Transport Minister says strike will ‘bring a city to its knees’
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says he will be “disappointed” if transport workers go ahead with industrial action.
Mr Constance tells Ben Fordham he’s called on Alex Claassens, Secretary of the Rail Tram and Bus Union, to cancel strikes.
“You can’t bring a city to its knees. I will be very disappointed if they press that button.
“This argy-bargy, in terms of this industrial agreement, I would hope that we can land tonight.
“Let’s get this strike called off for the people of Sydney and the state.”
Mr Constance said an agreement is on the table and is being negotiated this afternoon.
When asked why he wasn’t at negotiations the Minister said his presence wouldn’t be appropriate.
“It’s not appropriate for a politician to be negotiating the nitty-gritty of an enterprise bargaining agreement.
“I’m hopeful we can reach negotiations tonight. The union will then vote on it and then hopefully call off the strike action for Monday.”
At this point, drivers will go ahead with industrial action on Thursday, refusing to work the overtime hours needed to make the new timetable work.
Click PLAY below for the full interview