Sydney is preparing for another day of train turmoil as disruptions persist across the rail network, with more than 350 ongoing and new industrial bans from combined rail unions impacting services.
Commuters experienced overcrowded carriages and significant delays on Wednesday, as authorities reported the cancellation of around 1,500 services—approximately 40 percent of all scheduled trains. Transport Minister Jo Haylen estimated over 1,000 services faced cancellations or serious delays, exacerbated by wild storms that knocked down trees and damaged overhead wiring.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland warned of two more days of industrial action, urging travelers to stay informed about service updates. Disruptions on Thursday will stem from required maintenance work between Homebush and Bondi Junction, led by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), which has highlighted ongoing issues with the signaling system.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is also engaging in separate industrial action, leading to trains operating up to 23 kilometers per hour below the speed limit in certain zones, alongside bans affecting infrastructure maintenance and incident management.
In a bid to stabilize services, all trains were returned to their stabling yards on Wednesday evening to be positioned for a return to normal timetables. However, the aftermath of the storm left several stations, including Lidcombe, Cabramatta, and Flemington, without power. Additionally, track failures were reported at Shellharbour Junction, and flooding occurred at Town Hall.
The disruptions coincide with ongoing negotiations between the unions and Sydney Trains regarding pay increases. The government has proposed a 15 percent pay rise over four years, including superannuation, deemed their final offer. The ETU expressed disappointment with this proposal, while the RTBU, which is demanding a 32 percent pay rise, accused the state government of stalling negotiations to sway public opinion against the unions.
“The ball is in the government’s court,” the RTBU stated, urging for a resolution to end the ongoing dispute without further legal entanglements.
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