around 3,200 services typically running every five minutes to get people in and out of the city safely.
New Year’s Eve is the busiest day for the rail network as millions of people make their way through Sydney Harbor and the city for fireworks and other celebrations.