Rail unions postpone go-slow on Sydney Trains on Wednesday

Commuters in one city have been warned of further industrial action that has caused chaos for months, but there has been an update for the trip on Wednesday.

Rail unions have postponed for 48 hours a planned go-slow for Sydney Trains that would have disrupted commuters on Wednesday.

Sydney commuters had been warned to seek alternative travel arrangements on Wednesday after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union announced it would be taking industrial action for the next two weeks.

The RBTU had planned to run trains 23km/h below the speed limit in 80km/h or above zones Starting on Wednesday as part of a two-week industrial action.

But late on Tuesday afternoon, new NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the government and union had agreed to delay the “go-slow” for two days.

“This agreement was reached as part of ongoing discussions,” Mr Graham said in a statement.

“Passengers of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink should continue to check travel apps.”

Commuters have been urged to seek alternative travel arrangements while industrial action takes place. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Earlier RBTU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes told the ABC said there “will be delays, so people may experience some inconvenience across the whole network”.

“I would recommend people think about how they’re going to travel for the two weeks from Wednesday … as I can’t categorically say what the disruption may or may not be,” he said.

While there may be some delays, no changes have been made to the train timetable.

A Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink spokesman urged commuters to allow extra travel time on Wednesday.

“While we expect minimal disruption, the consequences of industrial action can be unpredictable, as are the operational needs of the network,” the statement read.

“Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink will work to minimise impacts for passengers at all times and alert the public should delays build.

“Passengers should plan ahead, check the latest updates before making their journey and allow extra travel time.

“Where possible, NSW TrainLink-booked passengers will be contacted via SMS to provide an update if there are changed travel arrangements. “

The industrial action affecting trains from Wednesday has been delayed. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Meanwhile, members of the Electrical Trades Union will take part in separate action, with rolling one-hour stoppages between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday.

ETU secretary Allen Hicks said the industrial action should not directly impact commuters but was instead aimed to signal to the NSW government of the “frustration” held by workers who want to negotiate a better pay deal.

“It has been almost 70 days since the NSW government sat down and negotiated with workers,” Mr Hicks said.

“The disrespect with which the government is treating its essential rail workers is appalling.”

Mr Hicks added the industrial action was “not just about pay”.

“There are also important safety protections and risk assessment procedures that the government is trying to strip away from a new agreement,” he said.

“Workers need to be able to speak up when they know something is unsafe on the network, but the government wants to take that right away, putting workers and commuters at risk.

“Without the pressure of industrial action, the NSW government and Sydney Trains have shown they won’t sit down and meaningfully bargain with us.”

Originally published as Rail unions postpone go-slow on Sydney Trains on Wednesday