Melbourne’s public transport network is set to be brought to a halt next month, with the Rail Tram and Bus Union planning two strikes in early October.
Union members voted overwhelmingly to support industrial action on Wednesday, with the RTBU declaring Metro Trains was “yet to address key concerns” raised in bargaining negotiations that have been taking place since March.
The RTBU shared details of the planned strikes in a statement released on Thursday evening.
“Today the RTBU notified Metro Trains of intention to take industrial action of two 4 hour stoppages between 10am and 2pm on Friday 6 October and Wednesday 11 October 2023,” the statement said.
“Operations staff including stations and customer service staff, authorised officers, signallers, and train controllers who are RTBU members will walk off the job at the announced times which will bring the network to a halt. At this stage only non-driving grades will participate in the action.”
Further meetings are scheduled to occur between union representatives and Metro before the strikes occur, with the RTBU stating they provided Metro with 15 days’ notice “in a bid to have the outstanding matters resolved whilst providing travelling public with maximum notice to make alternative travel arrangements for the hours notified”.
Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the organisation would “continue to bargain in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable outcome for our employees”.
“We’re offering a competitive pay increase – we urge the RTBU not to undertake industrial action that would unnecessarily impact passengers and instead work with us to get a deal done,” he said.
However RTBU’s Victorian branch secretary said the union made no apologies for “our fight to secure decent conditions for our members”.
“In the current climate of automation, major changes and an uncertain economy, members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve,” Secretary Vik Sharma said.
“We understand that in the past four reporting years, Metro reported profits of over $200 million. It’s time they recognise the hard work of front-line staff getting commuters home safely each day.”
The current pay offer from Metro Trains is believed to be 16 per cent over four years.
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