16-02-2025
Massive warning for train commuters
Sydney commuters are set for more headaches with industrial action expected to continue causing transport chaos across the city.
Ongoing negotiations between the rail union and the NSW state government appear no closer to being resolved with more mass delays expected for commuters this week if the NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) decides to strike again.
The long-running pay dispute escalated on Friday leaving many commuters stranded, with more than 800 cancelled services.
But (RBTU) state secretary Toby Warnes said the train network could be thrown into chaos again unless the 'lockout' notices issued by the government are rescinded.
'This is going to come as cold comfort to commuters, but we don't know [if] these 5000 lockout notices [will] stay in place,' Warnes told the Today Show on Sunday.
'The nature of these lockout notices say that if you do come to work and you are found to be going slow, which is our original ban, you will lose an entire day's pay.
'So our members are in a really hard position at the moment, choosing between potentially working for free for a day or not coming to work at all.
'It could be the same situation as Friday or it could be fine as we've seen over the weekend — so it's very unpredictable.'
The Fair Work Commission is expected to hand down its decision on whether it will uphold the state government's 418 application around 1.30pm on Sunday.
The application is an order to stop or prevent unprotected industrial action.
'The government is spending millions and millions of dollars trying to fight members,' Warnes said on Facebook.
' Stay united, stay strong … we are going to get a good deal out of this.
'We are going to get a good deal out of this and we'll be back shortly tomorrow to ensure that you're updated every step of the way.'
Many rail lines faced delays on Sunday due to 'trackwork', 'changed timetables' and 'driver shortages', Transport for NSW said.
Commuters are urged to check the Transport for NSW website for updates and plan ahead.
