Mass delays are expected across Sydney’s train and bus networks, as transport workers refuse to work overtime.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union announced on Tuesday its members would take industrial action from 12pm Thursday, January 25.
With Sydney Trains relying on its drivers to do overtime to run its schedule, the move is expected to cause chaos for commuters.
Mass delays are expected across Sydney’s train and bus networks, as transport workers refuse to work overtime
Union members have asked for a six per cent annual pay increase.
In a statement sent to Daily Mail Australia, NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Alex Claassens said the government could stop the industrial action from going ahead if it met their demands.
‘From Thursday the 25th of January, there will be an indefinite ban on overtime work. We’ve seen in the past few days that excessive overtime is leaving workers across the network fatigued and exhausted,’ he said.
‘The ban on overtime is important in order to protect our workmates and commuters.’
Mr Claasens said the union was ‘incredibly disappointed we’ve had to get to this point’.
‘No one wants to take industrial action, but we haven’t been left with any other options at this stage,’ he said.
‘We’re still hopeful that management and the government will come to the table and deliver an enterprise agreement that provides workers with the wages and conditions they deserve, so we don’t have to take any more action. Our door is always open.’
With Sydney Trains relying on its drivers to do overtime to run its schedule, the move is expected to cause chaos for commuters
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins (pictured) as he speaks to the media
Mr Claasens said the NSW Government expected transport workers ‘to do more with far less’.
He ensured commuters they would be kept updated with as much information as possible in lead up to next week’s action.
‘The last thing any railway worker wants to do is inconvenience commuters… but i’m sure everyone will understand, we’ve been forced to this point.’
Sydney Trains boss Howard Collins responded to the announcement on Tuesday saying it would create havoc for commuters.
‘That will have an impact on the network… we are working on those contingency plans now,’ he told reporters.
‘It would be an important challenge for us and we would have to reschedule (trains).’
Sydney Trains boss Howard Collins responded to the announcement on Tuesday saying it would create havoc for commuters