Image: Image: Pixabay.
After months of rail chaos, endless cancellations, and jam-packed carriages, NSW trains are finally back on track.
The NSW Government has struck a landmark deal with the rail unions, bringing an end to the long-running dispute that has left commuters frustrated and often, stranded.
On Saturday, 11,735 union members voted on the proposed enterprise agreement, with a resounding 92 per cent of workers backing the deal. The three-year agreement includes a 12 per cent pay rise, back pay, and improved workplace conditions.
A clear mandate for change says RTBU
Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said the vote delivered a clear mandate, with turnout reaching what he called a “historic high.”
“This result is a powerful demonstration of the strength, unity, and determination of RTBU members in the face of a very difficult and, at times, exhausting campaign, you stood together, and it made all the difference,” the RTBU said in a statement.
Warnes admitted the negotiations were “trying” and at times “heated” but the result was “something that people were really quite happy with”.
“Now we can carry on providing service to the people of New South Wales as our members love to do every day,” he added.
Months of strike chaos finally ends
The bitter pay dispute, which began last year, saw rolling strikes and work bans bring the network to its knees.
At its peak, commuters faced four days of strike action in November, with threats of a total shutdown during Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Unions had originally demanded a 32 per cent pay rise and a 35-hour work week. The government countered with 9.5 per cent before settling on 12 per cent in the final agreement.
NSW Trains offers 48-hour free travel period
As a thank-you to weary passengers, all train services will be free for two days (Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1) offering a brief reprieve for those who endured months of uncertain travel.
Transport Minister John Graham described the resolution as a sigh of relief for over a million daily passengers
“We want to acknowledge the period of protected industrial action was drawn-out and took its toll on rail passengers,” he said.
“Resolution of the matter will now allow Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to focus solely on improving reliability and services,” added Graham.
Opal gates will remain open across Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and Metro for the free travel period. However, buses, ferries, and light rail services will still charge regular fares.
The fare-free days are also designed to give local businesses a boost after months of reduced foot traffic during the strikes.
Next steps for NSW Trains
The agreement also clears the way for Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink to merge into one organisation. Officials say the move will help streamline operations and improve reliability.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland called the deal a “win for staff but an even bigger win for passengers.”
“Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them,” Longland said to ABC News.
The agreement is now awaiting formal approval from the Fair Works Commission and will remain in place until 2027.
For long-suffering Sydney commuters, it marks the end of months of disruption and the hope of smoother journeys ahead.
You May Also Like
