Over 460 Sydney Train Services Cancelled

Today, Sydney's rail network is in chaos with around 465 train services, about a quarter of what's scheduled, being Cancelled due to more than 350 missing drivers and guards. Sydney Trains CEO Matthew Longland has warned the situation could get worse as it's still unclear how many staff on the afternoon shift will be absent.

Commuters are facing yet another rough day on the trains, with talks on a new bargaining agreement breaking down last night. It's still uncertain whether this stand-off will stretch into the weekend, according to Transport Minister John Graham. The government is even considering legal action, possibly taking the matter to the Fair Work Commission today.

At the heart of the issue is a dispute over a $4500 sign-on bonus for rail workers, which the union says can't just be erased, while the government insists it was meant to be a one-time deal. Negotiations over this have been tense, with the government valuing the bonus at $60 million for the entire workforce. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey suggested that the union was essentially fighting for that $60 million.

There's also confusion about what’s causing the disruptions. The government claims it's “industrial action” after the union agreed to a “go-slow” day, which slows down the trains, following the breakdown in talks. Mookhey has even accused the union of “gaslighting” Sydney. However, RTBU NSW secretary Toby Warnes says the union called off the action after receiving "lock-out" notices for 5000 workers from the government.

The government argues that this isn't a lockout, but a policy of not paying workers who are participating in industrial action. Longland echoed this, saying it’s "in no way, shape, or form" a lockout.

In the meantime, commuters are being told to avoid non-urgent travel and find other transport options. A limited coach service is running between Central and Sydney Airport, and the Metro, light rail, and other public transport options are still operating normally.