‘Unpredictable': Move that will anger commuters
Sydney commuters have been warned to seek alternative travel arrangements on Wednesday after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union announced it would be taking industrial action for the next two weeks.
On Wednesday, Sydney Trains employees will attend an Electrical Trades Union (ETU) rally in the Sydney CBD and march to NSW parliament over stalled pay deals.
Starting on Wednesday and as part of a two-week industrial action launched by the RBTU, trains will run 23km/h below the speed limit in 80km/h or above zones.
RBTU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes told the ABC said there 'will be delays, so people may experience some inconvenience across the whole network'.
'I would recommend people think about how they're going to travel for the two weeks from Wednesday … as I can't categorically say what the disruption may or may not be,' he said.
While there may be some delays, no changes have been made to the train timetable.
A Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink spokesman urged commuters to allow extra travel time on Wednesday.
'While we expect minimal disruption, the consequences of industrial action can be unpredictable, as are the operational needs of the network,' the statement read.
'Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink will work to minimise impacts for passengers at all times and alert the public should delays build.
'Passengers should plan ahead, check the latest updates before making their journey and allow extra travel time.
'Where possible, NSW TrainLink-booked passengers will be contacted via SMS to provide an update if there are changed travel arrangements. '
A separate action will be taken by the ETU, with members taking part in rolling one-hour stoppages between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday.
ETU secretary Allen Hicks said the strikes should not directly impact commuters but were instead aimed to signal to the NSW government of the 'frustration' held by workers who want to negotiate a better pay deal.
'It has been almost 70 days since the NSW government sat down and negotiated with workers,' Mr Hicks said.
'The disrespect with which the government is treating its essential rail workers is appalling.'
Mr Hicks added the industrial action was 'not just about pay'.
'There are also important safety protections and risk assessment procedures that the government is trying to strip away from a new agreement,' he said.
'Workers need to be able to speak up when they know something is unsafe on the network, but the government wants to take that right away, putting workers and commuters at risk.
'Without the pressure of industrial action, the NSW government and Sydney Trains have shown they won't sit down and meaningfully bargain with us.'
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