BREAKING NEWSSydney Trains will shut down for FOUR DAYS across the entire network with Australias biggest city set to grind to a halt: What you need to know

Sydneys rail network will come to a complete halt for four days after negotiations between the NSW government and a transport union fell apart. 

The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) rejected an offer from the Labor government to make one line from Strathfield to Hornsby run for 24-hours a day.

The RBTU had demanded 24-hour train lines as a tactic in its wage dispute with the state. 

The government initially agreed, but this week told the RTBU only a 24-hour service between Hornsby and Strathfield would be possible. 

NSWs Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the union rejected this compromise during  a meeting on Tuesday and would launch a four-day strike. 

We have respectfully asked the unions to withdraw these bans, Ms Haylen said.  Unfortunately, they are yet to do so. 

These bans make it harder and harder for us to operate our train network, and it does mean that passengers should expect disruption later this week.

That could involve a complete stoppage of operations across the rail network.

Ms Haylen said  said it would cause major disruption for millions of train passengers.

This will cause significant disruption to peoples lives and to the operation of our city.

Commuters have been urged to avoid peak travel times on those days.

More to come... 

Sydneys rail network will come to a complete halt for four days after negotiations between the government and the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) fell apart (pictured, Town Hall station)