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Train drivers will kick off their industrial action on Tuesday, starting with keeping trains to a top speed of 60km/hr.
By Friday, drivers will refuse to operate foreign-built trains, which means many will be out of action.
The state government met with rail unions last night and offered a three per cent pay rise in exchange for a halt to the planned strike.
“Having engaged in good faith bargaining and presented an offer to union officials, the government has requested that industrial action be withdrawn during a period of consultation with unions and employees across Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink,” Transport Minister David Elliott and Employee Relations Minister Damien Tudehope said in a statement.
“The government looks forward to an amicable resolution of these negotiations and will consider responses from each of the unions in good faith.”
The union has agreed to talk to members, but is confident the strike will go ahead.
The union has claimed the government has not addressed safety concerns over new trains.
“They have just said straight out they don’t agree to modifying the train at all,” a spokesperson said.
Tuesday will also see nurses and midwives walk off the job, though the union has said enough nurses will be on duty that patient care will not be compromised.
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And on Thursday, teachers at public schools and Catholic schools will strike.
The government this week warned that unions participating in “illegal” strike action would face increased fines of up to $55,000 on the first day and $27,500 for each day after.
And meanwhile, climate change activists Blockade Australia have vowed to continue with a week of protest action in Sydney despite multiple police raids at their camps outside the city.
