Hills locals who are regular commuters have been warned to brace for impending travel pain in the coming weeks, as a major union prepares to bring the city’s rail network to a halt.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) recently notified Melbourne’s Metro Trains that members had voted to go ahead with two four-hour stoppages on October 6 and 11 between 10am and 2pm, due to an ongoing pay dispute.
It follows threats from the union to strike during a major event period at the end of the month over an expired enterprise bargaining agreement.
RTBU members, including stations and customer service staff, authorised officers, signallers and train controllers, are expected to walk off the job during the strike.
In a statement released by RTBU, the union said Metro is yet to address key concerns that have been raised throughout the negotiations to date.
The RTBU has given Metro Trains 15 days’ notice in a bid to resolve any outstanding matters during the pay dispute.
RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said there are several reasons driving the decision.
“In the current climate of automation, major changes and an uncertain economy, members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve,” he said.
Mr Sharma said the union was focused on minimising the impacts of the strike to the public, encouraging commuters to plan their working weeks as appropriately as possible.
“The RTBU will continue to meet with Metro and negotiate in good faith, as members would prefer to avoid industrial action if their concerns are addressed.
“We make no apologies in our fight to secure decent conditions for our members,” he said.
The union had asked for a 17 per cent pay bump over the course of four years, but it is understood negotiations over the pay rise have been ongoing since March this year.
Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the organisation would continue to bargain in good faith over a fair and reasonable outcome for their employees.
“We’re offering a competitive pay increase and urge the RTBU to work with us to get a deal done.
“We‘re working through the implications of the industrial action on passengers,” he said.
