RTBU (Rail, Tram & Bus Union) Strike 29th Jan, What Say You?

[Deactivated] on 18/01/2018 - 10:32
Last edited 25/01/2018 - 16:34 by 2 other users

NSW RTBU (Rail Tram & Bus Union) is planning a strike on Monday 29th of Jan, the first day of school this year, and the first working day after the Australia Day long weekend.

Union tells Sydney commuters to stay at home during the strike.

The strike announced merely a week after they took sickie, blamed the timetable and the storm

"The trains will go to bed on Sunday night and won't come back out on Monday," union secretary said.

The union wants its workers to get a 6 per cent annual pay increase, but the Government is refusing to budge on its offer of a 2.5 per cent rise.

Update 1

Despite today's talks, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW secretary Alex Claassens said that at this stage, the planned 24-hour strike would still go ahead on Monday, January 29.

Update 2

Possible pre-strike on Thursday 25th after failed 3% payrise negotiation

Confirmed pre-strike:
train services will be significantly reduced from Thursday 25 January and through the Australia Day long weekend.

Update 3

On Monday 29 January all stations will be closed and no trains will run across NSW.

Update 4

The planned industrial action impacting train services has been suspended by the Fair Work Commission.

Poll Options expired

  • 134
    They deserve 6% pay rise each year over the next 4 years, for what reason?
  • 586
    They already lucky with gov offer of 2.5% pay rise.
  • 21
    They should get 1% pay rise or pay freeze like some of us.
  • 78
    They better off live in a dream world with fairies and unicorns.
  • 42
    I don't care, I drive my $80k investment car.
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Comments

        • burns13 on 20/01/2018 - 01:25

          @supersabroso:

          Sounds like you're a bit elitist mate. You want to ruin peoples livelihoods based on ego. Hurts you that someone can earn good money while not having tertiary education.

        • supersabroso on 20/01/2018 - 10:15
          +2

          @burns13: Wow, you are hopeless at reading people. Completely wrong. I love that people without an education can earn great money here. You're not forced to do something you hate. However, this is just pure greed. Do you really think that train driver salaries should be increased from $100k-$130k/year to $130k-$165k/year over the next 4 years?

          I'm slugging it out with the track workers every weekend and we would all benefit from the same pay rise. Yes, my personal salary and overtime pay would increase by 6% per year if this goes though. I don't want them to disrupt your services, I care about you, the customer.

          I am personally thinking this is greedy for all of us and want to take less of your tax money to provide you with a cheaper service because I know that we are losing money as a company every year. You disagree and want to give us 6% pay rises when everyone else is getting 2.5%??? Somehow, if train driver's aren't getting a doctor's salary, their livelihood is ruined?

          Lol….you are very nice to us, but as someone who really cares about the customers of Sydney Trains and the tax payers of NSW, I must respectfully reiterate that this is pure greed and the same 2.5% pay rise everyone else is getting is good enough for an already top notch income.

    • eagleanthony on 18/01/2018 - 23:06

      Some facts! Love it!

      Work time would be probably 38-40 hours a week on a 6 week rotating roster.

      I'll ask my mate who drives trains. He seems to love it!

  • wordplay on 18/01/2018 - 20:41
    +1

    I reckon they deserve more, couldn't pay me to ride on a train, let alone drive one.

    • liquid metal on 18/01/2018 - 21:13
      +4

      To travel with the plebs, how awful must that be?

  • Yttrium on 18/01/2018 - 22:32
    +2

    i like unions, they are doing a good thing here to help the workers.

  • Dogfight on 18/01/2018 - 23:18

    so there are no trains on the monday.

    How will you get to work? are the buses running?

    • orangetrain on 19/01/2018 - 08:31

      I reckon there will be trains, etc. Just not as many. Extra staff will be called in to make up for some shortfall and some may even be restricting entry to stations (prevent overcrowding effects).

      Overall, people will only be late if they are unaware and dont make extra time in morning. I plan to go 1 hour earlier than usual as I need to go to work. However, some friends are considering a car pool.

      • supersabroso on 20/01/2018 - 10:27

        The signallers that control the signals on track are all part of the union. There will be no one to tell anyone that they can even get permission to get on track. If this overtime ban and strike persists, it will be reduced services for the foreseeable future and zero trains on Monday.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2018 - 11:02

      The Union consists of Rail, Tram & Buses. Buses might be affected.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/01/2018 - 23:59
    +4

    Payrise, health benefits, family benefits, improved work conditions…

    Unions do not leverage for better pay, they extort and hold the economy ransom. You can't in good conscience fight for better terms unless you think you're highly skilled and valuable, and turn around and demand for a redundancy package if fired. If you're all that valuable, leave and find a better paying job.

    But it doesn't exist cause people aren't paid based on their self perceived worth.

    Bloody absurd.

    • orangetrain on 19/01/2018 - 08:39
      +5

      They're paid less than other states and management is not hiring for a new schedule so they ask existing workers to do overtime which union is against too.

      By the way, management got 9% pay rise.

    • abb on 19/01/2018 - 09:41
      +2

      Yeah, you're right, unskilled labour should work 27 hours a day for no money and be subject to summary execution if they blink at the wrong time.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 10:40

        No one mentioned working more hours than there are in day. No one mentioned executions. No one mentioned work offences.

        Your other argument against me within this thread was calling out "straw man". I would like to, once again, point out that you're using words and concepts you clearly are ignorant of.

        • abb on 19/01/2018 - 12:22
          -1

          Oh hi, it's you again!

          Yes, I was being hyperbolic. But I was addressing this part:

          You can't in good conscience fight for better terms unless you think you're highly skilled and valuable

          My example was a worker who is clearly not "highly skilled and valuable". Therefore, per your assertion quoted above, they are not morally justified in arguing for better conditions.

          Please explain the error in logic I have committed in interpreting your statement.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 12:29

          @abb:
          Maybe finish quoting my sentence and you'll have the error in your logic.

          I think I'll stop entertaining you at this point. Between falsely applying concepts, ridiculous labelling and incomplete quotes to represent me out of context, I think that's enough to disinterest anyone.

        • abb on 19/01/2018 - 13:21

          @tshow: The whole quote does not change the meaning. I have not misled by truncating.

          I'm not 100% sure how to combine the latter clauses in your statement, but I don't believe it matters anyway. Here I will use parentheses to highlight two possible groupings.

          You can't (in good conscience fight for better terms) unless (you think you're highly skilled and valuable, and turn around and demand for a redundancy package if fired.)

          or

          You can't ((in good conscience fight for better terms) unless (you think you're highly skilled and valuable)), and (turn around and demand for a redundancy package if fired.)

          My counter-example is still valid.

    • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 16:50

      Yeh those evil unions, fighting against kids working in minds, giving workers rights, giving workers safe working environments.

      You should go back and read a history book how our ancestors lived and worked when they had no rights in the "good" days.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2018 - 18:26

        Yeh those evil tax payers, funding public infrastructure, funding national protection, raising the future generation of the workforce.

        You should read any book so you don't make useless statements.

        • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 18:54

          T: Yeh those evil tax payers, funding public infrastructure, funding national protection, raising the future generation of the workforce.

          99: I agree, lets close down all schools and hospitals and ambulances. They all only cost money.

          ~

          T: You should read any book so you don't make useless statements.

          99: Thinking of other people and wanting something better for them is useless ?

          What the world doesnt need is selfish aresholes only think of themselves and show or dont even attempt a little empathy. Its always about YOU isnt it, nobody else counts.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2018 - 21:36

          @ninetyNineCents:
          What the world needs is more people who can think and reason.

          What the world doesn't need is irate ramblings of people who can only react to emotion.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 08:21

          @tshow:

          You havent reasoned anything, you are just a horrible little kid who jumps up and down and wants everything to their advantage only thinks of themselves.

          WHy dont you think of them ? What would you do to help the overworked train drivers ?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 09:14

          @ninetyNineCents:
          I'm not the one that has resorted to name calling.

          You however asked a question and already prefaced it with overworked. If they're overworked and underpaid, of course, let's all provide relief labour and pay them more. However, there are many other industries where workers are worked harder and paid less. Medical interns, junior accountants and civil engineers would come to mind and there is a good reason why they do not strike - because they know that economics do not work that way

          Notice who the union represents - the "working class". Yet union workers get paid higher than the national average. These are ignorant and entitled people who can claim they are average as and when it suits them, except they will always claim they work harder and are more skilled than the average person.

