Commuters have been warned of continued delays and cancellations across the Sydney rail network, with disruptions “likely to get worse” as more than 50 routes have been affected amid pay disputes with Sydney’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union.
More than 50 transport routes have been affected across the Sydney rail network, including T1, T2, T3, T4, T7, T8 and T9 services.
NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the state is “being hit hard” by the union’s action on Thursday and warned disruptions were “likely to get worse”.
“Trains are running but not to timetable, so we need passengers to check travel apps,” Ms Haylen said on 2GB.
“I want to apologise to passengers today who are going to experience delays and cancellations as a result of these actions on the train network.
“I want people to know that we’re doing everything we possibly can.
“We will continue to experience delays and cancellations, it’s likely to get worse throughout the day.”
More than 50 routes have been affected amid industrial action by Sydney’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union. Picture: NewsWire / David Swift
The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union had been ordered to halt industrial action over protracted negotiations with the government for better pay and 24-hour train services after an 11th hour injunction earlier this month.
That order was dismissed by a judge in the Federal Court on Thursday, paving the way for the RTBU to “immediately recommence” industrial action across Sydney, according to NSW secretary Toby Warnes.
NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen apologised to commuters. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper
The shock ruling came just days after the RTBU, and a number of other rail unions, voted in favour of further protected action to take place from December 28, threatening to throw into chaos travel over New Years.
The union has previously put forward plans for gradual reductions in the number of kilometres its members would travel at work, 24-hour work bans, as well as limits on the speed at which the trains travel.
Ms Haylen on Thursday said the government had made “very reasonable offers to the union”, but that it appeared they only wanted to talk “if you agree with them”.
“We can’t … 32 per cent over four years, eight per cent a year, we cannot afford that,” Ms Haylen said.