NSW: Union protest greets new Manly fast ferry service

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2009
NSW: Union protest greets new Manly fast ferry service

SYDNEY, Feb 10 AAP - Protesters have greeted the new fast ferry service between Manly
and Sydney's CBD, with unions concerned about passenger safety and workers' wages.

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) organised the demonstration on Tuesday to coincide
with Bass and Flinders beginning the private service after the NSW government axed the
Manly Jetcat in last November's mini-budget.

The union said the operator's fleet was designed for whale watching and not high-speed
commuter services.

It is concerned Bass and Flinders is yet to demonstrate it has provided appropriate
passenger and vessel security training to staff.

The MUA said the company had also slashed wages.

"Bass and Flinders have given the people of Sydney a second class service," MUA branch
secretary Warren Smith said.

"They are slashing wages by 25 per cent and the operation has serious safety issues
that have not been properly addressed."

NSW Maritime has rejected claims the service is unsafe.

Bass and Flinders said skippers of its vessel had had proper training.

"They've travelled these waters and rougher waters all the time," managing director
Richard Ford told ABC Radio.

"Our drivers are all certified by NSW Maritime, which is the regulatory body."

Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell has told the MUA to get out of the way and give the
new operators a go.

"Union bosses want to condemn the new ferry service before it's begun," Mr O'Farrell
told reporters.

"For far too long the cosy deal between transport unions and the NSW government has
stood in the way of improved public transport services.

"It's time that deal was ended and the state government put the interests of commuters
first for a change."

AAP nr/evt/jpm

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