As the union intensifies strikes across the state, Sydney Trains has dropped its requirement that all rail employees get the Covid vaccination.
Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said in a message to staff that the company has reviewed its COVIDSAFE Measures Policy and decided to no longer enforce the directive.
The modifications will take effect on September 1st, but Mr. Longland emphasised that personnel should receive the vaccination to safeguard themselves and passengers.
As the union intensifies strikes across the state, the CEO of Sydney Trains has abandoned the requirement that all employees get vaccinations.
He said in the internal email, “A decision has been taken to suspend using the COVIDSafe Measure Police inside Sydney Trains beginning from September 1.” “After examining all your comments, together with the advise of our safety team and Chief Health Officer – Dr. Armand Casolin,” he continued.
It is still strongly advised that all employees be up to date on their immunizations since it is the greatest method to reduce their chance of contracting a dangerous disease. However, vaccination will no longer be required.
Although the Sydney Trains CEO said that they might amend their policy should the current pandemic environment change, staff and customers are still required to wear masks on public transportation.
According to Mr. Longland’s letter, “We will continue to monitor NSW Health guidance and other pertinent sources and alter our reaction to Covid-19 and the safety precautions required in our particular work situations.”
Team leaders will provide further details to employees, and the train manager also reminded personnel that mental health support measures were in place as part of the organization’s employee assistance programme.
CEO of Sydney Trains Matt Longland acknowledged the decision to discontinue the COVIDSAFE Measures Policy in a message to staff members.
Tuesday saw delays for Sydney commuters due to the rail union’s month-long targeted strikes, which have drawn criticism from both the government and the opposition.
Travelers were forewarned by Transport for NSW of a week of delays, with Thursday’s strike action having yet another severe effect on services.
On Tuesday, there were fewer trains running on the T1 North Shore and Western lines, the T7 Olympic Park and T9 Northern lines, and the T5 Cumberland Line between Richmond and Leppington.
Suburban trains will operate on modified schedules on Thursday due to a walkout by City Circle and Redfern employees that will last from 10 am to 4 pm.
On Tuesday, NSW Labor leader Chris Minns underlined the need to end the ongoing strike.
“We don’t support today’s strikes; we’re pushing all parties to return to the negotiation table,” the statement reads.
He urged both parties to “bank the gains and the agreements that have already been reached, wait for the temperature to drop, bring both sides at the table and let’s actually get these trains back on the tracks.”
The Sydney Trains CEO said that while staff and customers are still required to wear masks when travelling by public transportation, should the pandemic situation change, they may amend their policy.
The leader of the rail union, who is in discussions with the NSW government over protracted conflicts, claims that progress has been achieved despite strikes once again cutting down on services.
At a stop-work meeting on Tuesday in Blacktown, Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary Alex Claassens said that the strikers were frustrated and outraged over the lack of advancement.
A deal to modify a new intercity fleet of Korean-built trains that the union claims are not yet safe to drive in NSW advanced at a meeting with transport management on Tuesday morning, the fourth since Friday.
We could really be able to announce that there will be a breakthrough on the deed sometime in the next few days, he added, barring the intervention of another minister.
Mr. Claassens cautioned, “Every time we come close to it, there is a backflip.”
Similar claims have been made by the government recently, claiming that the union rejects or requests changes to everything is presented to them.
Premier Dominic Perrottet remarked on Monday that there are “issues after issues after issues” and that “every time the administration strives to fix them, they discover something new.”
Sydney commuters experienced delays on Tuesday as a result of the rail union’s month-long planned strikes, which were criticised by the administration and the opposition.
Damien Tudehope, minister of labour relations, said on Tuesday morning that he was unsure of the direction the discussions would go.
He told 2GB, “I believe there needs to be a plan B.”
Let’s appoint some type of impartial arbitrator to mediate between us, but it must be contingent upon a halt or suspension of economic activity, he remarked.
“At this time, just one side in the room is interested in finding a solution.”
Mr. Claassens said that Mr. Tudehope was “throwing grenades” by implying that the union did not want to negotiate a settlement.
We are actually constantly trying to negotiate, and when politicians come out, get up off their sofas, and sneer that “we should go back to the table,” they really have no idea what they’re talking about.
We have been in negotiations “every damned second day,” Mr. Claassens remarked. “We are truly trying to get this thing done.”
There will be another meeting on Wednesday.