More pain for Sydney Trains commuters after tense negotiations with the rail union stalled

Sydney Trains passengers have been told to expect delays on the network after pay negotiations between the NSW Government and the rail union stalled last night. 

Rail workers will run trains 23km/hour slower on Friday morning after both sides failed to come to an agreement during discussions on Thursday night. 

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) are demanding a 32 per cent pay rise over four years. 

RTBU NSW secretary Toby Warnes told train passengers to expect delays and they should ‘direct their anger at the NSW government for the uncertainty’. 

The NSW Government has responded by declaring that any employee who takes part in the ‘go slow’ action will have their pay docked. 

‘Rail workers are ready to come to work, but the NSW government’s highly unusual legal tactics and lockout threats mean they lose a whole day’s pay if they have to slow down on any sections of the track at all,’ Mr Warnes said.

‘It’s up to the government how big an impact it wants this small action to have on commuters on Friday.

‘We asked the government to rescind its lockout notices to ensure services ran smoothly on Friday, but unfortunately they refused.’

Transport for NSW has also warned passengers to expect delays on the train network and to allow extra travel time.

‘While we expect minimal disruption, the consequences of industrial action can be unpredictable, as are the operational needs of the network,’ Transport for NSW said in a statement.

‘Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers if they experience industrial action on the rail network.’

The delays are expected to affect all Sydney lines and there will be no South Coast line running. 

A Fair Work Commission hearing is set for Monday but discussions between the union and the government are expected to continue over the weekend.