Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink commuters have been urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as industrial action continues today.
It follows a ruling by the Fair Work Commission yesterday (February 16), which sided with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.
The NSW government attempted to stop the industrial action due to a large number number of workers calling in sick on Friday.
It claimed the mass absences amounted to unprotected industrial action, which is not legal.
However the tribunal rejected the government’s case, saying there was no evidence Friday’s actions were co-ordinated by the RTBU.
The matter will be back before the Fair Work Commission for a full bench hearing on Wednesday (February 19).
The latest update from Transport for NSW said 335 services have been cancelled so far today, but the rail network is running “close to timetable” with minimal delays.
Almost 200 Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink train drivers and guards did not report for their normal shifts as of 5am this morning, and this number could grow throughout the day.
Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday (14-16 February) 1,525 train drivers and guards did not report for work (862 on Friday, 376 on Saturday, and 287 on Sunday), resulting in 3,935 services cancelled or delayed (3,312 on Friday, 558 on Saturday, and 65 on Sunday).
A statement from Transport for NSW said: “Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers once again for the ongoing disruption and thank our staff who are working hard to minimise the impacts of industrial action.
“For parents of school children who would normally catch the train, our advice is to arrange alternative travel if possible, and schools have been notified of the disruption.”
