Dispute

The combined transport unions appeared before the Commission on 11 April 2022, seeking Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to provide the unions with their log of claims and/or bargaining parameters.

Before the Commission, TfNSW incorrectly argued it had put an offer to the combined transport unions of a rollover, 2.5 per cent pay increase each year, and a two-year Award. However, at no point had this formally been put to the combined unions.

Rather, in meetings were told by TfNSW representatives to “read between the lines”.

Despite TfNSW’s dishonest tactics in the Commission, it did put on the record it would not be seeking any variations to the Awards, with the caveat that it may offset any claims that exceed the wages policy cap.

We now understand TfNSW’s position; the Award negotiations have continued with the PSA and combined union claims.

Award meeting 3 & 4

Since our last update, the PSA and combined transport unions have met with TfNSW twice:

1. Meeting on 29 April 2022, the PSA and combined transport unions put specific claims relating to Job Security and Consultation (click HERE) to TfNSW. All claims were unable to be tabled, and these discussions will continue in the meeting on 10 May 2022.
2. Meeting on 3 May 2022, discussions commenced on TfNSW’s response to the PSA and combined transport union claims with respect to WHS and Flexibility (click HERE). We were unable to get through all these items.

The PSA would have to say the approach so far has been disappointing. TfNSW has been unwilling to incorporate the majority of the claims from the PSA and combined unions; according to TfNSW, an Award variation is not required to address the claim. Rather, TfNSW would like to address these matters in policy.

We will be providing members with more detailed information in the combined transport unions mass members meeting on 19 May 2022.  Details of the meeting are as follows:

Date 19 May 2022
Time 12:00pm-1:00pm

To join, please click HERE.

Pay claim

In our logs of claims, you would have seen the PSA has included a wage claim of a minimum 3.6 per cent or inflation, whichever is higher. With inflation at 5.1 per cent the PSA will be moving forward with a pay claim that is 5.2 per cent. The negotiations are yet to touch on pay increases, but we are aware TfNSW is maintaining they will stick to the Public Sector Wages cap.

The PSA’s campaign is pushing for an end to the NSW Liberal-National Government’s unfair Public Sector Wages cap of 2.5 per cent. Your union recognises the hard work and dedication that TfNSW members bring to the public and not only throughout this pandemic. You have kept this state moving. You deserve a pay rise, not a pay cut.

To learn more about the campaign and to write to your MP and sign the petition, go to www.psa.asn.au.