The Public Service Association (PSA) has secured an important win for members working in the Major Events Team at Transport for NSW (TfNSW), following the dispute over the payment of meal allowances for field staff.

Historically, PSA members required to work at major event locations have received a meal allowance in recognition of the unique conditions associated with this work. This allowance was a way to compensate for the long shifts, limited access to staff room facilities, and restricted opportunities to take proper breaks when members were out on the field.

Recently, TfNSW sought to remove this longstanding arrangement. The PSA maintained While the allowance sits outside the Award, it has become an established and fair practice to recognise the unique conditions members were required to work with.

Working with affected members, the PSA lodged a dispute with TfNSW to protect this longstanding arrangement.

Following negotiations, TfNSW has now backed down from its attempt to remove the meal allowance, ensuring field staff working on major events will continue to receive this allowance.

“This win is a clear example of what standing together as a collective means,” said PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright. “At a time when Transport is restructuring thousands of jobs, this outcome is a powerful reminder of why union membership matters.