Sydney commuters are facing significant disruptions as up to 90% of train services have been cancelled following a sudden industrial action. More than 570 train drivers failed to report for duty, leading to widespread cancellations and chaos within the transport system, particularly impacting the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line, where almost no trains are operational.
Authorities have warned passengers to avoid non-essential travel, as overcrowding at stations has resulted in some platforms being closed. The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) and the New South Wales (NSW) government are entrenched in a dispute over a claimed $4500 sign-on bonus for rail workers, which the union argues cannot be dismissed unilaterally. In response to the action, Fair Work Australia urged the union to back down, while the government plans to take further legal steps to address the strike.
Transport for NSW stated that services would continue to be impacted the following day, with delays expected to persist. Meanwhile, a leaked message purportedly from a union member suggested intentions to disrupt services, although the union denies any formal endorsement of such sentiments. The intense standoff leaves commuters with limited options for travel, further complicating their journeys in Sydney.