Sydney Harbour Tunnel to go cashless

Members will be aware of Minister Roozendaal's media release of April 24, 2007. It indicated that the government wished for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel to switch to full electronic tolling from midnight Sunday 8 July 2007.

The problem with this statement is that the Ministers office had not told the RTA it wanted the new arrangements to commence on 8 July 2007 and as a consequence the PSA (YOU) have not been consulted. PSA officers hastily contacted the minister's office to protest at the non consultation in relation to this proposal. A commitment has been given as a result to advise the Union of major announcements affecting RTA PSA member's conditions of employment prior to them hitting the press.

A meeting was also convened for the 10th May with RTA management to discuss this proposal.

The PSA has been advised that as a result of the introduction of electronic tolling on the tunnel the number of staff required for the overall RTA tolling operation will be reduced. Due to the non communication between the Minister's office and the RTA a draft staffing proposal has not been finalised. RTA management has committed to providing the PSA with a draft proposal by 18 May 2007.

We do know that Skillhire staff used to cover unplanned and short term planned staff absences will no longer be used from 8 July 2007. All RTA Tolling staff will be gainfully employed beyond 8 July, even if negotiations have not been finalised. The new proposal will mean revised rosters and relocation of staff to the Bridge tolling operation. The NSW Government's NO Forced redundancies policy will be followed. The RTA is committed to redeploying affected excess staff to alternative RTA employment.

All details will be considered by PSA officers and SHB delegates once a proposal has been forwarded. Once a proposal has been provided a meeting of members will be organised. Meetings will occur at shift handover times to be announced.

For further information contact your local delegate, or Brian Turner or Greg Shaw at the PSA on 9290 1555.