The 24-hour protected industrial action from 3am Monday will include about 180 Rail, Tram and Bus Union members across the state, about 50 of whom are based in the Hunter.

It follows a five-hour stoppage last week.

Enterprise bargaining talks between the union and the federal government-owned corporation have dragged on for 18 months.

The union’s NSW secretary, Alex Claassens, said the ARTC was refusing to provide workers with fair wages and conditions, including adequate living-away-from-home allowances.

“The company’s offer includes an approximately 2.65 per cent pay increase and no back pay,” he said.

“In refusing back pay, management is out of step with the industry and punishing employees for not endorsing earlier proposals from management that cut their conditions.”

An ARTC spokesperson said the corporation did not anticipate that the strike would affect any train services on Monday.

“Where employees wish to participate in protected industrial action, we respect their right to do so,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to finding a resolution on this matter, and enterprise agreement discussions with staff and union representatives continue.”

Mr Claassens said ARTC management had left workers with no choice but to take action.

“These workers keep our railways safe. They maintain our track and railway infrastructure to the highest standard. They deserve to be fairly compensated for the vital work they do.”

He said the workers had to spend long periods away from home to maintain tracks in regional and remote areas but were not being adequately compensated.

“Management at this federal government corporation are refusing to budget on vital issues, like allowances. Workers can’t simply sit by and let ARTC management eat away at their living wage.

“No one ever wants to take protected industrial action, but until ARTC management come to the table with a fair offer, we don’t have any choice.”