Sydney bus strike causes city chaos as 1,200 drivers walk off job

Sydney’s workers and students face a chaotic morning commute as about 1,200 public bus drivers go on strike over the Government’s plan to privatise some services.

Sydney workers are facing a chaotic commute as about 1,200 public bus drivers go on strike for 24 hours.

Despite a late-night ruling by the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission that their action was illegal, the drivers walked off the job at midnight.

They are protesting against the Berejiklian Government’s planned privatisation of services, primarily in Sydney’s inner west.

Routes affected:

• 401, 406, 407, 408, 412, 413, 415, 418, 422, 423, 425, 426, 428, 430, 431, 433, 436, 437, 438, 439
• 441, 442, 444, 445, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 466, 470, 473, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 483, 487, 490
• 491, 492, 493, 495, 502, 504, 508, 526, L23, L28, L37, L38, L39, M20, M30, M41, X04, X25
• All school services in the inner west and Sydney south
• If travelling to Sydney Airport, the 400 (Bondi Junction to Burwood) is impacted. Please catch the train.

Modified services:

• The following services will be available along Parramatta Road in the peak period between 6.00am and 10.00am and 3.00pm and 7.00pm
• 438 – Five Dock to Railway Square
• 461 – Burwood Depot to Railway Square

Industrial action will stop all bus routes and school runs in the inner west, and also bus routes in the south of Sydney.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said he was unhappy about the move.

“The message I would say very clearly to drivers today is ‘no work, no pay’ and you’ll stand condemned if you leave schoolchildren on bus stops and commuters are left hanging,” he said.

Commuter Kate Duthie said she had not heard or seen anything warning of the strike.

MORE: Sydney bus strike causes city chaos as 1,200 drivers walk off job – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)