Premier seeks urgent legal intervention to halt Sydney’s rail network chaos

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union accused the Minns government of attempting to shift the blame for its failure to negotiate with workers by taking legal action.
“Instead of negotiating, the government is scapegoating rail workers, blaming them for economic disruption they themselves caused. The real cost to the economy isn’t the industrial action – it’s the government’s refusal to negotiate a fair deal,” it said.
Martin Place coffee shop manager Roberto Taffuri’s business has suffered because of the disruption.Credit: Steven Siewert
Rail workers have been offered a 14 per cent pay rise over four years, which includes a 1 per cent rise from savings from the merger of the state’s two passenger rail operators. Transport Minister Jo Haylen said on Wednesday that it was a “final pay offer”.
Commuters who had no choice but to travel on trains to their jobs were furious about the delays and cancellations caused for a second day by the industrial action.
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The government will consider refunding passengers disrupted by the rail chaos over the past two days, although Minns said his immediate priority was to end the disruptions caused by industrial action. “We’re going to look at that very closely,” he said of refunds.
Royal Prince Alfred doctor Alvin Tan was incensed as he was stuck on a train between two stations with no ability to make alternative transport arrangements.
“Not a single announcement in the two hours I have been on this train,” he said. “[Rail workers’] actions are putting others in jeopardy. This is immoral.”
Childcare worker Sunny Shah spent three hours travelling from Parramatta to Penrith. “I don’t think it’s fair. Because I’m casual I cannot afford to stay home,” she said.
In Martin Place, businesses suffered a second day of weak trade. AlDente pasta and coffee shop manager Roberto Taffuri said many small businesses were already struggling post-COVID and “this doesn’t help at all; people can just work from home”.
“Because people were running two or three hours late, they didn’t even have time to stop for coffee. It’s had a huge impact.”
With Nicholas Osiowy and Megan Gorrey
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