Overtime keeps Sydney ferries afloat

Date: 07 August 2007

Sydney Ferry workers are being forced to work up to 70 hours per week to keep the service operating as management refuses to fill vacancies, the Maritime Union of Australia said today.

MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Warren Smith said yesterday's cancellation of some Sydney Ferry services underlined the fact that it was the goodwill of the workforce that was keeping the service afloat.

"All our workers are working four 12 hour shifts every week and they are now being directed to work one or two extra 12 hour shifts each week," Mr Smith said.

"For workers with family responsibilities this is an incredibly tough ask and it is understandable that some have indicated that a 70 hour week is unsustainable.

"What makes our members angry is that at the same time we know there are `18 vacancies in operations that management are refusing to fill.

"Any service that relies on this level of overtime can not be sustainable."

Mr Smith denied claims yesterday by Sydney Ferries that yesterday's cancellations were due to industrial action.

"The NSW Industrial Relations Commission did not accept Sydney Ferries argument that there was an industrial dispute. Sadly management then attempted to escalate the issues by deliberately misleading the public."

"Our members remained committed to running a world class transport service - and will continue to call on Sydney Ferries management to match our commitment by filling vacancies.

Further information

- Warren Smith on 0400 368 945

- Tim Fitzsimmons (EMC) on 0423 375

For further information

Contact:	Warren Smith
Union:	MUA
Contact Mobile:	0400 368 945
WWW:	http://www.mua.org.au/home/index.html

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