          I've reasoned that your arguments are flawed, you've rebutted with senseless rhetorics. I've pointed out your senseless rhetorics, you turn to name calling. With an intellect like that, perhaps you can represent a union one day.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 09:51

          @tshow:

          T: I'm not the one that has resorted to name calling.

          99: yes you did,

          But it doesn't exist cause people aren't paid based on their self perceived worth.

          All your replies have been completely about yourself because of the inconvenience it may or may not bring to you. Not once have you even tried to say the drivers have rights that need to be addressed.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 09:51

          @tshow:

          T: I've reasoned that your arguments are flawed, you've rebutted with senseless rhetorics. I've pointed out your senseless rhetorics, you turn to name calling. With an intellect like that, perhaps you can represent a union one day.

          99: no you havent, you demand that you are right because you think you are an authority.

          You have not even attempted to list or addresss the major points of the drivers strike.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 10:02

          @ninetyNineCents:
          Lol. Please don't delete or edit this comment.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 10:03

          @tshow:

          So please show us where you even mentioned a concern for the drivers.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 10:04

          @ninetyNineCents:
          Arguing from the position of authority requires me to assert an authority or a qualification first. Ie. "I am a sociologist, I have done my research" or "I hold a PhD". I made no such claim.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 10:07

          @ninetyNineCents:
          The argument that the driver isn't paid well is asinine. They are paid well so I'm not concerned for their financial well being whatsoever. Their kids will not go without (unless they are bad with money, in which case, all the money in the world wouldn't help).

          The drivers have bad working conditions - assuming I agree, which is irrelevant, front lining the protest with a 6% compound pay increase every year for 4 years suggest it is all about money. Doesn't even seem like the union itself recognizes the poor work conditions.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 10:42

          @tshow:

          TS: Arguing from the position of authority requires me to assert an authority or a qualification first. Ie. "I am a sociologist, I have done my research" or "I hold a PhD". I made no such claim.

          99: No i made the statement because you gave no facts or citations and demand your point of view be accepted.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 10:45

          @tshow:

          TS: The argument that the driver isn't paid well is asinine. They are paid well so I'm not concerned for their financial well being whatsoever

          99: Here we go again you fail to provide any citations for your claim. Sydney train drivers get less than those in Bris or Melb, thats why the NSW system has had significant problems recruiting because enough drivers have gone to QLD or VIC.

          Scan other comments where others have said this multiple times.

          ~~

          TS: The drivers have bad working conditions - assuming I agree, which is irrelevant, front lining the protest with a 6% compound pay increase every year for 4 years suggest it is all about money.

          99: Increased pay means the job will attract more drivers which make the system better for everyone. More drivers mean less overtime.

          How hard was that to figure out ?

          TS: Doesn't even seem like the union itself recognizes the poor work conditions.

          99: Where is your proof. I just asked you for quotes and again you make shit up and fail to provide any proof.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 11:29

          @ninetyNineCents:
          They are logical arguments. You're defaulting to quantitative demands in hopes to debunk non quantitative logic. Whatever demands I allegedly make are your inference and nothing more.

          If you want to talk about numerical values, can you provide the number of students applications and job applications into the public transport industry?

          My proof for unions suggesting money is the main factor is in the demand for more money. Seeing as how that seems to go over your head entirely, I'll stop arguing. Senseless to do so when your basis for arguments is shifting from random statements, absurd rhetorics, demand for numbers where numbers aren't part of the discussion, fictitious short supplies, false accusations, baseless inference…

          At least the constant for your argument stays the same - name calling. Good luck.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 11:34

          @tshow:

          TS: They are logical arguments.

          99: Well tahts not how the real works.

          TS: You're defaulting to quantitative arguments in hopes to debunk non quantitative logic. Whatever demands I allegedly make are your inference and nothing more.

          99: Thats because the unions, train drivers and gov have turned this into an argument of numbers.
          ~

          TS" My proof for unions suggesting money is the main factor is in the demand for more money. Seeing as how that seems to go over your head entirely

          99: Again i have educated you WHY its a question of money and you dont understand. The pay is too low to encourage MORE people to become drivers.

