Train passengers attending major events, including the Randwick races, Carols in the Domain and Big Bash cricket, have been warned of lengthy delays and cancellations across the network due to rolling industrial action by the state’s rail unions on Saturday.
Eighteen train services, totalling about 300 trips, had been cancelled by mid-morning, triggering delays between 30 and 40 minutes.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland are due to give an update on how industrial action is affecting services at 11.30am.
Passengers heading to major events face lengthy delays, service gaps and last-minute cancellations. Credit: Edwina Pickles
Trains are still running, but the service gaps and last-minute cancellations are expected to add to journey times for people travelling to the events at Randwick, Sydney Olympic Park and the CBD.
On the T1 North Shore line between 10am and 1pm, six of 12 citybound trains from Hornsby were cancelled.
The disruption follows the Federal Court’s decision to throw out an interim injunction blocking the industrial action, including work stoppages, amid long-running pay negotiations.
The escalating tensions between the Minns government and unions have cast doubt over New Year’s Eve celebrations, prompting the state’s police commissioner to warn she may recommend the fireworks on Sydney Harbour be cancelled if industrial action continues.
On Friday, the state government unsuccessfully sought for the Fair Work Commission to suspend the action due to significant harm to large hoteliers and other businesses.
That case will now be heard on Christmas Eve, along with the government’s separate application for the action to be terminated or suspended on economic harm or public safety grounds.
