NSW: Free ferry trips for Sydneysiders

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2003
NSW: Free ferry trips for Sydneysiders

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - Sydneysiders will enjoy free trips on the city's ferries today
after staff voted to refuse fares from passengers for 24 hours.

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) said staff will instead hand out leaflets to
passengers explaining their dispute with employer Sydney Ferries.

"It's all about safety, queues, and reduced services," MUA branch secretary Robert Coombs said.

"Staff cuts would translate into long queues for tickets and boarding and there'd be
less staff to help out the elderly and disabled."

The leaflet calls on passengers to protest to Sydney Ferries and their local member.

The latest industrial action follows a breakdown in enterprise agreement talks.

Ferry passengers were stranded for three hours yesterday morning after staff walked
off the job for a stopwork meeting at 10am (AEDT).

"Sydney Ferries told our (union) members that all rosters are up for grabs and they
intend drastic cutbacks on crew, especially gatehand and revenue staff," Mr Coombs said.

"This would compromise passenger safety, customer service issues and employee welfare."

AAP kjd/rs

KEYWORD: FERRIES DAYLEAD

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