Enterprise Agreement Update
30 January 2025
Dear Members,
A quick update on the continued fight for a replacement Enterprise Agreement that properly recognises the hard work of members at Sydney and NSW Trains.
While it may seem like little has changed in the past week, your EA bargaining team continues work on several fronts, ensuring both Trains’ management and the NSW Government know rail workers aren’t going away.
As previously reported, the Combined Rail Unions (CRU) have lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission for good faith bargaining orders – seeking confirmation of what we all know: management isn’t acting in good faith, and their deceitful and capricious behaviour cannot go unchecked. Work on our case is progressing, with submissions due in the next week and a hearing likely in early March.
Next week, your bargaining team will be back for further conciliation before the Fair Work Commission, where we’ll again argue that the millions of dollars wasted on bureaucratic bloat, ill-conceived projects, and illogical business practices would be far better spent on giving rail workers a genuine pay rise.
On the political front, members may have seen some tone-deaf, and frankly stupid, social media statements from overly eager Labor backbenchers attempting to win favour with Minns’ anti-worker agenda. These statements condemned the RTBU and criticised workers for taking protected industrial action in pursuit of fair pay and conditions. In response, the RTBU has formally written to these MPs, demanding they explain and justify their positions – particularly given their supposed Labor values and the considerable support they’ve received from the union movement throughout their political careers. You can view the letter here.
Especially disappointing was the statement from Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart, who, as the RTBU’s training officer, delivered training to hundreds of delegates and activists on the importance of Labor values and the critical role trade unions play in advocating for working people. Unsurprisingly, we have yet to receive a response. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Labor Party has lost its way and forgotten its core purpose, to stand with working people.
Something that may have been missed last week but speaks volumes about Trains’ appalling conduct, in what may be a new low from Transport for NSW, the sub-par offer put to your bargaining delegates was contingent on the RTBU dropping its wage theft case in the Federal Court.
Let’s be clear – Sydney Trains’ actions in docking workers’ wages without following the proper process was illegal. Now, they are trying to buy their way out of the consequences using our enterprise agreement. That alone is slimy and disgraceful, but to pair it with such a substandard offer is downright insulting. There is no deal without these members being made whole financially.
On the industrial action front, bargaining delegates will meet this week to endorse the notification of further action if the Government fails to put forward an acceptable offer.
We are also looking at other, innovative ways, to really put pressure back on the Government. We are in uncharted territory with a Government more aggressive and willing to disrespect rail workers than any before it. Its important that we ensure that each step we take from here on out is considered, strategic, and valuable.
As always, keep an eye on your inboxes, www.fightingforourfuture.com.au, and speak to a bargaining delegate if you have any questions.