Hundreds of Sydney trains have been cancelled, causing major delays and disruptions for commuters, as negotiations between rail unions and the New South Wales government spectacularly broke down overnight. The acting state transport minister warned the rail network is in the midst of a “major disruption” on Friday morning, with over 350 services cancelled.
Union and Government at Odds Over $4,500 Bonus Payment
At the heart of the dispute is a demand from rail unions for a $4,500 bonus payment for every worker – an entitlement they say was part of the last pay deal struck with the previous Coalition state government. However, the NSW government claims this bonus was requested “at the last hour” of extensive negotiations on Thursday night and was never part of their offer.
After extensive negotiations over the last few days the unions at the last hour asked for a $4,500 bonus payment for every rail worker. This was never part of our offer, nor was it in the union’s counteroffer.
– NSW Government Spokesperson
But the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW (RTBU) secretary Toby Warnes strongly rejected this, calling the government’s claim “completely untrue”. He said the bonus was an existing entitlement from the 2023 agreement with the previous government and had not been raised as an issue to remove in months of talks for the new deal.
Blame Game Erupts Over Delays and Cancellations
The RTBU blamed the widespread disruptions on the government issuing 5,000 individual lockout notices to train crew workers across the state, which were meant to take effect Wednesday but postponed to allow more negotiation time. Warnes said the notices then kicked in again overnight Thursday when the talks collapsed, leaving workers unsure if they would be paid.
So we have workers who are either showing up today and risking not getting paid by the government, or we have workers who have chosen not to attend work today because of those lockout notices. No one can predict the level of disruption that this is going to cause.
– Toby Warnes, RTBU NSW Secretary
However, the government disputes the “lockout” claims, with the understanding they are encouraging employees to turn up to work to minimize the impact on commuters. The NSW government said they have a “fair and reasonable pay offer” on the table and can’t agree to the rail unions’ demands while rejecting those of other public sector workers like nurses.
Commuter Chaos as Long-Running Dispute Continues
The latest meltdown comes after a nine-month battle between the rail unions and state government to agree on a new pay deal. The unions’ initial demand was for a 32% pay rise over four years. The government’s most recent offer was 15% over four years – a base 13% rise plus 1% for efficiency improvements and 1% in superannuation.
Transport officials warn that while they are aiming to run a normal timetable, the consequences of the industrial action are unpredictable and commuters should avoid any non-essential travel. The government said it was considering all options including urgent legal action in response to the unions’ move.
Talks are set to continue ahead of another Fair Work Commission hearing on the dispute next Monday. But in the meantime, hundreds of thousands of Sydney rail passengers face a day of commuter chaos after hopes of a breakthrough to the long-running stand-off were dashed.
