SYDNEY Trains management and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union continue to negotiate over pay deals, with management presenting a new offer to workers on February 7.
The start of the year saw chaos on the Sydney Trains network, and Richmond’s T1 Western Line was not spared, with massive delays affecting Hawkesbury commuters, while a train also crashed at Richmond Station, injuring many travelers.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union was planning to strike on Monday, January 29, but that was eventually stopped by the Fair Work Commission, however, strike action the previous week did disrupt the network.
The union wants a new pay deal for its members and has been locked in negotiations with Sydney Trains management.
The latest deal, announced by the union would be for a three per cent rise per year over three years, among other conditions.
The union has also voted down one day offer made.
Hawkesbury commuter Nathan Cox, who has started a petition to revert the train timetable back to what it was before the November changes, said he had dubious feelings about using the train to get to work.
Stuart Gill, who runs Facebook page called Improve the Richmond Line Train Services, said he had been experiencing sporadic cancellations since the January industrial action.
Mr Cox said he simply wanted a reliable way to get to work, and had actually abandoned the train recently, in favour of a two-hour drive to the city.
“I had starting driving to the city. The drive each way is quicker than the train journey component, however due to a recent injury I have been forced back onto the train,” he said.
“So far this week no issues on the trains, but that could change as quickly as a breeze blowing a leaf on the tracks.”
A protest is scheduled for 2pm on Sunday February 18, regarding the train timetable changes and other issues, and organisers have asked anyone who has had problems on the trains recently to attend.