The NSW raxjmtzywil union has struck an in-principle agreement to pull back on some industrial action for the next six weeks, giving commuters a reprieve from chaos that has engulfed the network.
The compromise came after hours of robust discussions between the rail union and NSW Transport Minister David Elliott though the finer details will be nailed down over coming weeks.
The Rail, Bus and Train Union’s (RBTU) enterprise agreement expired in May 2021 and for the last ten months the union has been lobbying the state government for better pay and working conditions.
It all came to a head last month when industrial action created far reaching delays and cancellations within the transport network relied upon by thousands of Sydney commuters.
The union agreed as part of the deal to “pull back” on some industrial action which would likely cause the greatest disruption to the rail network.
“Our collective focus is to make sure commuters get the service that they deserve,” Mr Elliot told a reporters after Thursday’s meeting.
Mr Elliott said he would answer the phone at any hour of the day if a grievance emerged as a result of the negotiations.
Fare-free Fridays were floated earlier this week by the rail union’s NSW secretary Alex Claassens as an apology to the public for delays.
But the government and unions have not reached an agreement on that proposal.
Commuters can expect minor delays on Monday due to some remaining industrial action and damage to the rail network in flood-affected areas.
