Train industrial action causes delays as Sydneysiders flock to Christmas events

Commuters have been ensnared in further chaos as they head to two major Christmas events amid industrial action that resulted in hundreds of train services being cancelled.

Chaotic scenes have been captured unfolding across Sydney’s sprawling train network after hundreds of services were cancelled amid ongoing industrial action.

Sydneysiders were urged to “avoid non-essential travel” on Saturday despite multiple mayor events taking place across the Harbour City, including Carols in the Domain.

Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland issued the warning as tens of thousands of people were expected to attend the event, as well as the Royal Randwick Race Day.

“There have been 350 train services cancelled throughout the day,” he said.

“There are gaps of 45 minutes to an hour between services at the moment which could get worse throughout the afternoon and into the evening.”

Sydneysiders heading to the annual Carols in the Domain and Randwick races are told to expect huge delays. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The network has been widely affected by ongoing industrial action. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Mr Longland said major delays were currently being experienced on the T1, T2, T3 and T8 — which services Sydney Airport — lines at the moment.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to keep families moving and to be able to get them home after those events but it will get increasingly difficult throughout the day,” he said.

“We will see ongoing delays on the rail network, and there’s a very strong likelihood that the delays will get worse in coming days.”

A large number of commuters were seen filing onto platforms at Sydney’s busy central Station, with information boards advising passengers of cancelled or delayed services.

It comes after Transport Minister Jo Haylen warned up to 40 per cent of regular services could be affected.

Commuters were seen at Central Station waiting for connecting trains. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Up to 30,000 attendees are expected at the 42nd Carols in The Domain Christmas event which will begin at 1pm.

Thousands more are expected to travel to the Royal Randwick, which opened at 11.15am about an hour before the first race.

The warning comes as ongoing industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union seeking pay rises and improvements to working conditions.

On Friday about 80 trips were cancelled due to the action with 30 per cent of services not running on time.

The union accused NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb of “scaring the public” after she suggested the New Year’s Eve fireworks could be cancelled on safety grounds if the industrial action continues.

RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes slammed threats to cancel Sydney’s NYE fireworks. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“Instead of attempting to resolve this dispute, the government has resorted to hysteria and scaring the public,” RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said on Friday.

The union was ordered to halt its industrial action over protracted negotiations with the NSW government, but the order was dismissed on Thursday by the Federal Court, who informed the union they could “immediately recommence” their strike.

Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray said the industrial action could impact approximately 50 per cent of services over the holiday period.

Rail workers are seeking a 32 per cent pay rise over four years and a 35 hour working week.

People planning to attend the Royal Randwick Racecourse have been warned to brace for train delays. Picture: NewsWire / Christian Gilles

On Saturday, Ms Haylen called on the union to withdraw the action to allow families and businesses certainty over the Christmas period.

“The government has already made a series of very reasonable offers to the unions but unfortunately their claims remain at a level that is unaffordable to the state,” she said.

She said no amount of industrial action would be “tolerable” over New Years Eve as millions plan to visit the Sydney foreshore for the fireworks.

“It’s been a tough year for businesses and for families, and they deserve the opportunity to come together and to celebrate,” she said.

“That’s why I’m saying to the unions right now, withdraw your industrial action, because no level of disturbance, of disruption on our rail network is tolerable.”

Minister Haylan said the government expected it would challenge the union’s action in the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday.

Originally published as Train industrial action causes delays as Sydneysiders flock to Christmas events