Millions of commuters have been warned to brace for more travel chaos on Sydney’s rail network just days before Christmas.
Trains through the port city could come to an abrupt halt for 24 hours from Thursday evening after the Federal Court gave the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) the green light to begin industrial action.
The move could cause travel chaos for many for commuters heading to work this Friday for the last working day of the year.
Revelers entering the CBD during the busy Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve could be affected.
Transport for NSW issued an urgent alert on Thursday afternoon, warning commuters of disruptions to the network due to ‘ongoing industrial action’.
“Expect delays and cancellations on Sydney Trains, Intercity and NSW TrainLink services due to ongoing protected industrial action,” the warning read.
‘Take extra travel time into account and consider using alternative transport.’
Commuters have been urged to check transport websites and apps to monitor updates of network disruptions.
RTBU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes said workers have the right to participate in the strikes until their demands are met.
Trains across the port city could be at a standstill for 24 hours from Thursday after the RTBU gave the green light to begin industrial action (pictured by commuters at Sydney Central Station)
“Members will do whatever it takes to achieve what they deserve and that will continue indefinitely this weekend, followed by the reduction in the mileage ban from Monday,” Mr Warnes said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Transport for NSW and the RTBU for further comment.
The industrial action could cause a network-wide shutdown unless trains run 24 hours a day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Businesses and restaurants will take a big hit if the planned disruptions go ahead, as many locations rely on foot traffic during the busy holiday season.
It comes at a time when tensions continue to flare between the state government and the union amid an escalating dispute over wages.
The Federal Court ruling was a huge blow to NSW Premier Chris Minns after the government’s technical arguments to invalidate the industrial action were rejected.
The move could cause travel chaos for revelers (pictured) heading out over the holiday period, with widespread cancellations threatened on December 31
The planned disruptions could impact travel plans for thousands of commuters to watch the annual fireworks display at Sydney Harbor (pictured)
It comes just days after the RTBU and several rail unions voted to go on strike from December 28, paving the way for around 8,000 workers to organize industrial action.
The union previously had plans to reduce the number of miles their members would travel to and from work.
Some of the other plans considered include a 24-hour work ban and the speed trains that will run across the network.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen could not say what that response would be or to what extent NSW’s urban rail network would be disrupted.
“I expect we will have a level of service available to passengers,” she said.
Commuters (pictured center) have been urged to check transport websites and apps to monitor updates to network disruptions
The union had previously planned to reduce the number of miles their members would travel to and from work (photo of commuters at Town Hall Station in Sydney)
The Federal Court granted the state government a brief reprieve from the industrial sector after previously calling for a pause due to planned work bans and strikes. before starting on December 9.
There’s more to come.