Sydney train strike: Anger as commuters advised not to travel, $200,000 driver wage proposal exposed
Anger and frustration has boiled over as Sydney experiences its second day of train transport issues, crippling the city commuter, as the Rail, Train and Bus Union (RTBU) dig in their heels over a pay claim that will ultimately deliver drivers a staggering wage.
Trains are almost non-existent for most people trying to get into the city to work and for a second day, with authorities warning anyone thinking of ‘non-essential’ travel to stay home.
Sydney Trains head of rail operations, Jas Tumber, updated Sydneysider on James Willis’ 2GB program, clearly frustrated and upset with the situation his staff found themselves in.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We have major disruptions to services again today (Thursday),” Mr Tumber said.
“Most of the lines across the network are affected after 1500 services were cancelled yesterday.
“That is 40 per cent of our total network in NSW.
“With maintenance work not being completed we are basically doing things live as we try and reschedule the services.
“Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute our ability to inform our customers is hindered. It is very challenging,” Mr Tumber added.
Many people who have chosen to work from home or inform employers they are unable to make it in have been venting their anger on social media after reports that Sydney train drivers will ultimately be rewarded with a wage of $200,000 per year if the pay deal is agreed upon in its entirety.
Union secretary Toby Warnes is standing strident in the face of growing criticism from the public saying things “have gotten ugly”.
“We had issues with the former Liberal government but we did not expect it to come from a Labor government,” Mr Warnes said.
The staggering amount of $200,000 as a Sydney train driver wage has now become a focus point with former Liberal NSW Transport Minister David Elliott calling into 2GB to give context around his experience with the RTBU.
“It’s very sad. The rail union is putting their good members reputations at risk,” Mr Elliott said.
“A first-year engineer straight out of university with years of tertiary learning and a massive HECS debt only gets $82,000.
“They are not doing Albanese and Minns any favours here either,” Mr Elliott said.
