Who faces the worst commute home this afternoon

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has revealed more than 1000 services will be cancelled before the end of the day as the true scale of industrial bans begins to come clear.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has revealed more than 1000 services will be cancelled before the end of the day as the true scale of industrial bans begins to come clear.

On Wednesday afternoon, the government confirmed major pressure points for delays were at Redfern, Strathfield and Bondi Junction with more than 80 per cent of services cancelled across the network.

“Almost 400 train services cancelled and by the end of the day, more than 1000 sevices cancelled,” Ms Haylen said.

“We are seeing the situation get worse across the network.”

Transport Secretary Josh Murray warned commuters should leave work now with bad weather expected to worsen delays.

Sydney Trains also confirmed they have shifted into an emergency operation.

More than 1000 services will be cancelled before the end of the day. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

Facing questions.... Transport Minister Jo Haylen. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Commuters returning home to the outer western suburbs, Central Coast, and South Coast are expected to face the brunt of the action as delays and cancellations compound, causing a flow-on effect across the network well into Wednesday evening.

It comes after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union confirmed 23km/h speed restrictions will continue until at least January 17, while hundreds of other actions remain indefinite.

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope lashed the government for “buck-passing” at the expense of Sydney commuters on Wednesday morning as residents found themselves stranded at platforms across the city.

“Once again, chaos reigns on Jo Haylen’s watch, with Sydney commuters stranded and businesses paying the price,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Instead of solutions, when asked on 2GB she offered up a copy-and-paste apology and deflected when asked if she’s up to the job.

“This Minns Labor Government is all buck-passing and no action. NSW has had a gutful who in this government can actually get anything done?”

Minister Haylen said the state government had offered the RTBU a 15 per cent pay increase over four years, along with a boost to superannuation contributions.

However, the union remains firm in its demands, calling for a 32 per cent pay rise over four years, a 35-hour work week, and an additional 1 per cent superannuation increase.

“It is a per cent above the government’s wages offer. It represents a real increase in take-home pay for the almost 14,000 rail workers, and we’re going to ask them to very seriously consider that offer and ideally accept it to end this dispute,” she told 2GB.

Although the rail unions have until Thursday to respond, RBTU NSW secretary Toby Warnes said workers would not accept the deal as he criticised the government’s decision to bypass the bargaining table with a publicised offer.

“There ultimately has to be a point where we say ‘this is good enough to put to the members, let’s ask them to vote,’” he said.

Commuters at Central Station on Wednesday morning. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

“Unfortunately, yesterday the government unilaterally did that for us. I mean we know our members, I don’t think 13 per cent over four years is going to cut it, but the government did what it did.”

Ms Haylen highlighted the widespread impact of the union’s industrial action on commuters and called for the union to accept the proposal.

“Right now, the union’s actions are preventing people from getting to work,” she said.

“The way to make sure we have a system and a city that works is for this dispute to end. The Union and the workforce need to consider the very reasonable and fair offer on the table, accept it, and allow us to get back to providing reliable services for the public.

When questioned about her capability to be the state’s Transport Minister by Daily Telegraph reporter James Willis, who is guest hosting 2GB’s Breakfast, she deflected to the immediate priority.

“Look, I think what’s important here is our focus is on making sure people can get to work, and right now, the union’s actions are preventing that,” she said.

Originally published as Who faces the worst commute home this afternoon