Sydney commuters could once again face delays on the train network as the union pledges to shut down a major line amid opposition to Metro conversions.
The NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union told members it would suspend all work on the T3 Bankstown Line from September 18 if the NSW government does not negotiate on the Metro upgrades.
"Forcing a genuine conversation about the Bankstown conversion - one that hits on the facts and isn't manipulated by a distracting shiny new toy," the union said in a statement.
"At the core of these actions is ensuring that trains continue to run on the Bankstown Line and it is not closed as planned to deliver the Metro conversion."
The union says the conversion of the T3 line between Bankstown and Sydenham would be unsafe and while Metro is the "fad of the month" the Bankstown line is a "different beast".
"Automation for the sake of automation," it said.
"It's easier to bargain with machines than unionised workers."
The planned action will involve a ban on all work on the T3 line and a pledge to only work the timetable as it stands on Monday.
The planned strike is the most significant action the union has threatened against the Minns Labor government.
Sydney's transport network was gripped by chaos in 2022 as unions and the then Liberal government under Dominic Perrottet negotiated new agreements and infrastructure.
Industrial action included Opal machines being turned off and workers refusing to operate trains manufactured overseas.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen, who oversaw the opening of the $21.6 billion Sydney Metro project in August, has urged the union to get on board the Metro project.
"The benefits of metro should not be reserved for the communities north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge," she said in a statement on Monday.
"The government is assessing the impact of any proposed bans and will work to mitigate any potential impacts on passengers and projects."
Ms Haylen said there had been "productive discussions" with the unions regarding their log of claims.
