The former Prime Minister weighs in on the upcoming rail strikes, labelling the move as industrial blackmail.

Ben Fordham speaks with Mr Abbott.

“It’s an essential service and rail workers are well paid. On average, they get on $113,000 per year.”

“They’re very well paid, I believe, for what they do.

“I am pleased to see that the state government is apparently going for the industrial commission to ban this strike.

“You shouldn’t be able to shut down the city in pursuit over a bit of industrial blackmail. It’s just wrong.”

Listen to the full interview below