Rail workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a 72-hour strike action beginning Monday, threatening to strand hundreds of thousands of daily commuters across major city routes.

The National Rail Workers Union announced the result late yesterday, with 87 percent of members backing the action in a dispute over pay, conditions, and proposed changes to rostering practices. Negotiations between union leaders and rail operators broke down last week after management withdrew an offer described by union officials as “a step backward.”

Which Routes Are Affected

Services on intercity mainlines are expected to be most severely disrupted, with operators warning of cancellations running at up to 80 percent of normal capacity. Suburban and regional networks may maintain limited services using non-union staff, though unions have pledged secondary action if operators attempt to run skeleton services.

Commuters are urged to check real-time service updates on the national rail app and to explore alternative travel options including bus services, which operators say will be reinforced during the strike period.

A government spokesperson said the transport secretary would convene an emergency meeting with both parties on Sunday in a last-ditch effort to avert the disruption.