Talks between rail unions and the government over a pay deal have broken down after two weeks of grueling negotiations.
NSW Premier Chris Minns made the announcement this afternoon, saying all efforts by the government to strike a deal had failed.
“I am disappointed and very sorry about this, but unfortunately this is where we are,” he said in a statement.
“At the end of the day, I can’t say ‘yes’ to the rail unions while at the same time saying ‘no’ to the nurses and other unions reaching reasonable agreements through 2024.”
The prime minister has called for rail unions to call off strike action this week.
Their refusal meant Transport for NSW would seek an injunction in the Federal Court “to avoid any inconvenience to passengers, particularly in the run-up to Christmas”.
Last Monday, Minns said Sydney could see strike action if an agreement was not reached between the government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union by today.
The union’s interim agreement not to take strike action remains in effect until today.
