Premier Chris Minns slams rail union 'blackmail' as hundreds of trains cancelled
NSW Premier Chris Minns has lashed out at what he described as rail union "blackmail" after another day where hundreds of train drivers and guards called in sick.
Nonetheless, Transport for NSW says there are only "minimal" delays and that the network is running close to time despite 335 services being cancelled so far.
Transport for NSW posted an alert for multiple lines this morning urging people to "avoid non-essential travel" and to allow extra time for train trips on the network today.
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Commuters are being urged to avoid trains today. Michael Ruffles
The government body said "lengthy delays and cancellations" were anticipated due to industrial action.
"Parents should arrange alternative transport for school children who usually catch the train," the alert read.
"Consider using alternative forms of public transport, and plan ahead by checking the latest updates on transportnsw.info and transport apps."
Transport for NSW said 197 workers so far had not showed up for their 5am shift start.
From Friday to Sunday, 1525 train drivers and guards did not report for work (862 on Friday, 376 on Saturday, and 287 on Sunday), resulting in 3935 services cancelled or delayed (3312 on Friday, 558 on Saturday, and 65 on Sunday), Transport for NSW said.
Speaking to media today, Minns condemned the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union's "hare-brained" actions.
"Whilst the disruptions are obviously significant and making a major impact ... the government cannot give in the union's blackmail," he said.
He said he had been left "incredulous" at recent statements from union leaders, including claims there was no organised industrial action taking place.
"I think ultimately they think everybody in Sydney is stupid," Minns said.
But he said if the government caved to union demands, it would only bring about more industrial action in the future.
The matter returns to the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday.
"We are hopeful the commission steps in at this point and ends this circus, but we will have a plan B and plan C," Minns said.
This morning's warning comes after the Fair Work Commission ruled in favour of the union's industrial action yesterday, after the months-long stand-off between the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union and the state government spilled over into chaos late last week.
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The rail chaos began on Friday. 9News
Negotiations on a new enterprise agreement fell through at the last minute on Thursday night, with each side blaming the other over a clause involving a $4500 sign-on bonus the government claims was intended as a one-off.
The union has said it was meant to be ongoing, after it was negotiated under the previous government.
Friday saw hundreds of drivers and guards not turn up to work, while a text to some union members - though not from or endorsed by the union itself - urged them to "f--- the network up".
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RTBU NSW secretary Toby Warnes claims the government had sent "lock-out" notices to 5000 workers, while the government refuted that.
Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said it was in "no way" a lockout, but that NSW government policy was to not pay workers who took part in industrial action on the job.
Workers had originally implemented a "go-slow" day on Friday, which Warnes later said was cancelled amid the mass work absence.
Again, each side blamed the other for the disruptions, which continued throughout the weekend.
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