There are fears live crowds could be affected when Sydney’s light rail network comes to a standstill for 24 hours.
Workers are expected to strike on Wednesday amid an escalating pay dispute between the union and the tram operator.
Commuters will face continued disruption to their journeys from Tuesday as tram drivers operate services below the speed limit, refuse to work overtime and refuse to wear uniforms in search of better pay and conditions.
The strike is expected to intensify with a 24-hour strike planned for Wednesday, coinciding with Vivid Festival celebrations.
Services will be discontinued on line L1 from Dulwich Hill to Central Station, along with routes L2 and L3 from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford respectively.
Huge pedestrian traffic jams have been seen in Vivid in recent days (pictured) and a rail strike this week is predicted to cause more
Vivid has attracted large crowds this year who have braved the cold weather for the festival.
The Rail, Bus and Tram Union (RBTU) and French transport giant Transdev, operator of Sydney’s light rail network, are currently locked in negotiations over a new labor agreement.
While Transdev has offered its workforce an 18 percent pay rise over four years, RBTU members voted “overwhelmingly” to reject the deal, the union said on Monday, as the offer did not adequately address the rising cost of life.
NSW tram and bus division secretary David Babineau of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said the state’s light rail workers have been left with “no choice” but to press ahead. with planned industrial action.
NSW tram and bus division secretary David Babineau of the Railway, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said the light rail strike has been given the green light.
Sydney’s light rail system is expected to be affected on Wednesday, providing transportation to a large portion of the Vivid crowd.
“We cannot have light rail workers in a situation where they are going to work poorly and put commuters and other people at risk because they don’t have enough sick days,” Mr. Babineau said.
“Nor can we accept a wage deal that doesn’t come close to explaining the huge cost-of-living increases we’ve seen lately.”
While the union has not defined the salary increase it is demanding, it has requested that the number of sick days be increased to 15, compared to the 10 days outlined in the old enterprise agreement negotiated by RTBU and Transdev that expired at the end of last year. .
Transdev Sydney CEO Arsene Durand-Raucher said the transport operator was working hard to minimize the impact to customers caused by the strike.
“Customers should plan ahead and consider alternative public transportation options starting this Tuesday or, if possible, avoid non-essential tram travel,” Durand-Raucher said.
“We remain hopeful that we can reach a resolution and avoid unnecessary disruption.”
It is understood that RTBU and Transdev delegates will hold further negotiations on Tuesday.
