Commuter chaos as rail workers' wage negotiations sour

'Any disruptions or closures ... are entirely the choice of the Queensland Government.'

Brisbane commuters are experiencing major public transport disruptions with hundreds of Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members locked out of work by the state government as negotiations over wages soured.

Commuters received a rude shock on Wednesday morning when they arrived at stations across the city only to find hundreds of services had been cancelled.

Translink said there were cancellations on the Ipswich/Rosewood and Cleveland lines, with no trains running between Darra and Rosewood and from Central to Cleveland.

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Buses will operate between Rosewood and Darra, with trains still running between Darra and Central in both directions.

Buses will also operate between Cleveland and Boggo Rd in both directions. Customers can connect with rail and bus services at Boggo Rd.

The RTBU blamed the government for the disruption to commuters, saying it had locked rail workers out of their jobs.

"In response to some very minor industrial action that would have no impact on passengers, the government has decided to inflict massive disruption on commuters and lock out our train controllers," union officials said on Tuesday night.

"There is no strike action and our members are ready to work ... to keep trains running and get people to work and school."

However, Queensland Rail blamed the union workers as it urged commuters to make alternative travel arrangements.

"Queensland Rail and TransLink are working closely with local bus operators to help minimise impacts to customers during current protected industrial action," Queensland Rail said.

"A limited number of replacement bus services will operate along the affected lines.

"We are advising customers travelling on these lines to make alternative travel arrangements.

"Changes can occur at short notice and customers can keep up to date via our social media channels."

RTBU union officials said its planned industrial action for Wednesday was only due to disrupt coal and freight train services, not passenger lines.

"Any disruptions or closures ... are entirely the choice of the Queensland Government," the union said.

The disruptions come only days before planned track closures from April 3-26 for major project works.