Pope transport strike called off

NEW South Wales rail workers have called off plans to hold a 24-hour strike right in the middle of World Youth Day. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has withdrawn the threat of strike action, which had been set down for July 17, the day Pope Benedict XVI will tour Sydney. The RTBU instead will enter pay negotiations with RailCorp tomorrow at 9am (AEST) and will continue until an agreement is reached. Unions NSW secretary John Robertson said he and Transport Minister John Watkins would intervene if talks broke down again. "The unions have made a decision to withdraw the proposed industrial action during World Youth Day next week and none of that action will proceed,'' Mr Robertson said. "This has been a win for rail workers and a win for commuters.'' The RTBU and RailCorp have been in pay negotiations for 11 months, with a... [read full story]