Central Coast commuters will enjoy free train travel from November 21-25, with the NSW Government and the Rail Trams and Bus Union (RBTU) set to head into arbitration on November 22.
Premier Dominic Perrottet announced five days of free travel on the state’s rail network, with the RBTU agreeing to stop planned industrial action for the week.
From 12.01am on Monday, November 21, to 11.59pm on Friday, November 25, commuters will be asked to continue to tap on and off but will not be charged.
“People need to get to work, go to school and go about their normal day without being disrupted by union strike action,” Perrottet said.
“I’ve taken this action to put Sydney commuters ahead of union disruption and make sure businesses across our city don’t take a financial hit.
“On Thursday (November 17) I had a very constructive meeting with Alex Claassens and the RTBU but it’s now time to remove barriers and take it all before an independent umpire for a resolution.”
The NSW Government estimates that the RTBU industrial disruption and strike action costs the economy between $10M and $20M per day.
On Tuesday, November 22, the Government will enter into negotiations with the RTBU seeking to agree terms to start a Fair Work managed arbitration.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott, said commuters have had enough of disruptions to the rail network and just want to be able to go about their daily routines without additional cost or stress.
“Offering five fare free days is in the best interest of commuters and demonstrates to the rail union bosses and all their members that the NSW Government is acting in good faith and determined to reach a resolution,” he said.
“I ask the union to reciprocate this act of good faith.
“It is imperative that all parties come to the table with a strong desire to put an end to these continued disruptions on our rail network.”
RBTU Secretary Alex Claassens said the move will see planned industrial action paused.
He said it is imperative the NSW Government act in “good faith” and use the week without industrial action to work constructively with the unions to find a resolution to the dispute.
“It’s fantastic that the NSW Government has listened and provided commuters with a week of free travel,” he said.
“Now, we need to see that good faith continue into negotiations so we can hopefully reach a resolution to this ongoing dispute.
“All we want is safe trains and fair wages and conditions.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that it has taken so long to achieve that, but hopefully common-sense will soon prevail and we’ll get the outcome commuters and workers deserve.
“We never want to impact commuters, so forcing the government to give commuters free travel next week is a good outcome for everyone.
“We still don’t have a commitment to safe trains and fair wages and conditions though so it’s critical that is delivered soon.”
Terry Collins
Just wanted to find information to join a walking group in the terrigal avoca kincumber area
I am 85 suffering from depression and anxiety and need to start walking at least three times a week
BUT found no information on the Gosford page
Can you advise me how to find a walking group that would suit me. Thanks Audrey
We’ve found that the Heart Foundation has a series of seniors walking groups – here is one at East Gosford – https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/group/east-gosford-pacemakers
PErhaps a call to the Heart Foundation can advise of others in the area.
if you just go to https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/ and enter your suburb it will show you groups in your Area the default is 10km range of where you are looking but can be expanded to 20,25,50 or 100km range