Sydney’s train strikes will not go ahead this weekend, with one of the state’s biggest-ever rail shutdowns averted after talks between the union and the NSW government.
The announcement means commuters will be able to catch trains from tomorrow through to Sunday as normal.
It also means 109 planned work bans for the next two weeks have been lifted.
Premier Chris Minns joined the crisis talks with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) yesterday after Transport Minister Jo Haylen was unable to get the union to budge on its industrial action.
“We’ve struck an agreement with the combined rail unions to ensure trains will be operating this weekend,” Minns said.
“Those that need to use the rail network can use it.”
He said “intensive” bargaining would now start with the union and government to find a long-term pay agreement.
Minns also said he would run as many 24-hour train services as possible this weekend, as proposed by the union.
“We are working with Transport for NSW to make sure crews are available to do just that.”
“There would have been thousands of people who made alternative arrangements, I apologise for that.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said she was “pleased” an agreement had been reached.
“Sydneysiders can get to where they need to go on Friday and Saturday… We apologise for the uncertainty this presented for passengers,” she said.
“That was a better scenario than not having notice.”
The union had said the strike would go on unless the government agreed to run 24-hour train services this weekend.
