The ongoing industrial action by Sydney’s rail unions is coming to an end after rail unions withdrew all notified industrial action, much to the relief of Sydney’s hospitality venues.
The strike action had a massive knock-on effect for venues across the city with staff losing hours and booking being cancelled by customers unwilling to take the risk of being stuck and unable to get home.
Speaking to The Shout before today’s reprieve was announced, Solotel COO, Ben Stephens said: “The industrial action seen last week has had a twofold effect on our city bars, restaurants and hotels.
“Firstly, we have had staff lose hours of work not only from them being late to their shifts but also due to some venues needing to cancel shifts because of the lower trade levels.
“Secondly, we have seen multiple cancellations from guests not being able to make their booking or not willing to take the risk with attempting to take public transport into the city.”
The Shout also spoke to Night-Time Industries Association CEO, Mick Gibb, who welcomed today’s announcement that the unions have withdrawn all notified industrial action.
Gibb said: “The end to the protracted industrial action is welcome news for businesses in Greater Sydney’s night-time economy.
“Bars, clubs, pubs, live music venues, retailers and cultural institutions have all suffered a material impact. Some businesses saw revenue fall by more than 30 per cent during the recent spate of train cancellations.
“If this situation was drawn out any longer it may well have forced operators to review their staffing levels, supplier deliveries and patron offerings to keep their heads above water.”