Sydney to experience major rail disruption as industrial action looms-*Update
Original report filed Tuesday 19 november, 2024
Update/report filed Wednesday 20 november ,2024
*Update 20/11/2024
-Sydney’s rail network will grind to a halt between Friday and Sunday due to industrial action by the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
-NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the industrial action on Sydney trains would cause “major disruption for millions of train passengers” across the city.
-Transport authorities to warn community to plan travel movements now
Sydney is set to experience significant disruptions to its rail network from Thursday to Sunday due to industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). This action comes after negotiations between the union and the NSW government reached a stalemate.
Key points:
- Probable Total shutdown: All train services on Sydney’s intercity and suburban lines will cease operation from 10pm Thursday to 6am Sunday.
- Impact on major events: Events like the Pearl Jam concerts and A-League matches are expected to be severely affected.
- Alternative transport: Transport for NSW is implementing alternative transport options, including additional buses, but significant delays and overcrowding are anticipated.
- Union demands: The RTBU is seeking a 32% pay rise over four years and a 35-hour workweek.
- Government offer: The NSW government has offered a 9.5% pay rise over three years.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen with Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland
Impact on commuters:
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys well in advance and consider alternative modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, or using public transport services like buses and light rail.
Transport for NSW urges passengers to:
- Check the latest updates on the Transport for NSW website and app.
- Allow extra travel time.
- Consider working from home if possible.
- Be patient and considerate of other passengers and transport workers.
The ongoing industrial dispute highlights the tension between the union’s demands for better pay and conditions and the government’s efforts to balance the needs of workers with the financial constraints of the public transport system.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the industrial action would cause major delays across the city’s train network, which carries 1 million people per day.
“At this point we have to prepare for no train services,” he said.
“I’m asking people to think about travelling well outside the peak, to make alternative arrangements, to plan well ahead.”
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland
