Sydney commuters will endure significant peak hour disruptions this week as light rail workers strike over pay and conditions. 

All inner-Sydney light rail lines will halt services from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, following a union decision to intensify their industrial action.

The strike is driven by workers' demands for additional sick leave and a wage increase that aligns with the rising cost of living. 

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has called for a 23 per cent pay rise over four years, contrasting with the 18 per cent offered by the transport operator, Transdev. 

“Four years ago that may have been OK but in the last four years, we have seen every single commodity from energy to food to petrol and rent has increased significantly,” says David Babineau, an RTBU representative.

"For a company that made over $9 billion turnover last financial year, we don’t think it’s too much of an imposition," he said.

During the strike, buses will replace light rail services. Transdev's Sydney managing director, Arsene Durand-Raucher, has apologised for the disruptions and advised commuters to plan ahead. 

“We are working hard with transport partners to minimise impact to customers caused by this industrial action,” Durand-Raucher said. 

“Customers should plan ahead and consider alternate transport options during the disruption period or, if possible, avoid non-essential travel on the trams.”

The industrial action follows a 24-hour shutdown in June, as the union escalated efforts to pressure the transport company.