Train driver strikes set to hit Royal Show

Public Transport Authority managing director Mark Burgess said drivers had already begun to call in sick and that he had reliable reports that further action was planned.

"We believe some drivers are planning concerted action in support of their ongoing wages dispute," Mr Burgess said.

"Industrial Relations Commission orders are already in place prohibiting industrial action until October 8, but driver absences may be based on sick leave."

The PTA returned to the Commission late on Wednesday, filing for further orders to make it more difficult for train drivers to call in sick.

Mr Burgess warned services may be disrupted or withdrawn if it goes ahead.

Rail, Tram, and Bus Union secretary Phil Woodcock said the first indication the union had of the action was from the PTA during yesterday's Commission hearing.

Mr Woodcock indicated he would apply for the wage dispute to be settled by arbitration, which would seek a decision from a third party. But it would not be heard before October 11.

"We have negotiated in good faith with a fair and reasonable deal, but it is clear that we need to take the decision out of the hands of the Government and allow the independent umpire to decide the matter," Mr Woodcock said.

"The issue will now be in the hands of the independent umpire, and we are confident that the decision will be a reasonable one based on the information the union will provide in its submission".

Royal Agricultural Society of WA spokeswoman Maryanne Shaddick said many Royal Perth Show goers and workers relied on public transport to get to the event.

"It would be very disappointing if there was any disruption on public transport," Ms Shaddick said.

"We get between 50,000 and 60,000 people here on the first day of the show and parking is extremely limited around the showground."

She said organisers were waiting for further information before they made any decisions on alerting staff.

Premier Colin Barnett called on the drivers to cancel any strike action and not to let their dispute with the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union or wage negotiations impact on the public.

"To call this almost sort of wildcat strike and to use the excuse that 'I'm sick'... What a dreadful, dreadful example to be setting to young people," Mr Barnett told Radio 6PR.

"You've got some internal arguments with the union, but that's not my problem."

"Don't put (the public) at a great disadvantage, don't disrupt their lives because of your internal problems."

Mr Barnett called the possible action immature and inappropriate for the first weekend of the Show.

"Many people will not be able to get to the Royal Show because there's not a lot of parking around Claremont and a lot of people have to rely on public transport," Mr Barnett said.

Mr Woodcock dismissed claims the saga was being drawn out because of an internal union dispute.

"This dispute has been caused directly by government intransigence and the fact they have been happy to sit by and let wage negotiations drag on and on," Mr Woodcock said.

He said the government's offer of a 3.75 per cent pay increase in the first year and 4 per cent for the second was woefully inadequate. The union is seeking a 6 per cent pay rise over three years.

Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers urged drivers not to take further industrial action that would disrupt the show and called on the state government to bring a "proper pay offer" to the table.

"What really needs to happen is the government collectively needs to put a better offer on the table," Mr Travers said.

"If they don't do that they've got to accept responsibility for any further disruption."

Public transport was thrown into chaos late last month when 97 drivers called in sick, causing peak-hour nightmares for commuters and football fans travelling to Subiaco Oval for the final Fremantle Dockers game of the season.