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Sydney train workers to strike for 24 hours, union announces

After a week of mayhem on Sydney rail lines, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has announced a 24-hour strike by train workers before the end of the month.

The RTBU addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon to make the announcement, stating that the workers will strike for a 24-hour period beginning at midnight on Monday, January 29.

The work stoppage comes after negotiations failed between Sydney and NSW Trains management and its workforce.

RTBU NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the early announcement of the work stoppage would give commuters time to arrange other travel plans.

"We're disappointed it's had to come to this, but management and the NSW Government haven't left us with any other options," he said.

"The terrible way management and the NSW Government are willing to treat its hard-working employees has been laid bare for everyone to see lately. All workers are asking for are fair working conditions and wages in return for the work they do."

The strike is in addition to the ban on overtime that union workers will commence on Thursday, January 25 onwards. The overtime ban is expected to cripple train services across the Australia Day long weekend.

It's expected that the State Government will organise buses to replace passenger train services.

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