Image: Passenger networks across NSW were halted following industrial action on Monday morning. Photo: TripAdvisor.
By DANIEL LO SURDO
Commuters across the inner city have been left stranded on Monday morning as NSW’s train network was halted following a breakdown in negotiations between the rail union and state government, with Transport for NSW saying that planned industrial action made it “impossible” for services to safely operate.
According to Rail, Bus and Tram Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, staff were preparing to arrive at work this morning to take place in low-level industrial action, which would not have impacted commuters, but were told by management that the train network would not be running today.
Mr Claassens accused the state government of “spitting the dummy”, adding that “we’re ready to drive the trains whenever the NSW government will let us”.
Transport Minister David Elliott aimed blame at the union, accusing them of “hijacking the city”, calling the industrial action “un-Australian” and adding that driverless trains would be preferred by commuters on the network.
Today’s action comes after a significant dispute between the state government and the rail union over conditions and pay for train workers. The RTBU withdrew from negotiations last night, after a deal was believed to be struck last week to minimise disruption to commuters, which made management decide to halt the network today.
“This was a difficult decision to make but we cannot, and will not, compromise on safety,” Transport for NSW Secretary Rob Sharp said.
“We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact to commuters and sincerely apologise to everyone inconvenienced by this industrial action.”
Traffic across Sydney, including the Hume Highway, M5 and M2 motorways, was reported to be noticeably heavier on Monday morning.
Commuters have been urged to avoid travel where possible, or use alternative modes of transport and to allow extra time for trips.