          ~

          TS: Seeing as how that seems to go over your head entirely, I'll stop arguing. Senseless to do so when your basis for arguments is shifting from random statements, absurd rhetorics, demand for numbers where numbers aren't part of the discussion, fictitious short supplies, baseless inference…

          99: Here we go again, lots of ad hom attacks because you cant grasp the problem is SYDNEY DOENST HAVE ENOUGH TRAIN DRIVERS.

          basically nobody wants to be a train driver, the only way to change this is to PAY THEM MORE or give them MORE OF SOMETHING ELSE.

          The current package doesnt work, thats whty they DONT HAVE SUFFICIENT DRIVERS.

          get it ?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 11:47

          @ninetyNineCents:
          So you don't have any answer for my request for numbers? You can ask for numbers and not even provide the numbers in relation to anything.

          I've asked you a very simple question. What are the number of applicants? You are saying there are too few applicants. What are the numbers?

          Your response (pathetically) addresses all the points above and yet conveniently shies away from the argument front you are trying to push.

          Thanks for proving a point. I'm done.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 12:06

          @tshow:

          TS: I've asked you a very simple question. What are the number of applicants? You are saying there are too few applicants. What are the numbers?

          99: We dont have enough drivers TODAY - tahts a fact, they work a lot of overtime because of this, thats also a FACT ive shared in numerous links.

          The exact numbers dont change the situation we have today, which is we dont have enough drivers. You are introducing a red herring that doesnt change antyhing.

          ~

          TS: Your response (pathetically) addresses all the points above and yet conveniently shies away from the argument front you are trying to push.

          99: how about you ask relevant questions. Surely someone with half a brain can see we donmt have enough applicants thats why we dont have enough drivers.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 12:20

          Doesn't know the number of applicants. Just knows (claims) it's not enough. The number of applicants are not relevant to the discussion of insufficient number of applicants. Oh boy.

  • nobarginsarehere on 19/01/2018 - 05:36
    -5

    Average inflation is over 4%

    Who ever voted for 2.5% is enough, go (profanity) yourself

    • Powershopz on 19/01/2018 - 09:27

      You mean 1.8% for the past 12 months…. get your facts straight.

  • imurgod on 19/01/2018 - 09:13
    +2

    I reckon the strike won't have any effect since public transport is a terrible mess in the first place and trains are packed and always run late.

    Secondly, they don't deserve the payrise. They are very overpaid for the quality of work they provide and they already get excellent conditions and perks.

    I say if you don't like it, there are plenty of people looking for work.

    The govt wastes enough of my tax dollars on idiotic mistakes, if they want a payrise, show me the benefit for the public.

    I don't car anyway, I never catch PT since I drive an $80K BMW.

  • itstuan on 19/01/2018 - 09:31
    +14

    Should just fire them all & hire oversea workers. Many of us spend years in university, work hard & earn merely $60-70K. Tram, train,bus drivers spend 6 months training & earn $90K. Yet, still strike & complain. They should appreciate the jobs they having.

    • burns13 on 20/01/2018 - 01:29

      Mass unemployment and poverty. Great solution.

      • itstuan on 21/01/2018 - 23:30

        nah, just fire a few & the rest will come to their sense.

    • Maz78 on 21/01/2018 - 08:42
      +1

      Exactly. Never understood why governments accept being bent over a barrel by a bunch of unions.. Pull the crap that they do in the private sector and you're out on your arse the same day.

    • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 16:51

      M: Should just fire them all & hire oversea workers.

      99: Yeh people who dont have the skills to drive sydney trains, cant speak the language so they cant do the course and so on. SOunds like you really thought this one out.

      • itstuan on 21/01/2018 - 23:29

        how do you know they can't speak the language? dont have the skills? that's what the 6 months training is for.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 08:17
          -2

          M: how do you know they can't speak the language?

          99: Then why does the gov put signs all over the place (eg fishing locations, bridges, warning signs etc) and offer interpret services (service.nsw etc) if they all speak English ?

          Theres obviously a problem, im not the one saying it, the government is and they are spending hundreds of millions maybe more.

        • itstuan on 22/01/2018 - 09:13

          @ninetyNineCents: Oh so that's why there's signs with different languages on bridges, fishing locations etc…because ppl from outside Australia can't speak English. You sir, are an eyes opener.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 09:49

          @mcp2kpro:

          Well your the genius who thought my claims were stupid…

          I swear people these days say the dumbest things and dont even have the grace to admit they were wrong.

