Advertisement

NSW train strike to cause mass disruptions

Trains on three Sydney lines will stop operating after the morning peak on Wednesday.

Trains on three Sydney lines will stop operating after the morning peak on Wednesday. Photo: Getty

About two-thirds of the Sydney Trains and regional TrainLink network will be disrupted on Wednesday as rail workers strike over the lack of progress on a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union says it has been “forced to take industrial action” after a “continued refusal to meet with workers to negotiate fair wages and conditions”.

Negotiations have stalled for months amid union concerns about the further privatisation of services and jobs, as well as the cleanliness of trains.

On Wednesday, crews will refuse to drive privately built trains, which include Waratah and Millennium trains.

Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said those comprise “about two-thirds of our available trains”.

Customers should expect “significant impacts”, plan ahead and avoid taking the train unless they had to, he said.

Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins said the organisation would continue working with the union to minimise disruption beyond Wednesday’s industrial action.

An alternative timetable offering a “basic level of service” would be in operation using the trains that were available, with some services running on a Sunday timetable.

Buses will also replace trains for some services.

NSW TrainLink chief executive Dale Merrick apologised to customers “for the continued disruption” and said he hoped the action would be the last for the foreseeable future.

Senior leadership met with the union on Monday for “positive” discussions he hopes will put an end to further action, but he said the meeting was “more about hearing their concerns”, with a commitment made to engage in “ongoing discussions”.

-AAP

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.