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The last few months of 2024 have been dominated by threatened (and often, later cancelled) train strikes, and there’s another one looming – though if this one goes ahead, it has the potential to totally uproot the biggest night of the year in Sydney. After calling on the NSW government to make changes to their working conditions, the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has threatened to begin industrial action on December 28, and continue striking through New Year’s Eve – causing a whole heap of disruption for the estimated 1.6 million people attending NYE celebrations across the city. Here’s what we know so far...
Why are there going to be Sydney trains strikes?
Over the past few months, the RTBU has been calling on the NSW Government to introduce changes to their working conditions and pay – with their request for a 32 per cent pay increase (to be introduced over the course of four years) dismissed by the government in favour of an increase of between 9.5 and 10 per cent.
When are the Sydney trains strikes happening, and what action are they taking?
As a result, the Union’s industrial action website (Fighting For Our Future) states that a new round of industrial action will come into effect from 12.01am on December 28, and will continue indefinitely.
Among the actions listed to begin on December 28, the union promises:
- “a ban on working with non-Sydney Trains or NSW Trains employees”;
- “a ban on working with non-Sydney Trains or NSW Trains employees”;
- “a ban on reinstating a train service if it is cancelled”; and
- “a ban on working in spaces over 30 degrees Celsius or 80% humidity according the BOM app in the suburb the work is performed”.
So though trains won’t officially all be cancelled over the NYE period, it’s looking like we’re in for a lot of delays, cancellations and disruption if a deal isn’t met between the union and the government.
How can we travel during the Sydney trains strikes?
Transport solutions for this time are still being sorted, so your best option is to keep an eye on Trip Planner from Transport for NSW to plan your journey.
Where can I get more info on the Sydney trains strikes?
You can learn more about the RTBU's current industrial action via their website, and you can stay up to date and plan your trip over here.
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