  • Mister LoLPants on 19/01/2018 - 09:39
    +3

    This is a perfect example of push polling, how about an option for 'a worker has the right to withhold labour, whether you agree with the cause or not'

    • Maxxjet on 19/01/2018 - 10:17
      -1

      You are free to start one and see how people feel about that. Their rights to strike does not justify the damages they will do to the community as a whole

    • dealman on 22/01/2018 - 14:50

      employer has a right then to FIRE THE WORKER !

      Except it's the bloody govt

  • smuggler on 19/01/2018 - 10:03

    Just take leave.

    4 day weekend!!

  • TightAl on 19/01/2018 - 10:09
    +2

    In the normal world, people would find better employment, not government workers, they whinge and strike. Bunch of overpaid workers they are.

    • burns13 on 20/01/2018 - 01:35
      +2

      Unions who were willing to fight and sacrifice to increase working conditions have benefitted every worker in this country.

      If we all sold out and took some other job then its a race to the bottom. You should appreciate those pulling the industrial weight for the rest of the country who benefit but wont contribute.

    • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 16:52

      Kids and people in third world factories also say the same about you. Maybe you should get a pay cut to match their wages.

  • wallet72 on 19/01/2018 - 10:16
    +9

    Ultimately there is a bigger problem with NSW trains than a driver strike.

    The new timetable relies on drivers doing overtime to even get close to working. Yes, it's great for the workers to get overtime if they want it, but for a system that will fail if drivers decide not to work overtime is just asking for trouble.

    The strike is a symptom of a bigger issue, the transport minister refuses to negotiate, refuses to admit that there is any fault with the new timetable (old, non airconditioned trains had to be put back into service is just an example), implies the drivers call in sick on purpose (70 drivers out of 1500 and the timetable falls apart?) - the guy is the problem

    Don't forget this is all about negotiation - of course the union asked for too much, that's part of the game. The government has gone in low, now the meet and find an acceptable figure.

    Keep in mint the government offer - and it is the same, incredibly low and unfair offer they have for all staff except executives - is barely enough to keep up with the cost of living increases.

    • Emerald Owl on 20/01/2018 - 13:49
      +3

      Hire more drivers.

      2.5% increase is above average.

      Over 100k average for driving a train, what a joke.

      I used to be against the metro but now can’t wait for driverless trains to get rid of you overpaid whingers.

      • liquid metal on 20/01/2018 - 18:56
        -3

        Mate, 100k includes overtime. A shitload of overtime.

      • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 16:53
        -1

        You do realise it takes months to get qualified. Where exactly did you think they would get new drivers from, theres only one train system in NSW which employs people?

        • Emerald Owl on 21/01/2018 - 17:56

          Months :O oh no!. There are more trains in NSW than Sydney train, plus interstate. Some of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that are the cause of the overcrowding?

        • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 18:20

          @Gizdonk:

          Months :O oh no!. There are more trains in NSW than Sydney train, plus interstate.

          WTF ?

          Those drivers are already busy in their own local regions.

          THe drivers from other states dont want to come to sydney becuse of the poor pay. Why would anyone come from Victoria where they get more ? Why would someone from Perth come to Sydney for hardly any more money and double rent or houses.

          Its good to see you took the time to think this thru.

          ~

          G: Some of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that are the cause of the overcrowding?

          99: Basically none of them have applied in the past few years, thats why there arent enough drivers today.

  • Kamsi on 19/01/2018 - 10:34
    +1

    The fares will increase a lot faster.

    • burns13 on 20/01/2018 - 01:37

      Alarmist

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 10:43

    How much is the average wage?

  • sillyguy on 19/01/2018 - 11:54
    +10

    I hate strikes.

    From where I came from, if you feel you don't get paid enough, just go get another job :). Don't let other people suffer.

    See this:
    https://mothership.sg/2017/11/lee-kuan-yew-singapore-airline…

    • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 12:22
      +1

      That's how a country with barely any resource became a successful economy and the leading nation of SEA.

      Lee Kuan Yew was a truly remarkable leader deserving of much more international recognition.

