Transdev bosses are spewing, but oh, so politely, as they take on MUA ferry workers in Sydney

Written by: Louisa L. on 18 September 2026

 

(Photo supplied)

Transdev began as part of a French state-owned financial institution, Caisse des Dépôts Group. In 2019 the German family-owned Rethmann Group took a 66% controlling share.  Rethmann made its billions through the private water, raw material and waste management company, Remondis.

Worth $11.7 billion, the Rethmanns are Germany’s 10th richest family. They own a controlling share in Transdev, that runs Sydney Ferries.  

Transdev had nearly $17billion revenue 2025. Through September, Seek was advertising a ferry job for Casual General Purpose Hand “$42.60 per hour plus super plus penalty rates”. 

Poor old Rethmanns! They can’t afford to pay workers more. 

On Friday 4 September, Transdev’s Sydney Ferries workers, led by MUA Sydney branch began a month’s protected industrial action for a new EBA. Ferries are operating free for customers. 

Transdev bosses are spewing, but oh, so politely! They announced, “Fares have not changed during the industrial action. Opal readers are operating and customers should tap on and tap off as usual, including where gates are open or unattended.” But with gates locked open and signs announcing the free ride, customers happily walk on through.

(Photo supplied)

Transdev reckons it empowers “freedom to move every day thanks to safe, reliable and innovative transport solutions that serve the common good.” It boasts its 7100 Australian and NZ employees provided 271million trips.  

But the company, not workers, shut down ferries to Parramatta for two days. It’s a favourite way from Sydney’s midwestern business heart to get to Sydney.

This time passengers were spewing in Transdev’s help-the-poor-bucket.

A reunion crew of retired state school teachers cheered for the workers as they headed for takeaway at Watsons Bay. The reply, ‘MUA, here to stay!’