Sydney’s transport network has been thrown into disarray on Wednesday as workers have gone on strike, shutting down the city’s major light rail network.
Commuters have been warned to expect major disruptions and significant delays during peak hours as thousands have had to seek out alternative transport options.
The New South Wales Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) strike has shut down the light rail network for 24 hours and no major trams will run in the city.
Due to the industrial action, the L1 Dulwich Hill Line, L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line are all impacted.
Due to industrial action, L1 Dulwich Hill Line, L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line have been impacted on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar
The three major tram lines connecting Randwick, Central and Circular Quay will be “fully closed” until 1am on Thursday.
Transport New South Wales has warned travellers to “allow plenty of extra travel time” but added, “Replacement buses will run every fifteen minutes”.
Wednesday’s industrial action could also cause further disruptions to Sydney’s Vivid festival just days after crowd chaos trapped visitors on Saturday.
The strike has come after failed negotiations between NSW RTBU and French transport giant Transdev, the operator of Sydney’s light rail network.
Despite efforts to reach a compromise, NSW RTBU tram and bus divisional secretary David Babineau said the union was “left with no option”.
While Transdev has offered its workforce a four-year 18 per cent pay boost, RBTU members have voted “overwhelmingly” to reject the deal, the union said on Monday.
Buses will replace trams as Sydney’s light rail network will be significantly disrupted on Wednesday due to planned industrial action. Picture: Rohan Kelly
The union has reportedly requested the amount of sick leave to be increased from 10 to 15 days, as well as a greater pay rise.
“We can’t have light rail workers in a situation where they’re going to work unwell and putting commuters and others at risk because they don’t have enough sick days,” Mr Babineau said.
“Nor can we agree to a wage deal that doesn’t come close to accounting for the huge cost of living increases we’ve seen lately.”
RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary, David Babineau said Transdev had refused to provide all light rail workers with the fair pay and conditions they deserve. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Transdev Sydney managing director Arsene Durand-Raucher said the transport operator was working hard to minimise the impact on customers caused by the industrial action.
“Customers should plan ahead and consider alternate public transport options from this Tuesday or, if possible, avoid non-essential tram travel,” Mr Durand-Raucher said.
“We remain hopeful that we can reach a resolution and avoid unnecessary disruption.”
Further strikes could be expected if the negotiations between Transdev and NSW RTBU continue to fail.
Sky News