      • Haha Hihi Hoho on 19/01/2018 - 12:33
        +1

        isnt that the same tactic that the qantas boss did?

        • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 12:39

          I'll admit I'm not well read on the history of Qantas.

          LKY wasn't just a corporate boss though, he was the head of the country at it's inception. He turned the country from a desolate island that had to import fresh water to the developed nation it is today, meanwhile it's neighbour (which rejected Singapore from its union) is far behind even given the amount of natural resources it has.

        • Tyrx on 20/01/2018 - 19:04

          It's not really fair to compare the two. Joyce had to operate within the realms of Australian law, while Lee Kuan Yew was a dictator with limitless power. The union members of singapore airlines knew that they would receive swift and painful correction from the government if they denied him. You don't want to be perceived as a dissenter in that country, as the punishment would be very ruthless. It's the top country in the world for executions per capita for a reason.

        • dealman on 22/01/2018 - 14:35

          YEs,
          BREAK THE STRIKE

          FIRE THE BASTARDS holding the public to RANSOM

        • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2018 - 15:56
          +1

          @Tyrx:
          I'm not sure what they teach in Australian schools regarding international/regional politics.

          LKY was not a dictator and Singapore is a representative democracy.

          The legal system in Singapore has a very high public approval rating and they endorse capital punishment. Yes, we are tought to believe that capita punishment is evil but that is only perspective. Singaporeans can in turn say that our penal system is overly lenient.

          The reason for being the top country for executions per capital may not be as obvious as you are alluding to. Singapore has become a transport and travel hub and by extension, drug traffic becomes a significant problem.

          Opium was forced (at threat of death) to the Chinese in order for the British to attack a drug riddled country. Singapore has a direct Chinese lineage so the combination of drug traffic and a zero tolerance for drug use is the actual reason for the execution numbers.

    • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 13:01

      Thanks for the link mate. Very inspiring (I didn;t know about Lee at all actually!)

      Yes this is what is needed at the moment.

      • sillyguy on 19/01/2018 - 17:49

        Ur welcome.

    • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 14:31
      -1

      If they all got another job, there would be no drivers and people would suffer a lot more. Your "logic" like much of what passes for logic here is so deeply flawed it's laughable.

      • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 14:45
        +2

        Every job/person is replaceable. Heard of a 'lift operator'?

        • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 21:21

          Not without pain. Not all jobs are equal. Ever heard of high unemployment and skyrocketing partial employment?

      • sillyguy on 19/01/2018 - 17:42
        +1

        Dun worry there would be plenty of train driver wannabes out there to replace them.

    • outlander on 19/01/2018 - 19:05

      Awww, the poor wittle people are going to suffer.. because they can't catch their favorite choo choo train for one day

    • ninetyNineCents on 21/01/2018 - 16:54

      Good too see how selfish you are, only thinking of yourself. Maybe you should take the time and stop working on day a week so the train drivers can get a break.

      But then again, thinking of others is hardly your strong point.

      • sillyguy on 22/01/2018 - 19:08

        I don’t use public transport

      • sillyguy on 22/01/2018 - 19:12

        I think of thousands of people who cannot go to work on that day due to a few selfish people blackmailing for more money.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 19:36

          K:

          You talk about selfish and all you care is about yourself. Nobody is stopping you from staying at work for the night saving the need for a trip. If its good enough for the train drivers to work when the dont want too, its good enough for you to stay at work for the night.

        • sillyguy on 22/01/2018 - 20:04

          @ninetyNineCents: i didnt talk abt selfish first, you did.

          Unlike you I never have to need to or want to stay at work overnight.

          Didnt u read? I dont use public transport.

        • ninetyNineCents on 22/01/2018 - 20:50

          @kaitok:

          yes , but you were the one throwing the label selfish at the train drivers, thats why im suggesting that you turn around ask others to do the same.

          If the train drivers can work hundreds of hours overtime, then those workers can do it tough for one night.

  • Seraphin7 on 19/01/2018 - 12:33
    +6

    The NSW government should be making use of its own Essential Services Act and effectively deem the strike illegal.

