WORKPLACE Relations Minister David O'Byrne has broken ranks with his Cabinet colleagues, saying he does not support the shutdown today of the public transport system by Metro Tasmania.
Commuters around the state are bracing for a day of major disruptions as all bus services today are cancelled.
Services before 9.45am tomorrow will also be disrupted.
The industrial action by Metro will affect about 38,000 passengers on the day when Tasmanian schools return from the Easter holiday break.
How was your trip into town today?
Tell us your experience via the comments box below.
Mr O'Byrne yesterday said he was opposed to Metro's decision to lock out workers today and said his concerns were shared by other members of Cabinet, who want the row resolved.
"I don't support the actions of Metro in standing workers down on Thursday," Mr O'Bryne said.
"I think they really need to get back to the table to work constructively with the union and I would call on the union to work constructively with Metro to find a resolution.
"I think there's some concern around the cabinet table about this ongoing dispute."
Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins said he was grateful for Mr O'Byrne's support of Metro workers.
"I'm very encouraged by the support of Minister O'Byrne.
It would indicate that [Sustainable Transport Minister] Nick McKim is on a loser with this one."
Rail, Tram and Bus Union Branch state secretary Samantha Simonetis also welcomed Mr O'Byrne's support.
Despite warnings from Metro to stay away, many drivers are expected to turn up at depots today, with the largest number expected at the company's Springfield depot at Moonah.
Ms Simonetis said her members would decide today what steps to take next in the industrial campaign.
"We'll find out exactly what they want to do.
They're pretty angry.
Tempers are running high," she said.
"I didn't think it would come to this, but it has.
Metro has shown its true colours."
Bus drivers are seeking a 3 per cent pay increase, while Metro is offering 2.1 per cent.
The company has said it could not afford to increase the pay offer without savings elsewhere or productivity gains.
The rise would cost Metro about $200,000 a year.
The company's financial statements for 2011-12 reveal it has $3.8 million cash in the bank, up from $2.8 million the year before.
Liberal party MP Vanessa Goodwin yesterday laid the blame for the dispute directly at the feet of Mr McKim.
"Nick McKim has failed as a minister. He has failed to fix the prison system, he's failed to act on the bus dispute and he has failed to improve our education outcomes," she said.
"These are all major issues.
"Nick McKim is only interested in shutting down the forestry industry and implementing his radical social agenda."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Minister breaks rank on Metro
Dengan url
http://obrasartikel.blogspot.com/2013/04/minister-breaks-rank-on-metro.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Minister breaks rank on Metro
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar