High-level negotiations will be held in Sydney this morning to work through a rail pay dispute after a planned train strike during World Youth Day was called off.
The train strike next Thursday had threatened to cripple Sydney and embarrass the government, but by late yesterday it had been called off.
The Rail Union and government finally reached a breakthrough when it was decided the condition of 400 job losses wouldn’t be tied to a four per cent pay rise.
They go back to the negotiating table this morning, insisting they won’t stop until an agreement is reached.
Transport Minister John Watkins says he's confident services will run as normal next week.
“There won’t be strike action during World Youth Day, and there was an acceptance by the unions at the table yesterday...if they want to resolve this matter through negotiations, so too does the government.”
Premier Morris Iemma has described the apparent resolution as a win for common sense, saying Sydney residents and international visitors won’t have to fear being stranded during World Youth Day celebrations.
