NSW Liberal MLC Chris Rath has called out Labor politician Mark Buttigieg for supporting and encouraging union members.

Mr Buttigieg shared a photo of himself front and centre at a bus depot with Transport and Rail union members who walked off the job.

Chris Rath told Jim Wilson it is a “duplicitous move against the community”.

“What we had yesterday was Mark Buttigieg out there not offering restraint and egging them on.”

So while Chris Minns says Labor doesn’t support these strikes, you’ve got Labor Mark Buttigieg MLC not only on the picket lines, but also promoting the strikes on his Twitter feed, and echoing union claims about bus drivers’ condition, claims which are rejected by the private operator of Sydney buses in regions 3 and 6.

NSW Government must take responsibility for privatising Sydney’s Bus routes to dodgy operators like Transit Systems who undercut workers pay and conditions and cut corners on safety which has resulted in injuries and fatalities ⁦@TWUNSW⁩ ⁦@RTBUnion⁩ pic.twitter.com/bOw16VtpTo

— Mark Buttigieg (@ButtigiegMark) August 30, 2022

Transit Systems issued this statement to 2GB, refuting Mr Buttigieg’s claims

Transit Systems strongly rejects safety claims

Transit Systems, the operator of buses in Regions 3 and 6 in Sydney, refutes assertions made by Mark Buttigieg MLC about its safety standards and track record and strongly rejects Mr Buttegieg’s false and misleading claims about fatalities under Transit Systems management.

Transit Systems is appalled by Mr Buttigieg’s statement and the abandonment of fact in his claims.

Transit Systems maintains an excellent safety record, supported by independent vehicle and system audits and ensures its compliance with safety standards and regulations at all times.

Transit Systems confirms that all timetables, rosters and schedules are constructed within the Nation Heavy Vehicle Standards, applicable Acts and Regulations and prevailing employee Awards and Agreements with standards and conditions comparable or in excess of other bus operators within NSW.

[Noting Transit Systems operates within the framework this industrial action has been undertaken under false pretences.]

Transit Systems is subject to regular external “fatigue” audits and Transit Systems confirms it has passed all fatigue management reviews and processes. To insinuate it is not compliant or maintaining safe standards is false.

Transit Systems also notes claims have also been raised in relation to specific incidents of bus maintenance have been exaggerated. The bus manufacturer has undertaken a preliminary investigation into the cause of the incident and whilst the exact cause is still to be determined, there is no suggestion it was as a result of poor workmanship.

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Rath’s full comments