Sydney Ferries services will not operate from 9am to 2pm tomorrow, Wednesday 2 September, as members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) take protected industrial action.
Transdev Sydney Ferries is the private operator contracted by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to run the Sydney Ferries network since 2012.
MUA members will also ban selling, collecting or validating tickets and fares from 1pm on Wednesday until 2am on Thursday 3 September. TfNSW said further protected industrial action, including work bans and limitations, has been notified and is still being assessed with Transdev Sydney Ferries.
Manly Fast Ferry services will continue to operate between Manly and Circular Quay throughout the stoppage but are likely to be affected by a surge in demand.
Why is there a ferry strike?
The MUA says the stoppage is part of escalating action over a new Enterprise Agreement with Transdev. Members are seeking a 5% wage increase along with guaranteed annual increases in future years to protect wages against inflation and cost of living rises.
MUA Deputy Branch Secretary Paul Garrett said Transdev had so far failed to put a serious wage proposal on the table.
“Workers are determined to see a mechanism put in place that will ensure their pay keeps pace with inflation,” Garrett said. “Sydney Ferries workers will not sign off on an agreement that whittles away their purchasing power year after year while the cost of living keeps going up.”
The MUA said it regretted the disruption to commuters but placed responsibility for the industrial action with Transdev’s failure to reach a fair agreement. No industrial action was taken during the 2019 and 2022 enterprise bargaining rounds, with the union describing those negotiations as productive and cooperative.
Transdev did not provide comment to Manly Observer, instead referring inquiries to the TfNSW statement (below).
What to expect tomorrow
TfNSW says passengers should expect longer wait times, reduced service frequency and crowding at wharves and interchanges throughout the day.
TfNSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said commuters should allow extra travel time and check transportnsw.info, the Opal Travel app and transport alerts before travelling.
“Passengers should check transportnsw.info, the Opal Travel app and transport alerts before travelling and consider alternative transport options where possible.Â
“We understand these disruptions will be frustrating for customers and thank passengers for their patience while this industrial action takes place.”Â
The MUA has warned further, potentially indefinite, industrial action could follow if Transdev continues to refuse a serious offer.
