The time when commuter chaos will hit Sydney as train staff announce walk off the job tonight 

Commuter chaos to hit Sydney as train staff announce walk off the job TONIGHT

  • Workers on Sydney trains will stop from work from 8pm Monday to 4am Tuesday
  • Commuters could be left stranded after 6pm as train frequency slows down
  • Buses will replace trains on all lines but lengthy delays are expected
  • Rail union is new enterprise agreement covering more than 10,000 staff 


Sydney train commuters have been warned of major disruptions to the network overnight as union members plan on further strike action.

The work stoppage will disrupt the Sydney Trains-operated network as Rail, Tram, and Bus Union members plan to strike from 8pm on Monday to 4am on Tuesday.

Transport for NSW has warned train frequency will slow from 6pm and people could be left stranded.

Buses will replace train services on all lines between 8pm and 4am, but Sydney commuters are being encouraged to avoid travelling on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Intercity and regional services will also be affected, with some of the services suspended from 3.30pm on Monday before resuming at 5.30am on Tuesday.

A work stoppage by Rail, Tram, and Bus Union members will affect Sydney train commuters from Monday afternoon until 4am on Tuesday

Buses will replace train services on all lines between 8pm and 4am, but Sydney commuters are being encouraged to avoid travelling on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning

Buses will replace train services on all lines between 8pm and 4am, but Sydney commuters are being encouraged to avoid travelling on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning

The union says it remains at loggerheads with Transport for NSW as they negotiate a new enterprise agreement covering more than 10,000 staff.

Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said a lot of progress had been made, with agreements reached on several key points.

“However, it is disappointing that it is not enough to stop them from taking this action, just days before Christmas, which only inconveniences our customers,” Mr Longland said.

Transport for NSW says there will be flow-on effects throughout the week, as many services are nearly fully booked as people travel home for Christmas.

“This is significant disruption that means many regional and rural customers will not be able to travel, have a dislocated journey on road coaches or will need to make other plans,” NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Dale Merrick said in a statement.

The strike comes after industrial action last Tuesday when RTBU members refused to drive foreign-built trains used on about 75 per cent of services.

The union says it remains at loggerheads with Transport for NSW as they negotiate a new enterprise agreement covering more than 10,000 staff

The union says it remains at loggerheads with Transport for NSW as they negotiate a new enterprise agreement covering more than 10,000 staff

RTBU NSW secretary Alex Claassens has said the government is refusing to deliver on “basic hygiene, safety and privatisation commitments”.

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union says that management has stalled negotiations for six months, missed meetings or cancelled at the last minute.

“Sydney Trains wants to introduce rostering changes that would see maintenance workers rostered on every weekend and on night shifts, ending any chance of a work-life balance,” AMWU state president Keith Lang said.

“Sydney Trains claims to care about the mental wellbeing of its workers but is refusing to compromise on this proposal.”

Transport for NSW said workers had been offered new enterprise agreements, including a 2.5 per cent pay rise in the first year.

The union wants a 3.5 per cent wage rise.