Sydney’s rail network is bracing for “significant” disruptions as strike action resumes

Transport authorities are warning Sydney commuters to expect “significant” rail disruptions in the coming days as union plan strikes.

It comes as the Rail, Tram and Bus (RTBU) Union resumes industrial action, amid an ongoing pay dispute with the NSW Government.

The Federal Court today ruled against an attempt by the State Government to block the RBTU’s planned strikes.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the Government was unsure “at this stage,” which services would be impacted, amid concerns disruptions will affect New Year’s Eve in Sydney.

Context

In June, the NSW Government offered train operators an 11% pay increase over a three-year period.

RTBU NSW has asked for an 8% increase every year for four years.have since stalled.

Earlier this month, anetwork shutdown fell through after NSW Premier Chris Minns obtained a legal injunction to stop the strike.

This week, the union voted in favour of new industrial action, threatening to disrupt the Sydney trains over the holiday period.

NYE

More than one million people are expected to attend the New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Trains said it’s planned 1,000 additional services for its busiest night of the year.

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“To have [fireworks] denied to regular Australians, regular families, would be horrible,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

The Government has lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission to limit the strikes, on the grounds of “community safety and economic harm.”

Union

The RTBU said it will recommence industrial action “immediately” after a Federal Court ruling on Thursday cleared the way for its planned strikes to resume.

RTBU Secretary Toby Warnes said the union has not ruled out further negotiations with the NSW Government.

“We are still at an impasse. Our door is open for the next two weeks, at least, to get this deal done,” Warnes said on Thursday.

Next Steps

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said there was a “long way” to go in negotiations between the State Government and the RTBU.

“We will not negotiate with a gun to our head,” she said.

CEO of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said the action could have a “significant impact” in the coming days and weeks.

“We will do everything we can to minimise that impact,” he said.