NSW: Unions to refuse train fares on Monday

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2001
NSW: Unions to refuse train fares on Monday

SYDNEY, April 20 AAP - Almost one million rail commuters will travel free on Monday
when unions refuse to collect fares in protest against planned changes to the workers
compensation scheme.

Members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and the Australian Services Union today
endorsed the action to run for 24 hours beginning midnight Sunday.

The unions said the action was expected to cost the government more than $1 million
in lost revenue.

RTBU state secretary Nick Lewocki said the action was a sign of the anger and dismay
the changes had generated amongst members.

"The government should be put on notice that while services will not be disrupted Monday,
our membership is prepared to escalate the action into stoppages should this be necessary
in the coming weeks," Mr Lewocki said in a statement.

The government has introduced a bill which seeks to cut the cost of workers' compensation
by restricting access to common law damages, as well as steering claims out of courts
and into a non-judicial tribunal.

Premier Bob Carr today said the reforms were necessary to prevent a blowout in the scheme.

Monday's fare-free day on trains follows action today by the Maritime Union which saw
members refusing to collect ferry fares.

About 980,000 commuters use the rail network on a weekday.

AAP sal/cd/de

KEYWORD: WORKERSCOMP TRAINS

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