Sydneysiders are still suffering from train delays caused by strikes, even after rail unions abandoned major strikes ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The fireworks were saved thanks to a last-minute deal between unions and the New South Wales government on Christmas Eve.
And the situation on the rail network has greatly improved: some 22 train services were canceled on Friday, compared to 107 cancellations on Christmas Eve and 73 on Christmas Day.
But some of these cancellations were caused by minor strikes, as the pay dispute continues and negotiations will continue in 2025.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said on Saturday the deal was crucial to securing 1,000 extra train services on New Year’s Eve and that some minor strikes still ongoing would be called off on Sunday.
“We are confident for New Year’s Eve (but) there is still some residual industrial action taking place, even over this weekend,” he told Sydney Morning Herald.
‘We have seen a really significant improvement in the number of cancellations across the network. “We are doing everything we can to minimize the inconvenience.”
Longland warned travelers to expect “long queues” early on New Year’s Day as more than a million people attempted to leave Sydney’s CBD, with the period between midnight and 2am expected is especially busy.
Commuters have been told to expect “long queues” early on New Year’s Day as more than a million people attempted to leave Sydney’s central business district.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland (pictured) said on Saturday the deal was crucial to securing 1,000 additional train services on New Year’s Eve.
“Follow the instructions of our station staff,” he implored.
“They will do everything possible to minimize queues, ensure passenger safety and keep people moving as efficiently as possible.”
The network will run non-stop from 4am on December 31 to 2am on January 2, to cater to the massive crowds.
Anyone who feels bad should stay home on New Year’s Eve, with a Medical incident that could delay trains carrying about 2,000 people each.
The New South Wales government said trains had been running on time since the deal.
“Trains were on time 86 percent of the time on December 24, 94 percent of the time on Christmas Day and 89 percent of the time (on Friday),” a spokesperson said.
The union and the government are at an impasse after seven months of wage negotiations.
Workers are still demanding four eight per cent annual pay rises, but Prime Minister Chris Minns has said that is unaffordable and cannot happen while he denies nurses an equally costly claim.
Sydney’s rail network will run non-stop from 4am on December 31 to 2am on January 2, to cater for the massive crowds (pictured, commuters in Strathfield in the city’s inner west).
The state government has offered 11 per cent over three years, including pension increases.
The saga could drag on for several more months.
The Fair Work Commission cannot be asked to resolve the substantial dispute – pay and conditions – until February.