Planned network disruptions to go ahead after Sydney Trains employees reject pay offer
There "will be disruption" across Sydney after rail employees rejected a pay offer from the NSW government, meaning planned industrial action on the network will go ahead.
From Thursday, Sydney Trains will operate on a Saturday-Sunday timetable, which will see 1300 services cut throughout the day after rail workers "overwhelmingly" voted down the government's counter offer.
Transport NSW coordinator general Marg Prendergast has called on the city to "listen and change its behaviour" and avoid heading to the office to ensure the city can handle the disruption as best as possible.
"So, Transport NSW and Sydney Trains are working closely together to do our best to cater for Sydney on Thursday," Ms Prendergast said at a press conference following the deal's rejection.
"But there will be disruption."
Over 500 buses and coaches will be rolled out for Thursday - 280 in the morning peak and 230 for the afternoon rush - ready to be deployed when necessary.
"If any of those stations in strategic locations get overcrowded in the peak, Sydney Trains can call those buses in," Ms Prendergast said.
Light rail and ferries will operate as planned and buses "will operate largely as normal".
Sydney Train Strike: Rail union employees have rejected a pay offer made to them by the state govt. This means that there will be significant disruption on Sydney rail network from tomorrow. Sydney Trains will only be operating a Saturday train timetable from tomorrow onwards. pic.twitter.com/rlftCmTodl
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 24, 2018
The state transport authority spokeswoman urged all Sydneysiders to do their best during disruptions set to carry on through the long weekend
"But we really need Sydney to listen and change its behaviour on Thursday," she said.
Breaking: #SydneyTrains work bans are back on tmrw after staff didn't accept new pay deal. Latest in @7NewsSydney @6 pic.twitter.com/u2J2KdWcGq
— Paul Kadak (@PaulKadak) January 24, 2018
"We need employers to be flexible. We need employees to have a conversation with their bosses. We need you to work closer to home. Take leave if possible.
"And most importantly, if you can, travel early, travel late - travel outside the peak.
"We know this if going to be difficult and we want to do everything we can to keep Sydney moving on Thursday," she said.
At a rate of more than nine to one, rail union workers voted to go ahead with a planned 24-hour strike next Monday.
Fewer than six per cent of NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union members voted to suspend planned industrial action over a conditions and wages dispute on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately my members have overwhelmingly decided that the offer on the table is nowhere near good enough and our industrial action will continue," RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens told reporters.