Ben Fordham is questioning the workplace relations minister’s inaction over the Sydney rail dispute while he intervenes in the maritime debacle.

Leading tugboat operator Svitzer will lock out their workforce of almost 600 people on Friday in response to the Maritime Union’s 2,000 hours of industrial action.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke is urging the Fair Work Commission to order Svitzer to abandon its plan, accusing the company of blackmailing the Australian economy.

“Tony, what about the unions blackmailing the Australian economy?” Ben fired back.

The Minister refuses to get involved in the NSW rail dispute which has been holding the city to ransom.

“Workplace relations – it’s literally in your job title … you just don’t want to get your hands dirty.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s comments in full

Image: Getty/Tracey Nearmy