Transport chaos predicted for Sydney ahead of train strike

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 2 years ago

Transport chaos predicted for Sydney ahead of train strike

By Tom Rabe

Sydney’s public transport network will be thrown into disarray on Wednesday with rail workers refusing to staff close to 70 per cent of the city’s trains amid an ongoing industrial dispute with the state government.

NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union members will not work on any privately built trains on the rail network on Wednesday, meaning more than two-thirds of the stock will be taken out of service.

Close to 70 per cent of Sydney’s trains will not run on Wednesday amid ongoing industrial dispute.

Close to 70 per cent of Sydney’s trains will not run on Wednesday amid ongoing industrial dispute. Credit: Louise Kennerley

Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins warned the strike would result in serious delays and disruption across the network, and would probably have a knock-on effect for bus services.

“There’s probably only going to be about 30 per cent of the train service running,” Mr Collins said, urging commuters to avoid peak hour.

“There will be delays. We’ve got a few extra buses on board, but we need thousands of buses to replace a train service.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary Alex Claassens said the government had refused to rule out further privatisation of transport services, prompting the latest industrial action.

“We don’t want to have to take any action, but rail workers have absolutely no choice but to try to make management listen to them, and industrial action is the only tool they have,” he said.

“This state government has a shocking record of dismantling, privatising and selling off our public transport, a policy they have enthusiastically continued under cover of the COVID pandemic.”

The union is also calling for a 3.5 per cent pay increase, while the government is offering 0.3 per cent in the first year of the new deal, and 2.5 per cent thereafter.

Advertisement

The government and the union have also been at loggerheads for years over the rollout of the new, multibillion-dollar intercity train fleet and its potential impact on guard jobs.

The trains, which were meant to enter service in 2019, can technically operate with a driver and no guard, instead using CCTV cameras to monitor platforms. However, rail workers say it’s unsafe to remove the worker monitoring the platform on approach and departing the station.

The RTBU wants the government to make a software change to the trains, allowing the guard doors to open when they approach and depart stations, with negotiations set to take place on Wednesday and next week.

Mr Collins urged commuters to avoid the city’s public transport network altogether on Wednesday.

“Expect the roads to be busier, expect more congestion and parking issues. Please avoid peak hours,” he said.

A two-week ban on transport worker overtime will also commence from next Monday, meaning trains will probably run on a reduced timetable.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Jo Haylen said the new minister Rob Stokes needed to meet with the workforce to address their concerns.

“It costs nothing to listen. The sooner Rob Stokes sits down with rail workers and their unions then the sooner we can focus on getting the train network ready for passengers who’ll be returning to work,” Ms Haylen said.

Mr Stokes’ first meeting as Transport Minister was with the RTBU, according to his office.

While patronage on Sydney’s transport network is at about 30 per cent of pre-COVID levels, there were close to 180,000 trips during the morning peak hour in Sydney on Monday.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.

Most Viewed in National

Loading