On July 24, the NSW Combined Rail Unions announced they had successfully applied to take industrial action for their enterprise bargaining agreement in 2010.
Of key concern to the unions are safety and service levels, which have declined because of a RailCorp staff review that has cut staff at many stations.
The CCTV system, a costly and inadequate method of security for train stations, is set to have its staff numbers cut — further endangering commuters and staff.
Management insists 28 conditions must be cut to offset a 3.5% wage rise, but the union has accused RailCorp of withholding $70 million in savings from already existing staff cuts.
Ballots for industrial action went out to union members between July 8 and 14.