NSW Government statement on new deed offer

Published
Yesterday, the NSW Government made an offer to the leadership of the rail unions in an effort to finally bring peace back to the rail network.

The NSW Government is seeking to reach an agreement on modifications to the New Intercity Fleet (NIF) which have been sought by the RTBU.

In an endeavour to bring an end to the industrial activity which has disrupted the lives of the commuters of this state, the NSW Government has proposed the following:

  1. The Government withdraws the requirement that the alterations to the NIF be dependent upon finalisation of a new Enterprise Agreement.
  2. After appropriate testing and warranty confirmation, the Government will immediately authorise the commencement of work to make the alterations to the NIF.

The above offer is conditional upon the rail unions agreeing that, pending the finalisation of the new Enterprise Agreement, all unions will call off any further industrial action.

This includes all currently foreshadowed industrial action including the strike planned for this Wednesday.

The NSW Government commits to recommence intensive, good faith bargaining over the next week with a view to finalising an Enterprise Agreement to be put to employees.

This offer is made by the NSW Government, not as an acceptance that the work that the rail unions has sought to be done on the NIF is necessary, but rather as an attempt to bring to an end the ongoing dispute which is impacting commuters.

The NSW Government urges the rail unions to accept this offer, and put a stop to its industrial action, today.