Union voices crowd crush concerns for NYE with 1100 worker vacancies across Sydney train network

The major rail workers’ union says a lack of staff and poor planning has sparked fears of crowd crushes as people try to get home on New Year’s Eve.

Speaking on Tuesday, Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary Toby Warnes said “we’ve got serious concerns around the planning that’s gone into New Year’s Eve, particularly given the last three-four weeks”.

On the back of a tense pay standoff between the government and the union, the RTBU said it is concerned about, particularly, the Opal gates and staffing on the Sydney Trains network on New Year’s Eve.

“Look, things should run okay, but on New Year’s Eve things often go a bit awry at times,” NSW union secretary Toby Warnes told the ABC.

“Just leave enough time to get places, and expect trains not to be running as they ordinarily would.”

However, the union is also concerned about the 1100 general vacancies across the network meaning card-tap gates cannot be fully monitored and the direction they open may not be adjusted in time to keep up with floods of people, creating the threat of crowd crushes.

From 4am Tuesday, Sydney Trains are running non-stop for 46 hours.

With 1100 vacancies across the network, the union is concerned about staffing the two-day travel marathon.

There were crisis talks last week as the union was dragged before the industrial umpire by the state government over stalemated pay negotiations. The government claimed the union’s planned industrial actions on December 31 would be a threat to public safety.

The union ultimately backed down, averting the need for the Police Commissioner or Premier to scrap the gigantic New Year’s fireworks because trains weren’t running.

On Tuesday morning, Sydney Mayor Clover Moore stressed the need for patience and planning if heading into the city.

“If you want to view the fireworks, you must plan ahead … roads will be closed and it is often a long, hot day before the main event.”

“I’m sure we’re all keen to put 2024 and its challenges behind us, and look forward with hope to the new year,” she said.

City of Sydney executive producer Stephen Gilby said major road closures across the city meant public transport “really is the only way” to come in and see the fireworks and performances.

“Prepare to walk further to reach public transport hubs. But, in good news, there are thousands of extra transport services running,” he said.

Extra services begin from 2pm into the early hours of Wednesday. But from 3pm there are no direct public transport routes into Circular Quay.

Up to date information about harbour vantage points is available on sydneynewyearseve.com.

“Tonight is of course all about showcasing our city to the world,” Mr Gilby said.

The Melbourne fireworks show will actually be larger than Sydney, with 14 tonnes of colourful explosive rigged across the CBD, versus 9t in Sydney.

But across the Sydney Harbour and bridge, 53,000 individual fireworks will be launched from 264 locations, along a seven-kilometre stretch.