More train disruptions for Sydney commuters amid ramped up industrial action

Another widespread train service disruption is on the horizon for Sydneysiders, with unions rejecting the government’s latest pay offer.

Another widespread disruption to train services for Sydney commuters is looming, just weeks after rail unions rejected the state government’s latest pay offer.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) vowed to ramp up industrial action for November after a most welcome two months’ respite from major service disruptions for commuters, as the two sides failed to resolve their differences over pay and modifications to the state’s new intercity train fleet during conciliation hearings.

The RTBU released a bulletin to members confirming it had rejected the government’s latest offer because it was “just a recycled version of previous offers”.

The union has to give the rail operators 10 working days’ notice of bans on operating foreign-built trains and other major forms of industrial action. Picture: Richard Dobson

The union threatened to start with minor actions of overtime bans, before escalating up to workers refusing to operate overseas-built trains – which make up almost three-quarters of the state’s passenger rail fleet – by the end of this month.

The union has to give the rail operators 10 working days’ notice of bans on operating foreign-built trains and other major forms of industrial action.

A ban on foreign-built trains such as Waratah and Millennium is promised to significantly reduce the frequency of services, making a weekday timetable similar to that on a weekend.

The RTBU and the state Government failed to resolve their differences over pay and modifications to the state’s new intercity train fleet during conciliation hearings. Picture: Richard Dobson

The RTBU, along with five other rail unions, demanded a pay rise of 2.53 per cent and a $3595 sign-on bonus in the first year late last week, followed by annual increases of 3.03 per cent over the following two years.

On Monday, the government offered 2.53 per cent in the first year and 3.03 per cent in the second, as well as one a off-bonus of $3185 on approval of the agreement, with an included offer of some back pay.

Another widespread train service disruption is on the horizon for Sydneysiders, with unions rejecting the government’s latest pay offer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The Federal Court dismissed the RTBU’s application for an urgent hearing over whether plans for rail workers to switch off Opal readers at train stations was legal, and proposed the case be heard in February or March.

In response, RTBU warned in a bulletin to members that it was clear the “only option is to return to the well-trodden path of disruptive industrial action”.

Transport Minister David Elliott expressed his concerns the RTBU would take other forms of industrial action following the Federal Court decision last week.

Originally published as More train disruptions for Sydney commuters amid ramped up industrial action