Sydney trains will operate on Thursday following a slight concession from the rail union to postpone strike action until Friday amidst an ongoing wage dispute with the government.
A dispute between the NSW government and the state branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) escalated when Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced a four-day suspension of train services.
The rail union had been imposing work bans and threatening strikes if 24-hour services were not provided on those four days.
However, Transport for NSW announced early Wednesday that services would run on Thursday after reaching an agreement with the union, providing relief for Pearl Jam concert attendees heading to Sydney Olympic Park in the evening.
“At this point, the RTBU has not agreed to lift their planned industrial action for Friday through Sunday,” a spokesperson stated.
“The notified bans by the union will result in a shutdown of the heavy rail network on Friday, Saturday, and until Sunday morning this weekend.”
Related Stories
Haylen expressed hope that the concession would allow for further negotiations between the union and the government before the weekend.
She mentioned on 2GB radio, “It gives us another day to continue our negotiations and hopefully get people where they need to go. But the union’s industrial action is still scheduled for Friday and Saturday, impacting millions of people who depend on train services.”
After rejecting a proposal for 24-hour weekend trains, Haylen emphasized that the union needed to lift its work bans.
With over one million daily Sydney train users, the ban is expected to affect inter-city services as well.
While extra bus and alternative services will be provided, the shutdown will strain the capacity of replacement transport.
The wage dispute arose after services ran continuously over the previous weekend to prevent stop-work bans.
Transport officials stated that maintaining 24-hour services from Thursday to Sunday was unsustainable.
Additionally, the Sydney Metro from Chatswood to Sydenham will be closed for maintenance over the weekend, with commuters advised to utilize train services.
