Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks to go ahead as Rail, Tram and Bus Union ‘back down’ in NSW Government dispute
A final decision has been made on whether Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks will go ahead after ongoing union action threatened to dim the welcoming of 2025.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s long-lasting pay dispute with the NSW Government put the yearly display at risk last week, when NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb shared “grave concerns” for safety, due to the impact of planned industrial action.
After a tense few days, on Tuesday the RTBU formally withdrew several work bans that would have impacted December 31 celebrations.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The RTBU’s solicitor, Leo Saunders, told the media that the group had committed to “ no new industrial action that poses a threat to events on New Year’s Eve.”
Public transport is understood to now run as normal on New Year’s Eve, allowing the fireworks to go ahead as planned.
“There was never going to be any rail shutdown or any major disruptions on New Year’s Eve and now there certainly won’t be,” the RTBU’s NSW Secretary, Toby Warnes, said on Tuesday.
“The government and big business community withdrew its case before the Fair Work Commission today, allowing us to continue our industrial action.”
More to come...