The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) in Sydney is threatening strike action during the busy New Year period, demanding a substantial 32% pay rise over four years.

Negotiations between the RTBU and the government have been ongoing since May, but little progress has been made, prompting the current strike threat.

On December 16, 2024, a significant 75% of the 8,000 RTBU members voted in favor of various forms of industrial action, which could include strikes starting December 28.

New Year's Eve is a particularly critical time for Sydney's rail network, with expectations of up to 1 million people using the services to attend the iconic fireworks at the Sydney Harbour.

The proposed strike action raises serious concerns over public safety, as it could leave thousands of families stranded in the city during this high-traffic event.

If strikes proceed, the RTBU plans to implement actions similar to previous disruptions, including train cancellations, delays, and reduced shift limits for staff.

The RTBU's previous industrial action in late November nearly caused a complete shutdown of Sydney's transport system, highlighting the potential impact of future strikes.

The Minns government, which was elected on a platform to remove the cap on public sector salaries, has already granted significant pay increases to police and teachers, influencing other public sector workers to seek higher wages.

In addition to the pay rise, the union is also seeking to reduce the working week to 35 hours, while the government has offered a 9.5% pay rise plus superannuation over three years.

Past disputes between the state and the RTBU have resulted in significant service cancellations, leading to public outcry and criticism from political leaders.