More than 2000 bus drivers are expected to walk off the job for 48 hours if immediate action isn’t taken to make masks mandatory on public transport.

The strike would impact State Transit Authority bus regions 7 (north western suburbs), region 8 (northern beaches) and region 9 (eastern suburbs).

NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union division secretary David Babineau told Ben Fordham they have a meeting with Transport Minister Andrew Constance today, but if their demands aren’t met the strike will go ahead.

“We’re looking at Monday and Tuesday of next week.

“It’s going to be a nightmare for everybody, unfortunately. But we’re in a situation where we have tried everything and we’re at our wits’ end.”

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Mr Constance later told media he’s hopeful of continued negotiations with the union, having requested a compromise for a stop work meeting on Monday afternoon in place of the strike.

He reiterated the government’s stance that mask-wearing is recommended, but not to be made mandatory.

“Ultimately, we’re guided by Kerry Chant in this regard.”

Image: Getty