Sydney rail union refuses to halt strikes despite Fair Work Commission advice
15.02.2025
Sydney rail union remains firm in its industrial action, disregarding the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation. This decision results in severe train delays, cancellations, and major commuter disruptions across Sydney. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Sydney rail union defies Fair Work Commission’s advice
Public transport in Sydney remains chaotic, with train cancellations and extensive delays affecting daily commuters. The ongoing dispute between the union and government officials prolongs uncertainty for workers and passengers.
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Rail, Bus, and Transport Union (RBTU) members continue their go-slow strategy, demanding better wages and conditions. Meanwhile, government representatives express growing concern over escalating service interruptions harming public convenience.
Since negotiations began, discussions between union leaders and officials have stalled and restarted multiple times. Friday’s talks failed again, leaving passengers frustrated as the dispute drags on without resolution.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the Fair Work Commission recommended halting industrial action immediately. Officials argue that the union’s refusal to comply undermines essential services and disrupts thousands of commuters’ daily routines.
Government urges Sydney rail union to reconsider stance
Union Secretary Toby Warnes claims disruptions stem from thousands of lockout notices issued last week. He asserts that affected workers were forced to either perform full duties or not work at all.
The government proposed withdrawing these notices if the union ceased industrial action simultaneously. However, union representatives rejected the offer, choosing to continue their protest over workplace conditions.
Transport officials emphasize that authorities will pursue legal measures to prevent further inconvenience. They insist that protecting commuters remains their priority amid continued disruption to train services.
Further discussions at the commission are scheduled for Saturday, with hopes of a resolution before the weekend. Officials aim to secure an agreement that prevents prolonged service interruptions across the city.
On Friday, Warnes denied allegations that workers abused sick leave to escalate disruptions. He dismissed government accusations as misleading, urging officials to focus on constructive negotiations.
“We need to set aside rhetoric and negotiate based on facts,” Warnes told ABC Radio. He believes that a fair agreement is within reach if both sides commit to meaningful dialogue.
The government insists that prolonged industrial action threatens public transport reliability and impacts the broader economy. Officials call on union representatives to reconsider their approach and seek a swift resolution.
Commuters express growing frustration over repeated disruptions affecting their travel plans. Many demand immediate intervention from authorities to prevent future strikes from impacting their daily routines.
Sydney’s rail network remains in crisis as negotiations continue with no clear resolution. Both sides must work toward a fair compromise to restore confidence in public transport across New South Wales.
Source: www.msn.com
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