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Light rail commuters will have free rides next week as the transport union takes industrial action over a pay dispute.
Major disruptions are expected to Sydney Light Rail services as workers plan to walk off the job from Monday till Thursday next week.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union is negotiating a new enterprise agreement with Transdev for staff at the Sydney and Parramatta Light Rail.
Opal card readers for the at L1 Dulwich Hill, L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford lines will be turned off for the four days of industrial action.
“The NSW government has implemented this special fare free period to assist
passengers, and to assist the operator Transdev comply with restrictions around
protected industrial action by the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union,” Transport for NSW said.
The free fares will be in effect for the light rail lines only from Monday’s first service through to Thursday’s last service.
Passengers travelling on trains, the metro, buses and ferries will need to tap on as usual.
Further disruptions unrelated to the action are expected heading into the weekend, with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford lines not running between Saturday November 9 and Sunday November 10.
Commuters have been urged to seek other options, including replacement buses at Central, Randwick and Juniors Kingsford.
News of the disruptions come as the RBTU gears up for further industrial action from November 14.
The union wants suburban and intercity services to run for 24 hours every Thursday, Friday
and Saturday nights, starting next week.
It is threatening industrial action from late next week if the government doesn’t agree.
RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said the industrial action was not aimed at inconveniencing commuters and said the festive period was the “perfect time for this initiative”.
“The overwhelming feedback from the public is that they want 24-hour services on the weekend, not just to go between the CBD and inner suburbs but for those travelling further including Gosford and Wollongong,” Mr Warnes said.
“We want to encourage more people to use public transport and if we can do that while undertaking industrial action, that’s a win for everyone.
“It’s a pity it has taken industrial action to bring the government along for the ride.”
Mr Warnes said the union’s Enterprise Agreement expired six months ago before accusing the NSW government of “dragging its heels” to respond to calls for better pay and conditions.
“It’s unacceptable that we have gotten to this point – our members’ pay has effectively gone backwards while government and management twiddle their thumbs and constantly delay progress on the EA,” he said.
“All we’re asking is for the Transport Minister and the NSW government to properly engage in the bargaining process, work through the log of claims with the RTBU and finalise the agreement so workers can continue to keep public transport on track on NSW.”
Sydney Trains are working to minimise disruptions to passengers, however rail agencies noted commuters have already experienced delays as part of the ongoing industrial action.
Sydney Trains and NSW Trains will return to the bargaining room with the RBTU next week.