Sydney Train Commuters Set To Face More Delays As ‘Go-Slow’ Action Commences

Rhea Nath

Feb. 13, 2025, 11:24 p.m.

You might want to reconsider any Valentine’s Day-related travel today, with industrial action from the rail union causing disruptions across Sydney’s train network. 

Starting Friday, February 14, ‘go-slow’ action from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) is affecting all the metropolitan lines, with trains running 23km/h slower in areas where the speed limit is 80km/h or higher.

The planned industrial action follows an ongoing dispute over pay packages between the union and the NSW Government for several months. Last week, it was announced that demands to refund passengers for travel chaos back in January had been turned down by the government, spurring the latest go-slow call.

However, on Wednesday, the union confirmed this had been put on ice for 48 hours as negotiations continued. 

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, talks broke down when unions asked for an 11th-hour bonus and the industrial action commenced on Friday morning. 

Disruptions are expected across the network. (Source: Google Maps)

“After extensive negotiations over the last few days, the unions at the last hour asked for a $4500 bonus payment for every rail worker. This was never part of our offer, nor was it in the union’s counteroffer,” an NSW government spokesperson said. 

“As a result, the union has instructed drivers not to show up to work today.

“We are looking at all our options including urgent legal action.”

READ MORE Sydney Trains Could Face More Disruptions Next Week, Here’s What You Can Expect

It’s understood drivers will either operate at reduced speeds or simply not show up to work. Commuters have been warned to brace for delays and avoid non-essential travel, with over 350 services already cancelled by 7:30am.

Sydney Trains apologised for the expected delays and noted the next Fair Work Commission hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Per the unions, Sydney and NSW Trains notified workers that they would lock out employees and dock their pay if they caused transport to run slower than the timetable. 

(Source: Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

“We asked the government to rescind its lockout notices to ensure services ran smoothly on Friday, but unfortunately they refused,” said RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes, as reported by news.com.au.

“We hope that the NSW government doesn’t choose to blow this up and cause serious delays, but the reality is we can’t predict the impact.

“It’s bitterly disappointing that we haven’t been able to reach a sensible agreement over the past 48 hours.”

READ MORE Fair Work Commission Enforces Temporary Bar On Industrial Action On Sydney Trains

Meanwhile NSW Minister for Transport John Graham rejected the suggestion, telling 2GB this “isn’t a lockout” and that the government “simply can’t afford” to pay every rail worker $4500.

“We’re obviously, though, not paying people to take industrial action,” he said.

Despite the chaos, the Metro, light rail, and other public transport options remain unaffected. But with the rest of the train network headed for disruptions, commuters may be in for a bumpy ride.

Lead image: Google Maps and Getty Images

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