FYI, Melbourne – There’s A Huge Public Transport Strike Planned For Next Week

The public transport news, it comes in swings and roundabouts.

Whilst the goodwill that the Victorian State Government has been copping after the announcement that Melbourne will begin trialling weekend 24 hour public transport from next year is still maintaining some its gleam, the flip-side to that coin is that industrial action with the city’s train and tram workers union is now planned, thanks to an ongoing pay dispute.
Talks between transport operator Metro and the powerful Rail Tram and Bus Union have broken down, following 5 months of stalled pay negotiations. As a result, union members have voted with their feet – with a whopping 98 percent standing in favour of taking strike action.
The strike will see all trams and trains grind to a halt for a 4 hour stoppage next Friday, scheduled to take place between 10am and 2pm. This is the first train stoppage of its kind in nearly 18 years.
In an attempt to make nice with passengers, PTV is ponying up two free travel days – next Wednesday and Friday (Yes, the same day as the strike. Yes, it’s a weird decision.) – where inspectors will not check Myki cards on trams, will not issue infringements anywhere on the network, and will leave all gates at train stations open.
RTBU secretary Luba Grigorovitch stated that the Union’s preference is to not go ahead with the action, but if negotiations continue to stall they will have no choice.

“We would prefer to avoid industrial action if an agreement can be reached before next Friday. If agreement is not reached, our members have made it clear they will proceed with industrial action.”


It might only be for four hours, and it might be during the middle of the day. But, still… If you’re within range of the city, you might want to think about dusting off the ole’ treadly and pedalling it into the city next Friday, friends.

Photo: Nina Dermawan via Getty Images.


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