Stalemate continues: Transport workers will go ahead with strikes
Union members have voted to pursue industrial action, with catastrophic strikes to go ahead.
This comes after a text was sent to rail workers asking whether strikes should go ahead.
Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, Alex Claassens, insisted on Wednesday afternoon “it’s never been about money”.
“I’m asking for the Minister to come to the table.
“He’s the guy that’s responsible for this mess he needs to be the guy to come and clean it up.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance says the government will pursue legal action to stop Monday’s strikes after negotiations failed.
“We thought we had a good deal struck last night.
“We held off pursuing that [legal] action until today and we’ve now pressed that button.
Mr Constance says the text message poll is illegitimate.
“Group texting in this way is not a legitimate way of to canvas the views of people.
“Call off your strike, put the people of NSW first.”
See the results from the text message poll below
JUST IN | Industrial strikes will go ahead.
Only 5.93% of RBTU members voted YES to suspending industrial action. pic.twitter.com/bolqzy4Mgl
— 2GB 873 (@2GB873) January 24, 2018
Click PLAY below to hear Ben’s chat with Channel Seven’s state political reporter Sean Berry
Click PLAY below to hear more about the controversial text poll
Marg Prendergast, CBD Coordinator General, tells Ben Fordham if you don’t have to travel, don’t.
“For tomorrow it’s a greatly reduced service, running a Saturday timetable.
Ms Prendergast says no train services will be running on Monday and bus services will be “very limited”.
“It is going to be chaotic. We’re expecting serious congestion on Monday.
“We seriously can’t cater.”
Monday’s school services have also been cancelled.
Click PLAY below to hear what transport options are available