Sydney commuters brace for further trains disruption

Sydney train commuters could face further disruption or even a network shutdown due to industrial action expected to come into effect from Monday.

Sydney train commuters are set to face further disruption or even a network shutdown due to industrial action expected to come into effect from Monday.

While Sydney Trains said any disruption this week was “unlikely,” the industrial action planned by the Electrical Trades Union will eventually lead to parts of the network being shut down if it continues.

The ETU will put a ban on its members doing certain maintenance work, which will progressively impact the network the longer it is in place.

Sources say industrial action may shutdown Sydney’s rail network again. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) also plans to refuse to do the work in solidarity with the ETU.

Union and government sources have warned the industrial action may lead to a “replay” of last month’s midnight rail network shutdown unless both sides strike a deal.

The RTBU is also set to restart the work bans which led to February’s network shutdown amid a delay in resolving its dispute with Sydney Trains.

There is frustration on both sides that despite positive meetings last month, progress on long-running disputes has ground to a standstill.

Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said the “network will eventually suffer” if the industrial action continued.

“There will be a point where equipment, such as substations, overhead wiring and track points cannot continue to be used if those maintenance activities have not been performed,” Mr Longland said.

“If the bans continue indefinitely, this could progressively result in safety issues on the rail network and growing portions of the network unable to be operated.”

“At this time we are not expecting any service impacts for our customers next week.”

Commuters outside of Central Station. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

In a bid to avoid a repeat of the chaos caused when the network was shut down at midnight with little notice, Transport Minister David Elliott has been speaking with his departmental secretary multiple times a day in the lead-up to Monday’s action.

Mr Elliott said the timing of the action was “disappointing,” coming after the floods across NSW and on the back of more workers heading back into the office.

“I will continue to meet with (the ETU) but I can’t help being suspicious about the motives as we approach two elections,” he said.

Industrial Relations Minister Damien Tudehope has been tasked with signing off on any agreements made as part of the government’s bargaining process with unions.

It is understood the measure, implemented about two weeks ago, was designed to ensure any agreements did not have unintended consequences.

Originally published as Sydney commuters brace for further trains disruption