Workers Solidarity Movement

Perth public transport system in Western Australia was brought to a standstill last Friday after 97 drivers rang in sick.  Commuters suffered long delays and the much anticipated football match between Freemantle Dockers and Brisbane was disrupted by the action.

Drivers say they were left with no choice after being denied to right to belong to their registered state union.  Retired trade unionist Bill Game who is acting as their spokesperson apologised for the disruption and is calling for a full investigation into “serious breaches” of industrial law.

Commenting on the ‘mass sickie’ David Hynes from Public Transport Authority "It was something that was done on the spur of the moment, we had no warning, we have no reason to believe it will happen again," he said.

The Industrial Commission on Friday ruled that if more than 15 workers were absent from work that day, they must provide a medical certificate and a statutory declaration.  Australia has some of the most stringent industrial laws in the world.

Sean Matthews

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