NSW government challenging plan to turn off Opal machines
The New South Wales government is challenging the transport union’s plan to turn off all Opal machines from next week.
As part of new industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), Opal card reader machines at train stations across the state will be switched off from September 21.
A NSW government spokesperson said an application was lodged to the Fair Work Commission on Friday night to declare the plans as “unprotected”.
“The matter is expected to be heard within the next 48 hours,” the spokesperson said. on Saturday.
The spokesperson said the submission comes after “a number of formal requests” to withdraw the action were made.
The union has been locked in a months-long battle with the state government over pay, conditions, and what they say are safety concerns.
“Turning off the Opal machines is the latest protected industrial action rail workers have been forced to take following the NSW Government’s continued refusal to deliver safe trains and fair wages and conditions for workers,” RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said last week.
“We’ve been doing everything we possibly can to reach a swift resolution, but the NSW Government is stalling the process at every opportunity.”
The plan follows months of back and forth between the RTBU and the government over the new intercity fleet of trains.
