A NSW Minister has slammed the Rail, Tram and Bus Union as train services are shut down across Sydney.

The RBTU withdrew from negotiations on Sunday afternoon, with the suspension announced in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Union says the decision to shut down the network was made by the government.

Employee Relations Minister Damien Tudehope told Ben Fordham the union “pulled the rug” on signed agreements.

“This is industrial bastardry of the worst form.

“When they tell you they apologise for any inconvenience, never believe them! It’s a lie. They are using the people of NSW as pawns in a political and industrial game.”

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Image: Getty/Mark Kolbe