Sydney - The 200,000 Catholic pilgrims hoping for a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI when he makes his grand entrance on Sydney Harbour next week will be assured of a train ride to the foreshore venue after rail unions agreed Tuesday to call off a rail strike planned for the big day. Rail unions demanding more pay had threatened a 24-hour strike for Thursday, when Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Australia's biggest city for the opening Mass of the World Youth Day celebrations.
Although New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma pledged not to bow to union demands, a deal was done that will see any industrial action postponed until the celebrations wind up July 20.
Transport Minister John Watkins said the state government averted a strike by promising not to lay off any rail workers.
