Palm Beach Ferries to strike: "We will do what we have to do"

Maritime Union of Australia

Today crew onboard Palm Beach Ferries commenced a campaign of industrial action in an attempt at achieving pay parity for crew and fare parity for passengers on the Central Coast.

Maritime Union of Australia Sydney Branch Organiser Shane Reside said “these privately run ferries survive on fare box revenue alone and are hanging by a thread.  This means crew are paid 30% less than ferry workers on Sydney Harbour, and Central Coast commuters are paying $5000 more in fares.”

“Why should a commuter from Woy Woy be paying $5000 more for public transport than someone from Watsons Bay?”

“The crew onboard these vessels have the same qualifications, perform the same duties, on the same classes of vessels as ferry workers on Sydney Harbour.  How is it fair that they’re being paid 30% less?  Just because you work on the Central Coast shouldn’t mean you work for a 30% discount”

“It's time for the NSW Government Opal Card System to extend to these ferry services and put an end to the baked-in inequality” said Shane.

Crew onboard the Palm Beach ferries commenced their campaign of industrial action today by wearing Union uniforms, flying Union flags, and making announcements onboard the vessels.

Shane said “this campaign will escalate from here if we can’t reach agreement.  Crew onboard these vessels are proud of the work that they do servicing these communities and no one wants to see strike action affecting passengers, but they’re also not prepared to keep doing the work at any price.  We will do what we have to do”.

ENDS

Shane Reside: 0400 526 313