Sydney, NSW

13 january,2025

Sydney rail commuters face potential disruptions next week as industrial action by rail unions continues. The planned work bans, aimed at pressuring the state government back to the negotiating table, could slow down services and impact commuters returning from the summer break.

The action, set to begin on January 15 and initially last for three days, could escalate if the dispute remains unresolved. A separate 24-hour action on January 17 could see signallers refrain from correcting automatic signal systems, potentially leading to widespread delays across the network.

“This is all down to the fact that ever since Christmas Eve, we called on the government to come back to the bargaining table,” said Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) boss Toby Warnes. “We’re getting frustrated, and we just want to see this deal done.”

Union Calls for New Negotiators Rejected

In an effort to break the deadlock, Unions NSW has urged the government to bring in new negotiators, citing the current team’s “inability to navigate complex negotiations effectively.”

However, the state government has rejected this proposal, stating that resuming mediation in the Fair Work Commission is the best path forward.

The government has maintained that it has made a fair and reasonable pay offer to the rail unions.

The ongoing dispute has caused significant disruption to rail services in recent months, impacting commuters and the broader community.