Sydney’s train network will be thrown into chaos tomorrow with industrial action to disrupt services.
The T5 Cumberland Line will be shut down entirely but there will also be significant issues on the T1 Western Line.
“We are asking customers to please consider your travel options for Wednesday, including driving, cycling or walking,” said Transport For NSW Chief Operations Officer, Howard Collins.
“There will be journey disruption all day Wednesday. If you must travel by train, expect your trip to be impacted and longer than usual.”
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says it’s taking industrial action because senior management at NSW Trains and Sydney Trains won’t meet with workers to negotiate new wages and conditions.
“We don’t want to have to take any action, but rail workers have absolutely no choice but to try to make management listen to them, and industrial action is the only tool they have,” says Alex Claassens, Secretary of RTBU NSW.
“Last month rail workers were forced to take the step of stopping our train network for the first time in decades, out of sheer desperation at the complete silence and disrespect from the NSW Government.
“Unbelievably, the silence and disrespect has continued. Senior management at NSW Trains and Sydney Trains have still not met with the combined workforce to negotiate the terms of an agreement that expired in May.”
A two-week ban on workers’ working overtime will also commence next week from Monday, October 25, during which trains will likely be forced to run at a reduced timetable.
⚠️ Wed 20 Oct
Significant delays are expected on Sydney Trains & NSW TrainLink services due to planned industrial action.Trains will run to a reduced timetable & some services will be cancelled. Consider using alternative transport. Visit https://t.co/01ga7qW3JA for more info. pic.twitter.com/E2t5a3MxiR
— T1 Sydney Trains (@T1SydneyTrains) October 18, 2021
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
