Sydney commuters face more disruption as metro workers to vote on industrial action

Unlike rail workers, who are mostly employed by the NSW government, metro workers are employed by the privately owned Metro Trains Sydney. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Sydney commuters are facing more disruption just months after a deal was struck with heavy rail unions, but this time it is pay negotiations between metro workers and the network’s private operator that have broken down.

On Thursday the Fair Work Commission approved an application for a protected action ballot by Sydney Metro workers, who are represented by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.