Updates on the events of today

Dear Members,

After a significant win in the Fair Work Commission over the weekend with a decision that there actually was no “sick out”, we were scheduled to be in the Commission this morning again for further conciliation on the actual substance of the Agreement.

Despite bluster this morning from Transport for NSW and the Government about wanting to sit down and negotiate with us, this morning the Commission cancelled the listing on the request of Sydney Trains. We do not understand why they didn’t want to negotiate, and why they have once again walked away from the table, but they did.

This morning, trains ran normally as we complied with the recommendation from Justice Hatcher, President of the FWC. His Honour had wanted this to occur so the parties could discuss the agreement and decision makers could be in attendance and be engaged.

It’s a pity Sydney Trains and NSW Trains did not attend this morning, and have forgone another opportunity to get this deal done.