Sydneysiders are headed for travel chaos as the city’s rail network grinds to a halt for three days after negotiations between the New South Wales government and the transport union collapsed.
Millions of commuters will be stranded this weekend after the State Government opposed the Rail Tram and Bus Union’s (RTBU) demand for a 32 per cent pay rise.
Trains will stop running on Thursday at 10pm and will remain out of service until 6am on Sunday, unless an agreement is reached around 11am.
Further industrial action could impact midweek services next week.
Travelers, including those with tickets to this weekend’s major rock concerts and football games, vented their anger Tuesday night, with the vast majority blaming the union.
Many, unleashed in a furious tirade, express their frustration at the coming havoc, with one writing in X: ‘Fuck all these RTBU transport union workers… constantly on strike for extra money.
“You press stop/start on a bloody train or drive a bus, you don’t have PhDs, it automates everything like the Sydney Metro, screw them.”
News of the closure came after the RTBU rejected a bid from the New South Wales government to make a line from Strathfield to Hornsby run 24/7.
Sydney faces three days of havoc as the city’s rail network grinds to a halt from Thursday to Saturday after negotiations between the New South Wales government and the transport union collapsed.
The union had demanded 24-hour train lines as a tactic in its ongoing pay and conditions dispute with the State.
The government initially agreed, but this week told the RTBU that only a 24-hour service between Hornsby and Strathfield would be possible.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the union rejected this commitment at a meeting on Tuesday and would launch a strike, plunging Sydney’s public transport system into chaos.
“We have respectfully asked the unions to lift these bans,” Ms Haylen said. ‘Unfortunately, they haven’t done that yet.
‘These bans are making it increasingly difficult for us to operate our train network, and that means passengers should expect disruption later this week.
“That could mean a total stoppage of operations across the entire rail network.”
But RTBU secretary Toby Warnes accused the minister and Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland of being disingenuous in their comments.
‘The chief executive of Sydney Trains wrote to RTBU NSW (on Tuesday) morning saying they would operate a partial line for 24 hours this weekend, citing vague “maintenance” concerns as a reason to deprive Sydneysiders of the benefit of operating 24 hours a day.’ said.
“We responded immediately, at 9:40am, to inform them that they had misunderstood our actions and that if there are maintenance requirements they should let us know and we will consider how to resolve them.”
Warnes said the government is to blame for what happens to Sydney Trains in the coming days.
“If the NSW Government decides to close the rail system at any time this week, it will be entirely their decision.”
Haylen said the closure will cause “significant disruption for millions of rail passengers.”
“This will cause significant disruption to people’s lives and the functioning of our city.”
Travelers have been urged to avoid peak travel times this Friday and the weekend.
Transport for NSW is preparing to use replacement services, including buses for major weekend events and school services.
The RTBU has been locked in a six-month standoff with the New South Wales government in a bid to win higher pay and better conditions.
Angry commuters and those with tickets to major rock concerts and football games vented their anger Tuesday night, with the vast majority blaming the union.
The union is demanding a 32 percent wage increase over four years, which amounts to an 8 percent annual wage increase, and a 35-hour work week.
But the state government has offered rail workers a much smaller pay rise of 9.5 per cent over three years.
Longland said the strike would cause chaos on the network used by more than a million travelers each day.
“Right now we have to prepare for there to be no train services,” he said.
“I’m asking people to think about traveling well beyond the peak, to make alternative arrangements and to plan well in advance.”
He said Sydney Trains had asked Sydney Metro to provide additional services on Thursday and Friday before the Metro closed this weekend for maintenance.
“That will be an additional factor as we approach the weekend where we will not have Metro services to increase stopping on Sydney Trains,” he said.
Among those affected will be about 70,000 fans of the American rock band Pearl Jam who will head to Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday and Saturday night.
Football fans heading to the A-League United Round at Allianz Stadium this weekend will also be affected, including the local derby between city rivals Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night .
With the match being played at Moore Park, the lack of trains will have a big impact on fans trying to get from western Sydney to the game.
Among those affected are the 70,000 fans of American rock band Pearl Jam (pictured) who will head to Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday and Saturday night.
Many people used foul language to express their frustration over the coming rail chaos.
Longland urged concertgoers and sports fans to make alternative travel plans.
“We will not have buses for major events at this time, we will respond on parking, ride sharing and ride sharing services,” he said.
NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray warned alternative services would not be able to carry the same number of train passengers.
“Sydney’s train network carries a million people a day and it is simply not possible to accommodate them on alternative services regardless of mode,” he said.
He said commuters should plan ahead for the disruption and consider traveling during off-peak hours to work or appointments.
‘I am asking people to consider traveling off-peak to make alternative arrangements, to plan ahead for any urgent appointments during the Thursday to Sunday period and to be kind and patient with each other… and with our staff at transport. ‘
Ms Haylen has urged the RTBU to return to the negotiating table.
“My door is always open and I would appreciate it if the union would lift these bans at any time,” he said.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said travelers are being let down by a “weak” Premier, Chris Minns.
“The Minns Labor government’s inability to rein in its union colleagues will leave commuters stranded and the city in chaos once again,” he said.