The state government claims the planned industrial action could cost the economy up to $90 million and threatens to endanger people's lives, safety, health or welfare.
It has made an application to suspend Monday's strike and a ban on overtime work - which began on Thursday - which forced services across the state to be cut by nearly half.
It followed a poll by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, which asked its members via text message whether management's latest pay package was good enough to stop industrial action.
Less than six per cent responded in favour of accepting the deal.
The lawyer representing Sydney Trains, Michael Seck, said an average of 440,000 commuters use the train network during peak hours on a weekday.
Monday marks the start of the new term for private schools in Sydney and public school teachers, while many will return to work after holidays.
"It's been timed optimally to cause maximum damage and maximum inconvenience to the patrons who use the rail network," he said on Thursday.
Mr Seck argued that some people who provide essential services - including police, paramedics and firefighters - won't be able to get to work, compromising the public's health and welfare.
The Commission was also told that some elective surgery would have to be cancelled and the Sydney Dental Hospital would only be able to deal with emergency appointments.
The RTBU, through its lawyer Anthony Howell, said suspending the industrial action would do "very little" to assist in resolving outstanding issues.
Monday's strike was "one-day alone" and was a "reasonable and measured form of stoppage", he said.
He also labelled "minuscule" the estimated $90 million dent to the state's economy, given it was worth at least $600 billion.
Workers have been offered a 2.75 per cent a year pay rise as part of a package including free bus travel and a one-off $1000 payment.
The union has been seeking a six per cent pay increase and improved conditions.The hearing continues.
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