The NSW Government has secured an injunction against rail unions’ industrial action, averting a city-wide train strike that would have caused significant disruption across the network and impacted passengers.
Premier Chris Minns personally intervened in the rail dispute last month, averting a city-wide train strike. However, despite his efforts, the government was unable to come to a fair agreement with the combined rail unions. The negotiations had been ongoing for two weeks, with daily exhaustive discussions between the parties.
The government decided to seek an injunction in the Federal Court to block the planned industrial action. Transport officials argued that the strike would cause significant disruption across the network and impact passengers, particularly those traveling on Intercity services.
Rail unions say they were close to landing a deal but it fell apart over the weekend. Unions NSW boss Mark Morey stated that they are hoping for talks with the government to resume. Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced that bargaining would recommence soon.
Despite the injunction, transport authorities warn that commuters may still face disruptions due to delayed and cancelled services already locked in across the network. The Christmas and New Year period approaches, and the government is pleased that there is some certainty for commuters.
The Opposition’s leader, Mark Speakman, criticized the Premier’s handling of the issue, saying he had left it until ‘five minutes to midnight’ to take the matter to court.
- www.abc.net.au | NSW Government wins injunction blocking rail unions industrial action
- www.abc.net.au | Sydney train delays loom after NSW government negotiations with ...
