Train services slashed in half ahead of Fair Work Commission verdict

Sydney commuters should brace for more train chaos as industrial action continues to affect the rail network, with the Fair Work Commission set to deliver their verdict later today.

Commuters are facing slower trains and fewer services on Sydney’s rail network on Friday as industrial action continues alongside cancellations and impacts caused by this week’s deluge.

It comes ahead of a major Fair Work Commission decision between the NSW government and the union.

A limited timetable is expected to exacerbate the ongoing effects caused by recent heavy rainfall and wild weather with passengers being urged to allow extra travel time and plan in advance as trains run at a 60 per cent capacity.

“Commuters are experiencing longer journey times, less frequent services, and changes to stopping patterns across the public transport network due to industrial action, weather impacts, and Covid-related staffing shortages,” Transport for NSW’s chief operations officer Howard Collins said.

“While we’re attempting to get as many services running as possible customers can expect similar conditions to Wednesday – with less frequent services, and changes to stopping patterns.”

Commuters are being urged to plan ahead as services are slashed in half. Picture: Gaye Gerard

But as the FWC is due to hand down a crucial decision on the NSW government’s bid to terminate the strikes, claiming the blow to the economy has spiked to tens of millions of dollars.

The union has eased bans on operating foreign-built trains but it continues to demand better conditions and wages for workers.

The FWC on Wednesday ruled against a bid from the state government to halt industrial action, but the government has filed more applications to suspend and terminate all planned strikes.

A full hearing took place on Thursday where the government warned the action was delaying work to the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest line.

It comes as Transport Minister David Elliott was criticised for going on his “second honeymoon” as the state government’s bitter fight with the rail union to put an end to the disruptions via the Fair Work Commission is ongoing.

Not taking a backward step, Mr Elliott has defended his position saying those who criticise him “better be prepared” for his response when he gets back.

Recent deluge has also impacted the network. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Transport for NSW and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union will slug it out again on Friday at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, after no decision on whether the union could continue industrial action on Friday, was reached in a six-hour hearing.

On Tuesday, the Fair Work Commission granted an interim order allowing the union’s industrial action but their was a compromise with the union agreeing to operate more trains in the wake of the state’s weather disaster.

As the platforms were packed and people forced to wait for trains that were later diverted to new destinations, Mr Elliott jetted off to Europe with his wife Nicole.

To make matters worse, also abroad is the Minister Employee Relations Damien Tudehope.

“It’s disappointing to see the two responsible ministers are overseas while this dispute is underway – along with the floods, this is one of the key issues facing the state right now,” Labor leader Chris Minns said.

“This needs active engagement from the premier and his key ministers.

“It’s not good enough.”

Transport Minister David Elliott is holidaying in Europe as negotiations with the rail union continue. Picture: Nikki Short

Mr Elliott said the holiday was his second honeymoon after 25 years marriage and had been delayed four times already due to work commitments, including spending three months negotiating a deal with the rail union that still stands.

“I’ve had 14 days leave in three and a half years, my wife has just completed all her treatment for a serious illness and when I booked the trip I had assumed this matter would be dealt with,” he said.

Planned trackworks are also under way, which is impacting some services. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“I’m staying briefed throughout the entire time, Chris knows all of this but if he wants to be a pr*ck and try to score political points over my personal life he’d better be prepared for my response when I get back.”

The devastation from this week’s severe weather, which has impacted the network across parts of Greater Sydney, the Hunter and Wollongong, means regional customers will see more disruption than usual on Friday.

Localised flooding and multiple landslips are also impacting services, including a major landslip at Blackheath along the main western rail line across the Blue Mountains, which TfNSW said will take weeks to repair.

The line between Katoomba and Mt Victoria is closed as a result and buses are replacing trains.

Buses will replace trains between Lidcombe and Sydenham on the T3 Bankstown line due to planned trackwork.