Unions threaten go-slow on Sydney Trains

Train unions are threatening a return of disruptive industrial action next week, after the NSW government refused a demand to refund commuters for previous chaos.

Sydney commuters are being warned of further industrial action on the city’s train services. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

Sydney train commuters are facing more chaos, with rail unions planning a fresh round of industrial action in its ongoing wage dispute with the NSW government.

The Rail, Bus and Trams union have threatened a go-slow on Sydney trains for next week if the Minns government refused to refund train fares for commuters disrupted by work bans in January.

The union wants all NSW rail commuters to receive their money back for travel between January 13 and 17, when the network was paralysed during tense negotiations.

Sydney train commuters could face further disruptions after the rail unions threatened further industrial action. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

The NSW government on Wednesday said the refunds would not happen, but a fare free day would be offered after the wage dispute with unions is finalised.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says it will start a fresh round of ‘go slow’ action between February 12 and 26.

Under the new action plan, trains will travel 23km/h under the speed limit in zones of 80kph or above.

The new threat comes just a day after Jo Haylen, who was the minister involved in negotiations, resigned as transport minister.

The NSW government and Sydney and NSW Trains had applied under Section 424 of the Fair Work Act to have the unions’ protected action cancelled, citing risk to public welfare and economic damage.

RTBU NSW says the first round of ‘go slow’ action would start next Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Unions last month agreed in the commission to limit industrial action until February 28, following assurances by the ETU, RTBU and three other rail unions.

A NSW government spokesperson said the RTBU had made “binding undertakings to the Fair Work Commission relating to industrial action”.

“But we’ll keep a close eye on the action to ensure the union abides by those undertakings.”

Seven different unions representing 13,000 Sydney Trains employees have been locked in a bitter pay dispute with the Minns government for eight months.

Originally published as Unions threaten go-slow on Sydney Trains