“The ripple effect of the irresponsible and damaging train strike action will cost jobs, hurt essential services and is a kick in the guts for hard-working businesses. 

“Our state is being held to ransom in an act of economic sabotage.

“Based on last year’s November train usage, the proposed strike over Friday and Saturday would impact over 1.5 million trips.

“Business NSW economic analysis reveals the total loss of economic activity to the state is at least $50.7 million. 

“White-collar workers have the advantage of being able to work remotely. However, many of the 415,000 people employed in the retail sector and 306,000 people employed in the hospitality sector won’t be able to perform their duties remotely.

“Christmas and Black Friday trade is a make-or-break period for business, yet hundreds of business owners have already been flooded with cancellations and will be hit by lost foot traffic.

“There is also the damage this done for our hard-working tourism industry.

“The Pearl Jam concert, six A-League double headers, the James Blunt concert; the economic damage and chaos is just devastating.

“Members say that regardless of the outcome from the talks between the NSW Government and the union, employees are to work from home on Friday. This will have a big impact on cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and retail.

“The NSW Government and the union need to solve this mess and solve it immediately.” 

EVENTS IMPACTED INCLUDE:

• Pearl Jam Dark Matter Tour at ENGIE Stadium (Showground Stadium), Sydney Olympic Park
• A-League Men: Unite Round Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
• A-League Women: Unite Round Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
• Hamilton theatre production Friday & Saturday at the Lyric Theatre
• Opening of Machu Picchu & Golden Empires of Peru at the Australian Museum
• Nepal Festival at Darling Harbour
• James Blunt Concert at ICC Theatre

About Business NSW 

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. We represent almost 50,000 businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT: BEN PIKE – 0429 993 822