Hopes of ending the long-running dispute between the NSW rail union and state government have suffered a blow after a Fair Work Commission hearing was adjourned after less than one hour.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) applied to the industrial umpire last week, after threats from Premier Dominic Perrottet that the enterprise agreement would be torn up if strike action continued.
Mr Perrottet and Transport Minister David Elliott previously finalised a deed agreeing to make changes to the state's new intercity train fleet after demands were made by the RTBU.
However, industrial action has continued, culminating in a 70 per cent reduction of train services last week, causing chaos across Sydney's public transport lines for 24 hours.
Since early June the RTBU has directed its members to engage in a range of disruptive practices, including refusing to staff trains manufactured overseas, banning the cleaning of hazardous waste, and reducing the maximum speed of trains with "go slow" periods.
The Fair Work Commission hearing commenced at midday on Tuesday but was concluded within the hour, after lawyers for the state government requested an adjournment, stating they needed more time to prepare.
They told the commission that their clients had not been able to meet the timetable, but that was not because of a lack of effort over the weekend.
Legal representatives for the union opposed the adjournment, raising concerns that they could be disadvantaged, given they had already submitted materials.
They told the commission that while they understood the deadline was unable to be met, the union shouldn't be "prejudiced" as a result.
The commission's deputy president Bryce Cross accepted that it was a "tight timeline" and "reluctantly conceded" to the adjournment.
RTBU state secretary, Alex Claassens, said the adjournment was "disappointing".
"Our lawyers were able to work over the weekend and prepare for the case," he said.
"But it is what it is, and we'll just have to wait on the commission to hear the case."
The union has agreed that no major industrial action will take place while the matter is before the commission.
The hearing will recommence at 10am on Friday.
