We’re back on track: Fair Work bans Sydney train strikes until July

Fed-up commuters will be spared more chaos on Sydney’s rail network – for now – after the Minns government won a major legal victory stop to ongoing industrial action. See how much the dispute has cost NSW this year.

Fed-up commuters will be spared more chaos on Sydney’s rail network – for now – after the state government last night won a major legal victory before the Fair Work Commission to put a stop to industrial action by the rail unions.

It came as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton turned up the heat on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, challenging him to show some “guts” and end these strikes for good.

Mr Dutton said that Mr Albanese must “stand up to militant unions holding the public to ransom” and order his Industrial Relations Minister Murray Watt to use his power under the Fair Work Act to terminate the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s industrial action.

In court on Wednesday evening, the full bench of the commission dealt a massive blow to the unions – and saved Mr Albanese from having to make a decision – by suspending all industrial action until July 1.

Train travellers can enjoy less delays on the rail system over the next few months. Picture: Thomas Lisson

The long-running pay dispute between Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW and the RTBU was aired before the full bench of the commission.

About 4300 train services were cancelled or delayed from Friday to Monday after more than 1725 train drivers and guards did not report for work following chaos on the network for months.

The NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union's branch secretary Toby Warnes on a break during the hearing in Sydney on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

FWC President Adam Hatcher ordered the complete suspension of industrial action to allow the parties to “cool off”, saying he believed if the action were allowed to continue, it would “likely escalate”.

He ruled the suspension needed to be for a long period, as short-term suspensions had not resulted in an outcome.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has challenged Anthony Albanese to have the “guts” to end train strikes permanently. Picture: Richard Dobson.

He said the evidence showed that some RTBU members “were taking matters into their own hands and encouraging or organising industrial action beyond that authorised” by union leadership, in reference to text messages sent by union delegates telling workers to stay home last week.

Justice Hatcher said he believed a suspension would improve the prospects of both sides coming to an agreement.

Sydney Trains and NSW Trains argued that protected industrial action should be suspended for six months.

Commuters have faced numerous cancellations and delays over the past few days. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Their barrister Simon Meehan SC argued a lengthy suspension would create a “cooling off period” and refocus attention on bargaining in private rather than in media.

Transport Minister John Graham said the decision will allow both parties to return to the negotiating table.

“This gives us clear air to stop interrupting people’s lives and get on with the business of landing an agreement for fair pay and conditions for rail workers,” he said.

The FWC will convene a conference on February 28 where the government and unions can decide whether they should enter arbitration.

“The next step will then to be to endeavour to resolve the outstanding issue concerning the claim for a sign-on bonus,” Justice Hatcher said.

Business NSW Chief executive Dan Hunter said the estimated economic damage was more than $100m in only three days of disruption this year.

Originally published as We’re back on track: Fair Work bans Sydney train strikes until July