Rail workers across Sydney have voted in favour of escalating industrial action, setting the stage for potential disruptions to train services from 28 December and into New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

The move comes after the New South Wales government’s attempts to block strikes through legal avenues, including seeking an injunction in the federal court, faced renewed challenges.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) announced this week that between 78 per cent and 81 per cent of its Sydney Trains and NSW Trains members supported protected industrial action. 

RTBU President Craig Turner called the vote “unbelievable” and “history-making for this union” in a video statement. 

Planned measures include 24-hour work stoppages, limited driver routes, and deactivating Opal card readers, with actions potentially intensifying around key holiday periods.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has labelled the developments a “catastrophe” for commuters and businesses during the festive season. 

He criticised Premier Chris Minns for raising public sector wage expectations during the election campaign but failing to meet union demands. 

“This is a government controlled by unions... they want their pound of flesh, and Minns can’t deliver,” Speakman said.

The RTBU has been negotiating with the Minns government for a 32 per cent wage increase over four years and extended train services on weekends. 

Despite two weeks of intensive discussions, the parties remain at an impasse. 

Minns noted earlier that the government was “not in a position” to meet the union’s demands but expressed a desire to avoid further disruption.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the government is opposed to any strike action, citing the impact on families and businesses during peak travel times. 

“No level of industrial action is tolerable at this time of year,” Haylen said.

She says the government will pursue all legal avenues to maintain transport services during New Year’s celebrations.

The industrial standoff reflects broader challenges in managing labour relations within the public sector, with unions leveraging high-demand periods to push for favourable agreements. 

The federal court is expected to issue a judgment on the government’s injunction request later this week.

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