Commuters are being urged to plan ahead as Sydney’s train network faces a shutdown.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is on track to proceed with industrial action from early Friday until Sunday morning following failed negotiations with the NSW Government.

Significant disruptions are expected across the city.  

The RTBU’s decision to halt services stems from a breakdown in talks over a new enterprise agreement. 

The union has demanded a 32 per cent wage increase over four years, a 35-hour work week, and enhanced conditions for leave and overtime. 

The NSW Government offered an 11 per cent increase over three years, but the union rejected this as insufficient.  

Transport authorities are preparing alternative arrangements, including bus services for major events and school transport, but admit they cannot replace services for the one million passengers typically served by the train network each day. 

Talks between the government and union representatives are set to continue after Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister Jo Haylen met union officials without resolution on Wednesday. 

Minns said the government would work to resolve the dispute but admitted, “We’re not confident of an imminent breakthrough”.

The strike will coincide with significant events, including a Saturday night Pearl Jam concert at Sydney Olympic Park expected to attract 30,000 attendees. 

The industrial action has already affected services this week. 

Over 100 train services were delayed or cancelled on Wednesday, with more disruptions anticipated. 

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