A major union strike which threatened to shut down Sydney’s Rail Network over the weekend has been called off after the state government and rail union had successful negotiations on Thursday.
The Minns Labor government and NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union came to an agreement during crisis talks on Thursday, agreeing that Sydney would run limited 24-hour train lines over the weekend if the union called off its strike.
“I’ve agreed to run as many 24-hour train services this coming weekend as possible,” Mr Minns said.
“We are working with (NSW Transport) to ensure that crew operations are in place and are available to do that.
“So they will be available, some tonight, many tomorrow night, and most the night after that.”
The Premier apologised to the “thousands of commuters” who had already made alternate travel arrangements when the shutdown was announced.
Commuters were warned of severe travel disruptions from Friday to Sunday morning due to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) industrial action.
The union demanded the state government run all train lines for 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday as a form of “protected industrial action” which would benefit instead of hinder commuters.
However, Transport Minister Jo Haylen previously said it was not sustainable for the NSW government to implement a 24-hour train service over the weekend.
Sky News
