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Posted: 2023-01-30 04:12:49

NSW rail workers have agreed to the government's deal on pay and conditions after more than 12 months of industrial action which brought major disruption to the train network.

More than 10,000 rail employees took part in the ballot, and, more than 93 per cent cast a "yes" vote for the two-year deal.

It will provide a pay rise of 2.53 per cent in the first year (as well as superannuation backdated to May 2022), and, 3.03 per cent for the second year (with superannuation backdated to May 1 this year).

The enterprise agreement will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for approval.

The government's offer also gives greater access to parental and carer leave, more support for employees experiencing domestic violence and a new electrical safety allowance for some workers.

a man with a moustache standing outdoors talking to the media.
Union secretary Alex Claassens says the government is using taxpayer money to fight pay rises.(ABC News)

Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Alex Claassens said the successful vote was a good outcome but the final pay increase still needed to be decided by the commission.

"The New South Wales government is continuing to actively argue in the Fair Work Commission against any further pay increase above the government's wages cap of 2.5 per cent, even despite the current high inflation figures," he said.

"Unsurprisingly, they are still using taxpayer-funded lawyers to actively fight against rail workers getting higher wage increases, but given the way they have fought us every step of the way, nothing is surprising."

Those hearings at the FWC will take place next Wednesday and Thursday.

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said today's vote meant the end of industrial action on the rail network. 

"This outcome formalises the agreement reached with the rail unions last year and will mean no further industrial action over the life of the [enterprise agreement]," he said.

"This is a welcome result for the public of NSW who own the rail network and rely on it every day to go about their lives."

an elderly man with glasses talking at a press conference
NSW Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the industrial action was over.(AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Last year Sydney commuters were impacted by several strikes as the Rail, Tram and Bus union fought for a better offer from the government.

Industrial action included Opal machines being turned off at some stations, and workers refusing to operate trains manufactured overseas and reducing the maximum speed of trains with "go slow" periods. 

The union also refused to operate the new intercity fleet without safety modifications, which the government eventually agreed to.

It has long argued the Korean-made trains are unsafe and prevent guards from checking that platforms are clear. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the yes vote meant the government could begin work on modifying the fleet which will cost around $300 million.

The trains will run between Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast, but Mr Farraway did not indicate when they would be ready for service. 

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