Militant unions love having Labor governments, Federal and State!
From 'The Oz' online half an hour ago:"Rail networks on the east coast could be thrown into chaos this week as a pay dispute between unions and the Australian Rail Track Corporation blows up, threatening coal deliveries to power stations and export markets, and disrupting passenger and freight movements.
The federal government-owned ARTC will head into an emergency Fair Work Commission hearing on Wednesday morning to seek orders cancelling the protected action by members of NSW branches of the Rail Tram and Bus Union, the Electrical Trades Union and the Australian Services Union, due to begin early on Thursday morning.Signal electricians, network controller and maintenance group leaders are scheduled to walk off the job in NSW at midnight on Wednesday, with work bans in place from other ARTC employees, over a disputed enterprise bargaining agreement due to be put to workers this week.
In an email sent to rail operators Monday, seen by The Australian, the ARTC warns rail operators of potential disruptions beginning early on Thursday morning, with passenger trains travelling from Victoria and Queensland, as well as general freight movements, likely to be affected.
But the major disruptions are likely to be felt by the NSW coal industry, with the 72-hour stoppage – as well as ongoing work bans – likely to curtail coal hauled by rail for at least a week, industry sources say..."
(If these strikes proceed, LAU will face a backlog of delayed freight as one doubts it would have sufficient trucks to replace the large and growing tonnes it transports by intercapital intermodal trains.
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