Sydney train delays : NSW Train Network Faces Potential Disruptions Amid Industrial Action
Commuters are being advised to brace for potential disruptions across the NSW train network starting Wednesday, as two separate industrial actions take effect.
The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) has recommended travelers consider alternative transportation options, with hundreds of Sydney Trains employees set to attend an Electrical Trades Union (ETU) rally in the CBD on Wednesday morning, protesting a stalled pay agreement.
Beginning at midnight, trains will operate 23 kilometers per hour below the speed limit in areas where the limit is 80kph or higher, as part of a two-week slowdown initiated by the RTBU.
Additionally, the ETU will stage rolling hourly “work stoppages” between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday, involving some Sydney Trains staff.
ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks stated that while commuter services are not expected to be significantly affected, the action is intended to signal workers’ growing frustration with the deadlocked pay negotiations.
“Without the pressure of industrial action, the NSW government and Sydney Trains have shown they won’t engage in meaningful bargaining with us,” Hicks said.
Sydney train delays : Situation could be ‘unpredictable’
RTBU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes informed ABC News that passengers on outer metro and inter-city lines are expected to be the most impacted by the ‘go slow’ action but cautioned that “knock-on effects” could occur across the entire network.
“If trains are moving slower, delays are inevitable, and commuters might face some inconvenience throughout the network,” he explained.
“I advise people to consider their travel plans for the two weeks starting Wednesday, as I can’t definitively predict the extent of the disruptions.”
NSW Train Network Faces Potential Disruptions Amid Ongoing Industrial Action
A NSW government spokesperson stated that while the work bans are not anticipated to cause significant disruptions, the situation remains “unpredictable.”
“The ETU bans could affect maintenance operations or lead to delays in addressing infrastructure issues,” the spokesperson noted.
Currently, no adjustments have been made to train timetables.
Earlier this year, between January 15 and 17, thousands of train services experienced delays or cancellations due to separate industrial actions by the ETU and RTBU.
Commuters Warned of Delays as RTBU and ETU Launch Separate Strikes
Sydney Trains stated that the ETU’s previous industrial action hindered essential inspections, which activated an automatic safety protocol, turning signals red across the network.
The ETU’s planned work stoppages this week differ from the industrial action that the government attributed to the widespread disruptions in January.
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Both parties recently held discussions at the Fair Work Commission, where the unions agreed not to implement certain types of work bans.
Mr. Warnes emphasized that the unions have honored these commitments and expressed confidence that the upcoming bans would not violate any agreements made with the industrial regulator.
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