The NSW Police Commissioner has threatened to recommend cancelling the fireworks on New Years Eve after sharing her “grave concerns” over the industral action affecting Sydney public transport network.
Sydney commuters are facing another day of delays and chaos on the public transport network after the The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union walked off the job over pay disputes.
The union was ordered to halt its industrial action over protracted negotiations with the NSW government, but the order was dismissed on Thursday by the Federal Court, who informed the union they could “immediately recommence” their strike.
Plans for the iconic fireworks display is up in the air. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer
Passengers have been urged to consider alternative travel options while the strike continues.
An additional 1,000 train services have been scheduled to operate during New Year’s Eve, which is the state’s busiest public transport period. though it’s unclear if the strike will affect commuters travelling into the city to see the fireworks display.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she hasn’t ruled out cancelling the NYE fireworks as train strikes continue. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
Following the recommenced strike, NSW Police Commissioner Karten Webb said she had “grave concerns” the train strikes would cause issue for people visiting the city to watch the New Years’ Eve celebrations at Sydney Harbour.
“I haven’t ruled out that I will recommend to government that we cancel the fireworks,” she said.
“It’s that serious because 250,000 people … come in during the day, they spend all day in the city but when it’s time to go, when the fireworks are over, the job is to get them out safely and quickly and if there’s no transport, we can’t do that.”
More to come