Potential train chaos looms in Sydney ahead of New Year’s Eve

Sydney commuters face potential train chaos as rail workers vote to launch fresh industrial action, pushing for better pay and conditions.  

On Monday, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) announced the results of a new protected industrial action ballot. 

The vote followed a last-minute court injunction by the NSW government last week, which temporarily blocked earlier strike plans.  

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The union’s members overwhelmingly backed the action, with between 78 per cent and 80 per cent of Sydney Trains and NSW Trains workers voting in favour.  

This means industrial action could start as early as 28 December, affecting Sydney’s train network during the busy New Year’s Eve period. 

The disruptions may include 24-hour work stoppages, shorter travel distances for drivers, and the deactivation of Opal card readers, which could leave commuters unable to tap on or off.  

The NSW government is still pursuing legal action to prevent the strikes, but the union says it is determined to fight for a fairer deal.  

The union is demanding a 32 per cent pay rise over four years, while the NSW government has offered a 9.5 per cent pay increase over three years.

“It absolutely wasn’t an overreaction. On Friday, 40 per cent of rail services were knocked out. Even with the injunction going through, 30 per cent were knocked out this morning,” Mr Minns said.

“The end result was notwithstanding us offering several different ways to get a good grounding, they weren’t acceptable, and their offers back to us weren’t either”.

With New Year’s Eve just days away, Sydneysiders are being urged to plan ahead and expect delays if negotiations between the union and government fail to progress. 

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