Here's the big red flag in all the train strikes and pay negotiations

These all seem pretty reasonable expectations as a worker in an Australian industry, but the recent negotiations between the NSW rail unions and the NSW government indicate that these expectations are far from a given.

Not afraid of asking for what they really want, the unions made 250 demands in addition to an annual 8 per cent pay bump, including improved working conditions (such as job security and better working hours), an additional 1 per cent employer superannuation contribution, and for super to be payable on all hours worked.

Negotiations broke down when the NSW government's counteroffer to these demands - annual 3 per cent pay rises over three years and some improvements to working conditions - was rejected. The government argued anything more than 11 per cent over three years would be unaffordable and could set a precedent that would affect other public sector negotiations.

Clearly the NSW government is feeling the pinch, with negotiations with the Nurses and Midwives Association landing them in court despite offering them a 15 per cent pay increase over four years (3.75 per cent per annum), negotiations with the teachers' unions stalling, and the Police Association of New South Wales recently reaching an agreement including a pay deal including a 19 per cent base pay increase over four years (4.75 per cent per annum).

You may be forgiven for thinking 8 per cent is a bit steep, but the counteroffer represents a drop in wages growth for the industry, with current growth sitting at 3.8 per cent. This is significantly lower than the healthcare and social assistance sector (6.8 per cent), retail trade (6.3 per cent), administrative and support services (6.1 per cent), arts and recreation services (4.2 per cent), and education and training (4 per cent). Therefore, the NSW rail unions rightly argued that the 8 per cent bump would be "catching up" with other sectors.

Unsurprisingly, the recent industrial action by the NSW rail unions has sparked significant debate and disruption, with train delays affecting thousands of voters ... I mean, commuters.

However, this industrial action is more than just an inconvenience; it is a critical stand for workers' rights in the face of an ongoing struggle for fair wages and working conditions.

Industrial actions, such as strikes and work stoppages, are designed to exert pressure on employers by disrupting normal operations. In fact, a worker's labour is their only real bargaining chip. While the inconvenience is undeniable, it is essential to understand the underlying reasons and the broader implications of such actions.

The government's decision to seek legal action to block the industrial action highlights the ongoing tension between labour rights and economic interests. The justification for this legal intervention often centres around the argument of maintaining public order and minimising disruptions to the economy. However, this approach raises significant concerns about the erosion of workers' rights to protest and negotiate.

The right to strike is a fundamental aspect of labour rights, serving as a crucial tool for workers to leverage their labour in negotiations. When the government moves to legally block industrial actions, it not only undermines this right but also shifts the power balance even further in favour of employers. In an already imbalanced relationship where employers hold significant power, the ability to strike is one of the few means through which workers can assert their demands and push for fair treatment.

The question of worker rights extends beyond the immediate context of the NSW rail unions. The ability to collectively bargain and take industrial action is a cornerstone of a fair and democratic society. Without these rights, workers are left vulnerable to exploitation and unfair treatment. This scenario creates a society where the power imbalance is skewed even more heavily towards the wealthy and powerful, leaving workers with minimal recourse to advocate for fair wages and working conditions.

MORE ZOE WUNDENBERG:

If the government's legal move to block the industrial action is ultimately successful, it sets a concerning precedent for worker rights in NSW.

Such a move would not only weaken the bargaining power of the rail unions but also send a message to other sectors that industrial action can be easily stifled through legal means.

Union secretary Toby Warnes stated that the NSW government had pre-planned the legal action, effectively setting discussions back when the two sides were nearing a resolution. The chilling effect could discourage workers from taking collective action, further entrenching the power imbalance between employers and employees.

So much for Labor being pro workers and unions ... 3 per cent? Tell him he's dreamin'.