The New South Wales Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) has staged industrial action over the State Government’s alleged failure to address safety concerns and deliver higher wages.
On Wednesday 31 August, rail union members staged protected industrial action that resulted in a 30-minute gap between services affecting about 70 per cent of the city’s rail fleet, according to Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland.
The action follows a months-long dispute regarding safety standards of the New Intercity Fleet (NIF) trains.
RTBU members also may continue to refuse to operate services if they believe trains do not meet a minimum maintenance or cleanliness standard.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland, said a limited service will be in place for those who need to use the rail network.
“Customers should expect disruption including delays, altered stopping patterns and cancellations, with some of these impacts to be felt from around 9pm on Tuesday as we prepare for the reduced timetable. Please plan ahead, check the latest updates, and be respectful of frontline staff during this time,” Mr Longland said.
“We continue our intensive bargaining with the RTBU this week to minimise the ongoing impact to our customers.”
The union has claimed it will end the dispute if the New South Wales Government agrees to address NIF safety concerns and to deliver transport workers a five per cent pay rise in line with inflationary pressures.
Though the government has verbally committed to refitting the multibillion dollar NIF fleet, the RTBU has demanded it commit to a binding written agreement before ending the dispute.
During the strike, buses replaced trains on the T3 Bankstown line between Lidcombe and Bankstown and the T7 Olympic Park line between Lidcombe and Olympic Park.
No train services operated on the T5 Cumberland line and customers had to change at Granville to complete their journey.
