Stoppage of 5 minutes at 0310hrs tomorrow morning
Bargaining is an interesting beast.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 when a protected action ballot is held, union members are required to take each action in the list of ballot questions so they can continue to take that action when required throughout the EA campaign.
On 14 October 2024, we notified Sydney Trains and NSW Trains of a 5 minute stoppage to take place at 0310hrs tomorrow, 24 October 2024. This is the last day in our 60-day period to ensure that we retain our right to take strike action for the rest of the bargain. We therefore had to take our strike action in some form. The action was set to happen in select locations across the network to ensure we could ramp up stoppages whenever needed.
This afternoon, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains sent an email to all staff instructing them to advise their managers if they intended to take the strike.
What was supposed to be a non-event – something that was meant to tick off a legal technicality – will now turn into a world first, network wide, 5-minute stoppage! Well done Sydney Trains.
It’s on us now to ensure that we execute the stoppage, even though it’s only 5 minutes. We need to ensure that management know that every minute of work we perform has vital importance to the operation of the network.
From Train Crew to the Rail Operations Centre to Stations to Cleaners to Salaried Staff, members should down tools at 0310hrs tomorrow morning for 5 minutes. Remember, it’s not on you to deal with any effects the stoppage has. When you return to work at 0315hrs, seek instructions from your local management on what duties you need to recommence.
In terms of Sydney Trains and NSW Trains instruction to advise them that you are participating in the stoppage, and to notify through a “Strike Notification” – you can disregard this. You do not have to do anything other than simply stop work.
Please reach out to your delegates if you have any questions or issues.