United Voice News
Train staff win right to vote on industrial action
MSS Revenue Protection Officers who check tickets and issue fines on the trains in Perth have been granted permission to vote on industrial action by Fair Work Australia.
The angry workers have not had a pay rise for two years and earlier this month, management described their log of claims as ‘a joke’.
They have offered them Fair Work Australia’s minimum wage increase of $26 per week which they would get anyway, plus only 1.4% on top of that.
For the following two years they have offered the workers 3%. But if the minimum wage rises again next year at the same rate as this year, MSS’ offer will see the workers go backwards. They also want to take some of their conditions.
The officers are looking for 12% over two years, with the correct penalty rates, 18 months back pay and specific training to help them deal with aggressive customers.
The ballot for industrial action will take place in the next nine days or so. If voted up, the action could begin as early as next week.
Work bans like not checking customers’ tickets or manning checkpoints are being considered by the workers. They may also hold stop work meetings and refuse to wear their uniforms.
Carolyn Smith, assistant secretary of the LHMU said: “These officers struggled for nine months to even get MSS to the negotiating table.
“In fact we had to take them to Fair Work Australia to get them to sit down at the negotiating table with us.
“MSS’ current offer will see the workers effectively go backwards.
“These officers play a vitally important role on the trains. Their very presence on the carriages and in stations makes customers feel safer. They wear almost the same uniform as security officers and although they are not expected to handle any incidents of violence, they are often at the scene and have to deal with aggressive behaviour. Our members tell us they are regularly verbally abused, spat on, kicked, slapped and punched by customers so it’s not an easy job.
“Any sort of industrial action would cause a great deal of difficulty and a loss of revenue for the Perth Transit Authority so MSS should start listening to these workers and begin negotiating properly.
“All they are asking for is a fair pay deal.”
