Sydney train passengers urged to allow extra travel time, with rail ...

Sydney's train passengers have been urged to allow for more travel time on their Friday journey due to planned industrial action and rail workers electing not to work.

Late on Thursday night, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) confirmed that its negotiations with the government had fallen through.

The union advised that its industrial action — where trains are expected to run 23 kilometres an hour slower than usual — would now go ahead as planned.

Impacts are expected for all lines, with Sydney's inner-city services predicted to be the most affected, alongside no train services for the South Coast line.

Transport for NSW advised there will be three buses running between Wollongong and Kiama and one bus running between Kiama and Bomaderry to help move passengers.

According to one commuter, there were hundreds of people stranded on Sydney's Central station, with minimal staff and announcements being made.

There have also been some frustrations with commuters heading to Sydney airport.

The RTBU's NSW Secretary Toby Warnes advised that the train disruptions were centred around 5,000 "lockout notices" issued to Sydney Trains and NSW Trains workers last week, in response to proposed industrial action, that came into effect at midnight.

Those notices, Mr Warnes argued, directed workers to either come into work and complete their full duties or not come into work at all.

'F--k the network up'

Prior to the train delays, both text messages and posts on social media appeared to advise workers to stay at home on Friday if possible, with the text message obtained by the ABC signed by an RTBU convenor.

"Let's f--k the network up."

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Warnes distanced himself from this messaging, saying no formal direction was given to any of the RTBU members and that the union does not seek to control its delegates.

"We instructed our members what their rights were, what their obligations were, what would happen if they didn't go to work. That's what we do," he said.

"None of these text messages would exist if the government hadn't issued 5,000 lockout notices to 5,000 individual employees."

Issues at the centre of Sydney trains negotiations collapse

According to a NSW government spokesperson, negotiations collapsed after the RTBU suddenly pushed for a $4,500 bonus payment for every rail worker, something the union disputes.

Mr Warnes said the state government had agreed to the $4,500 payment in its last enterprise agreement.

"The nature of enterprise agreements is that once something goes in, either party has to bargain to either improvement or take it out."

NSW Transport Minister John Graham, also speaking on ABC Radio Sydney, reiterated that its payment offers to rail workers did not include this payment, nor was it present in the union's counter offer.

Former Transport Minister David Elliott, who negotiated the 2022 agreement, refuted the union's claim the $4,500 bonus payment was entrenched, saying "of course" it was a one-off.

He said it was "highway robbery" for the unions to pursue the bonus payment.

'Industrial action can be unpredictable'

Transport for NSW urged commuters to check latest travel updates online before embarking on their journey.

"While we expect minimal disruption, the consequences of industrial action can be unpredictable, as are the operational needs of the network," it said in a statement.

A NSW government spokesperson said it's currently looking at its options including urgent legal action, adding that there is a "fair and reasonable pay offer on the table" for rail workers.

Sydney Trains Executive Director Rail Operations Jas Tumber said the delays could extend into the weekend.

Discussions on the new enterprise agreement will continue ahead of a Fair Work Commission hearing on Monday.

Mr Warnes said he hoped the dispute could be resolved today.

"I would certainly hope we can resolve it once again."