The Transport unions were back in the Industrial Relations Commission yesterday afternoon to continue conciliation of the dispute regarding the TfNSW proposal to cut 950 positions.

Following the previous conciliation on Thursday 28 August 2025, the unions submitted an updated list of questions for TfNSW to answer around their proposal, with emphasis placed on the continued use of labour hire across TfNSW whilst consultation was already occurring in a number of branches which would potentially result in the loss of positions of direct permanent employees. The unions also included questions that had previously been asked back on 8 August 2025. Whilst some of these questions had been answered in various formats throughout consultation, the unions strongly believed having a list of questions and answers in writing in the one document could only assist in conciliation of the dispute.  All up, the unions provided a list of 123 questions for TfNSW to answer, including:

• Questions on who determined the specific workforce reduction targets TfNSW have stated they need to find, and the operating model they are proposing
• Questions on what risk assessment had been done in relation to the proposed loss of 950 positions at TfNSW
• Questions on what other options had been explored other than cutting positions
• Questions around the continued employment of over 1000 TSSE positions, whilst lower remunerated workers face the loss of their job before the end of the year
• Questions on vacant positions
• Question on fixed term positions
• Questions on the continued use of labour hire
• Questions on “Workplace Presence” changes and how this interacts with the proposal to cut jobs
• Questions on what role external third parties, such as “specialist organisational designers” have played in the proposal

The unions also proposed a framework for resolving the dispute, including:

• Identifying the issue (for example the need to find savings), confirming what would be in scope to solve the issue, agree to a jointly developed set of facts, identify common interests and issues, evaluate options, and agree to a set of timelines for solving the issues. The unions proposed that while the above was occurring, the status quo should remain, and no “detailed design” should occur.

Too many questions, no agreement on Unions framework

Whilst TfNSW did not object to working through some questions they agreed were relevant, such as labour hire, the number of questions provided, the majority on which they claimed have already been answered, was an issue for TfNSW in resolving the dispute.

There was also no agreement to resolve the dispute as per the framework the unions proposed, and TfNSW indicated they wanted to continue consultation on “detailed design” next week with additional branches.

Labour hire continues to be a relevant issue

A positive out of yesterday’s conciliation was an acceptance by TfNSW that they are prepared to re-examine labour hire positions, especially the 313 labour hire position not attached to Award or Senior Executive roles. Discussions around this will continue today.  The PSA maintains that every labour hire position removed is an Award position saved.  Similarly, we maintain that the vast majority of the savings TfNSW are seeking should come from the more than 1000 generously remunerated TSSE roles that continue in TfNSW, whilst lower remunerated Award staff face the loss of their jobs.

Further consultation with unions and exchange of information this week

In the interests of attempting to resolve the dispute, both parties committed to a further exchange of information.  The unions indicated we are prepared to refine some of our questions, and TfNSW indicated they were prepared to answer questions that may have already been answered, however the issue of relevancy of the questions remained in dispute. Also in dispute is the issue of “status quo”, and whether further “detailed design” consultation can continue next week.  A report back in the IRC is set for Friday 5 September, where these issues will be explored further with the assistance of the IRC.

Contacts

TfNSW @ PSA mailbox –

Member Support Centre –

Your PSA Delegates

Planning, Integration and Passenger

Angela Carroll

Hayley Dellaca

Leisa Sedger

Varada Shinde

People Communications and Workplace

Joanne Kent

Arshdeep Kohli

Dane Richards

Gloria Nallas

Finance, Technology and Commercial

Gary Sladden

PSA Central Councilor

Lachlan Mercer