The threat of Sydney's rail network grinding to a halt next week remains "on the table", according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union after weekend talks failed to resolve the impasse over train workers' pay and conditions.
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While both sides expressed optimism that a deal could be reached this week to avert the planned strike, weekend crisis talks did not break the deadlock in negotiations.
As the clock ticks toward next Monday's 24-hour strike which is expected to cripple the city, an earlier strike could cause extra havoc on the rail network.
On Thursday night, the day before Australia Day, the first round of protected industrial action will begin with staff refusing to work overtime from midnight.
That element of the strike is expected to have a major impact on the rail network due to the implementation of the new train timetable which relies heavily on staff doing overtime.
Last week Sydney Trains chief executive Howard Collins warned that the ban on rostered or unplanned overtime "will have an impact on the network" and result in train cancellations.
The overtime ban is indefinite, and will remain in place until the pay dispute is resolved.
Sydney Trains is preparing for the strike to go ahead, with temporary timetable changes possible.
"Customers will be informed of potential alterations to services shortly," a Sydney Trains spokesman said.
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Andrew Constance said they hoped to make an announcement on Monday.
However, even if an agreement is reached on Monday, the strike on overtime scheduled for Thursday night could still go ahead.
The union spokeswoman confirmed that even if a suitable offer is put forward on Monday, union members would then need to vote on the proposal, which could take a number of days and may not avert the strike.
