Sydney’s rail network will be completely paralyzed from Thursday to Sunday after negotiations between the New South Wales government and a transport union collapsed.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) rejected a Labor government bid to make a line from Strathfield to Hornsby run 24 hours a day.
The RBTU had demanded 24-hour rail lines as a tactic in its wage 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 during a meeting on Tuesday and would launch a strike.
“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.”
Sydney’s rail network will be completely paralyzed from Thursday to Sunday after negotiations between the New South Wales government and a transport union collapsed. (In the photo, City Hall station)
Haylen said it would 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 on those days.
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.
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.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the strike would cause chaos across the network, which carries 1 million people a 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.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union rejected a Labor government offer to make a line from Strathfield to Hornsby run 24 hours a day. The photo shows the central station.
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.
Among those affected are the estimated 70,000 fans of American rock band Pearl Jam heading to Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday and Saturday night.
Longland said concertgoers should 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.
Josh Murray, NSW Transport Secretary, said the alternative services would not be able to carry the same number of passengers that normally travel on Sydney Train services.
“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.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the RTBU for comment.
More to come…