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“While ARTC and NSW RTBU Branch Secretary Alex Claassens agreed to meet to discuss the current industrial action, this was on the condition that industrial action would be called off,” ARTC CEO John Fullerton said.
“ARTC agreed to meet with union officials tomorrow to discuss the dispute – not to re-open negotiations, but this was always on the condition that all industrial action would be called off.
“Unfortunately various forms of indefinite industrial action are continuing.
“ARTC provided the combined unions a final opportunity to call off all industrial action this morning. They have refused to do so which means the conditions of the meeting have not been met.
“There is no way we can meet in this environment, when the action continues to delay NSW rail passengers, businesses and the community.
“ARTC is proceeding to a vote on Thursday and the offer of a 2 per cent pay increase per year, over three years and no loss of conditions, is fair and reasonable.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Bas Bolyn, ARTC, 0477 340 658
BACKGROUND
- Union members have been taking up to 16 forms of industrial action – including two 24 hour work stoppages – since Wednesday 3 August. A lack of clarity around two one hour work stoppages this afternoon Monday 8 August (2-4pm) has impacted services and a number of indefinite industrial actions continue.
- ARTC is currently facing low interstate freight volumes and low coal prices – this was reflected in a recent downgrade of ARTC‘s public credit rating by Moody’s rating service.
- The Combined Unions have said they reserve the right to notify and take further industrial action in the future so there remains a high level of uncertainty.