No train strike until October
The Western Australia Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) came in to resolve the issues that brought about a standstill in the Perth public transport system in August.
In last night's ruling, the IRC imposed a ban on further industrial action until the eight of October. The Perth train drivers, the Rail Tram and Bus Union, and the Public Transport Authority were ordered to continue with their discussions and then report back to the Commission next week.
Commuters suffered long delays to work when 97 train drivers called in sick on Friday, August 27. Reports revealed that the drivers resorted to the action after being denied to right to belong to their registered state union.
Retired trade unionist Bill Game acted as the drivers' spokesperson. The unionist apologized for the disruption in train services that also caused a stir in the much anticipated football match between Freemantle Dockers and Brisbane. Game has called for a full investigation into “serious breaches” of industrial law.
The Industrial Commission ruled earlier that if more than 15 workers were absent from work, the workers who did not show up to work should provide a medical certificate and a statutory declaration.
The union, the Public Transport Authority, and the state government began meetings with the IRC on September 2.