Australia: Unionized rail workers to strike indefinitely in Sydney from 00:01 Sept. 18

Rail workers affiliated with the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) plan to conduct an indefinite strike in Sydney from 00:01 Sept. 18 against renovations on the T3 Bankstown line. The New South Wales (NSW) government announced Aug. 29 that the T3 Bankstown line will be closed between Sydenham and Bankstown stations from Sept. 30 to upgrade the rail line to metro standards. The renovations are slated to take up to 12 months. During the strike, RTBU workers will ban all work on the T3 Bankstown rail line and will refuse to work according to an alternative schedule if the line between Sydenham and Bankstown is closed.

Unless averted, the strike is likely to disrupt rail transport. Increased demand for alternative modes of transport is likely during the strike period. The NSW government has stated it will provide free Southwest Link bus services for passengers affected by the line closure from Sept. 30. Available bus and rail services will likely experience crowding. High private vehicle use could lead to traffic congestion on main roads, particularly those heading toward Sydney's Central Business District (CBD). Associated demonstrations are also possible during the strike. Protest activity may materialize at transport hubs, government buildings, public squares, and on major thoroughfares.