  • ClintonL on 19/01/2018 - 13:14
    +3

    So, this strike pretty much effects everyone, and i'm sure some people won't even know about it until the day. What about schoolkids who need to get to school. People who need to get to training. What about old people who need to catch public transport to get to medical appointments etc. All of them going to be forced to catch taxi's etc or go without?
    If these guys want to strike then nurses/firemen/police/everyone should strike too, what about the people who do payroll for the rail guys. What if they went on strike too and took hostage of them like these rail guys are doing to the puiblic? Honestly pathetic to be honest, if you want to get a better job elsewhere go for it.
    Maybe the government should offer time and a half etc to anyone who will come work that day. Guaranteed alot of people will be coming in.

    • sillyguy on 19/01/2018 - 17:43
      +1

      I dont know who downvoted you but I just upvoted to even it out.

    • nonbeliever93 on 20/01/2018 - 00:15

      What about the next time the rail network blows up because it's poorly planned, relies on overtime and is not competitive with Melbourne/Brisbane? The union are asking for better pay/conditions because, without them, they will not attract enough drivers and the problems with Sydney Trains will get worse.

  • frostman on 19/01/2018 - 14:11
    +4

    What a load of losers, the drivers that instigated the strike should be suspended without pay.
    If i was a Transport Minister, i'd have them called in for a briefing with me personally.

    The average Train Driver get's $75,000 p.a, 6% over 4 years is additional $18,000 which brings their salary close to $95,000.

    I dont think anywhere in the world a Train Driver is on that sort of money, they must all be smoking something on their break

    • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 14:33
      +2

      Google is your friend.

      New York MTA train drivers:

      "How much do MTA train drivers get paid?
      Wages for MTA train operators ranged from $31 to $32 per hour as of 2012, and the highest-paid MTA train operator made $128,836 in 2012. With an annual expenditure of $249,008,090 and 3,069 operators on the payroll, the average salary for an MTA train operator was $81,136."

      Note that is in US dollars.

      • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 14:49
        +4

        Google is your friend too

        "Japanese rail company apologises after train leaves 20 seconds early
        Operator ‘deeply’ sorry for inconvenience to passengers after the 9.44.40am Tsukuba Express pulled away at 9.44.20am"

        https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/japanese-rail-…

        Let's get the same level of service as Japan and then talk pay rise.

        You're welcome

        • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 15:15
          +6

          Wow. I show pay scales from NY (to counter that no train driver is paid that well) and you find me the most efficient rail system and insist staff here meet it supported by the most inept management in the world before our drivers are given an increase. Congratulations for writing the most unreasonable thing I have read today.

        • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 19:08

          @syousef: great to have your attention mate.

          What's your point in providing US pay rates rates??
          I can provide a link to the payrates in some of the underdeveloped countries if you really want to compare…

          My point re Japan is that if union thinks they need the best pay, they should provide the best service.

          Inept management - so you're suggesting unions get a 6% rise because some nations have it real good but you'll continue working under same inept management??

          By your own statement, if unions can't meet the good service levels because system is crap why do unions need a 6% pay rise? Ticket payments customers still get bad/same service…

        • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 19:47
          +3

          @ss207k:

          "What's your point in providing US pay rates rates??"

          To prove frostman's statement "I dont think anywhere in the world a Train Driver is on that sort of money, they must all be smoking something on their break" is nonsensical.

          Your point re Japan is setting up unrealistic and unmeetable expectations as a pre-requisite for the demands being made. It's called reductio ad absurdum.

          I'm suggesting that if management is inept there is no way a train driver has the authority or ability to organise the trains to the same level of efficiency as Japan.

          Why does management need 9% if they're at fault. If you had any interest whatsoever in fixing the system for customers, the same applies.

          The amount of nonsensical gibberish spouted as wisdom on this forum is mind blowing.

        • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 19:58
          +2

          @syousef:

          So your point is it's justifiable to hold a city at ransom because system is sh*t, management is getting 9%, so unions should get 6%.

          Wow. Agree with you on that last statement.

        • syousef on 19/01/2018 - 21:15
          +2

          @ss207k:

          No it's justifiable to deny decent pay rises to workers year after year as management pats itself on the back for screwing over its workforce. Who's holding who to ransom? I don't see your outrage at that 9%. #hypocrisy

        • ss207k on 19/01/2018 - 22:14

          @syousef: never said 9% is fine. Good luck with 6% increase.

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