A decision by the Fair Work Commission to lift Sydney Trains employees’ pay packets by an additional one per cent for 2022 and a further additional one per cent for 2023 proves the NSW Government is unfair and clueless when it comes to wages policy. After a long-running industrial dispute involving Sydney Trains, NSW Trains and several unions, the workplace tribunal has ordered the addition, meaning Sydney Trains employees will receive a total pay rise of:
- 3.53% from 1 May 2022 (with the difference made up in backpay);
- 4.03% from 1 May 2023
- A one-off flat payment of $4,500
The ETU was a driving force seeking the arbitration which delivered today’s decision. Electrical Trades Union NSW Secretary Allen Hicks said the decision was a resounding win. “This decision proves just how clueless Dominic Perrottet and his government are with the realities of wages and the economy,” Hicks said “Today is a win for train employees and thousands of the state’s other essential workers. This decision sets a precedent for the unfair wage cap that applies across the public sector. “Public sector employees badly deserve a pay rise for their tireless work and for many, the rising cost of living is gobbling up their pay packets. The Fair Work Commission’s decision recognises the hard work of those who keep our city moving while also easing the financial pressures they are facing.” Full-time Sydney Trains employee and ETU NSW and ACT President Glen Potter said the decision was a fair result. “It’s recognition that workers deserve fair pay for the work they do, and the hours they put into keeping the train network running,” he said. “This pay rise is justified and well overdue. It will go a long way in helping my colleagues, including those with mortgages and young families. The cost of living has skyrocketed lately and wages growth in the public sector hasn’t matched it. “The current government is out of step with modern economic reality.”
