The ACTU says Fair Work’s intervention in the Sydney train strikes shows the right to strike is “nearly dead”.

The planned strike as well as other industrial action was called off last week, after Fair Work ruled it be suspended for six weeks from 6:00pm on Thursday night.

Senior deputy president of the FWC Jonathan Hamberger found that the strike would endanger community welfare by preventing thousands of people from getting to work and school.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) then discontinued the industrial action.

The Australian Council of Trades (ACTU) said the “basic right to strike in Australia is very nearly dead”.

“Rail workers followed every single rule and law, and still the Minister of the day can get an order to cancel bans on working excessive overtime,” ACTU secretary Sally McManus told reporters.

“Working people's wages in Australia are so stagnant because the rules are stacked in the favour of the employers,” Ms McManus said.

“We need to change the rules, because Australia needs a pay rise.”

Sydney Trains and RTBU representatives have continued negotiations about pay and conditions.

Sydney Trains says it will soon table a new pay deal proposal for rail workers.