NSW: Rail maintenance workers set to strike over drug tests

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2004
NSW: Rail maintenance workers set to strike over drug tests

More than 300 train maintenance workers in New South Wales are set to stage a 24-hour
strike from midnight on Thursday over what they say are faulty new drug and alcohol tests.

Members The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union have still to vote on the strike
proposal, but they're expected to approve it.

The workers are angry that state Transport Minister MICHAEL COSTA has refused to meet
them to discuss their concerns.

A union spokeswoman says Mr COSTA has failed to respond to their concerns that the
scientific protocols for the testing are ineffective.

She says members supported the introduction of drug, alcohol and fitness testing but
want they same system used for police, fire and ambulance officers.

AAP RTV ld/wjf

KEYWORD: TRAINS AMWU (SYDNEY)

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