We’re wrapping up this afternoon’s live coverage as Sydney nervously awaits rail disruptions after a decision by the Federal Court cleared the way for industrial action by the Rail, Tram & Bus Union (RTBU) to resume. Here’s a summary of what we know so far:
- The court decision effectively brought forward industrial action planned by the RTBU and five other unions, which was originally set to begin on December 28.
- The NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen hit out at union demands, including 24-hour rostering, saying Sydney’s rail network is “not a toy train set”. She told media the government has lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission in a bid to stop the industrial action, which will be heard on Tuesday.
- The Rail Tram and Bus Union has so far refrained from enacting a ban on members performing any work if trains do not run 24 hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, which would result in a sudden shutdown of the rail system.
- Opposition Leader Mark Speakman called on the premier to “sit down with these bastards” and resolve the dispute, saying the RTBU had shown “complete contempt” for the public.
- Trains were unaffected by industrial action as of Thursday afternoon. Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the network is planning for a normal timetable on Friday.
Thank you for joining us this afternoon. We’ll keep you posted with updates about the industrial action over the coming days.