NSW: Scathing attack launched on bus drivers and company

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2000
NSW: Scathing attack launched on bus drivers and company

The New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission has made a scathing attack on 125
bus drivers from Sydney's west who walked off the job this morning leaving some areas
without public transport.

Commissioner FRANCIS MARKS says the drivers from Westbus' Northmead depot took strike
action for no apparent reason.

He took the unusual step of ordering the transcript from today's commission proceedings
to be issued to all media outlets so the travelling public would be made aware.

More than 125 Westbus bus drivers from the depot voted to walk off the job indefinitely
today angry over the company's decision to change rosters.

The services affected by the stoppage include, The Hills district and the Westmead
Children's Hospital, areas which have buses as the only public transport option.

The Transport Workers Union says drivers would lose 15 per cent of their income under
the roster changes.

And TWU spokesman WAYNE FORNO is critical of the company's lack of consultation before
making the changes, which are to take effect from next Monday.

The parties are to return to the commission tomorrow for private talks.

AAP RTV nd/sb/wz/jn

KEYWORD: WESTBUS (SYDNEY)

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