23 AUGUST 2024 - Maintenance workers on the new Sydney Metro service will be forced to take protected industrial action from this weekend, following private contracting company Alstom’s refusal to provide reasonable wage increases, industry standard allowances and nationally recognised classifications.
Alstom, a sub-contractor to Metro Trains Sydney, are refusing to recognise the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on their workers, especially given that their wages are notably lower than the industry standard. Workers at MTS earn more than $10/hr more than workers at Alstom.
The protected industrial action, which will run indefinitely from Saturday, will include a ban on pre-departure checks of trains, a ban on overtime work, and a ban on shunting or driving rolling stock.
Quotes attributable to Nathan Everson, AMWU NSW/ACT State Organiser:
“Workers at Alstom have been maintaining rolling stock for the past 5 years, delivering an essential service to the community. It’s imperative that commuters have access to good, safe public transport, and that’s what our members deliver. Rail workers deserve to be properly classified and paid fairly.”
“Alstom need to do the right thing and not derail worker’ wages and conditions. The project is funded by tax-payer money, but what we’re seeing is public funds going into the pockets of shareholders – it’s a disgrace.”
“The protected action will undoubtedly have an impact on the new service. Workers would prefer not to have to take protected industrial action, particularly following the NSW Government showcasing the new Metro service earlier this week, but they don’t feel as if they have a choice at this stage.”
“Private contracting on major transport projects has become a prominent issue for our workforce. The NSW Government are not adequately addressing this, and workers are undervalued and unsafe as a result.”
“Workers deserve better, commuters deserve better, and we call on the NSW Government to step in and do something about it.”
Media Enquiries: Alana Ramshaw 0400 889 166