Rail Union Strike

Rail union could strike on Youth Day

By AAP

Rail unions will not rule out strike action during World Youth Day celebrations next month, but say it is not their preferred course of action in solving a long-running industrial dispute.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is locked in tense wage talks with the state government, with workers demanding a five per cent rise, but the government offering only 2.5 per cent.

The difficult negotiations have led to threats of industrial action by rail workers, including possible strikes next month.

The workers have been issued with ballot papers to vote on the government pay offer, or consider industrial action, with the vote closing on July 2.

RTBU chief Nick Lewocki says should members support industrial action, they will then decide whether to strike during World Youth week - which takes place from July 15 to 20.

Industrial action would take the form of either a one-hour or two-hour stoppage, Mr Lewocki said.

"When and if we take action would be determined after the ballot closes on July 2," he said.

"At this stage we're not saying we're going to take action during World Youth Day, but we're not ruling that out.

"We're simply saying that our first step is we'll await the outcome of the ballot, we'll then consult with our key workplace delegates and the workforce and determine where we go."

Mr Lewocki said a World Youth Day strike was not "the preferred course of action", and the union was still committed to negotiations with the government.

NSW Transport Minister John Watkins said he was confident unions wouldn't strike during the high-profile international event, "even if they wish to have a stoppage."

"They are very aware of the sensitivity of World Youth Day for the people of Sydney," he told Macquarie Radio.

"Negotiations will solve this dispute."

Noooo, they can't. They just can't. I don't want to have to be walking around monstrously humongous Sydney in dead winter. Nooooo. *fingers crossed that the dispute will be resolved by that time*