Though the threatened industrial action, originally scheduled for last Friday, was called off after a break in negotiations, yet another stalemate will more than likely see Melbourne‘s vital tram network grind to a halt tomorrow.
Yarra Trams is currently locked in negotiations with the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union over a long-running dispute surrounding pay and working conditions. A few short minutes ago the tram arm of Melbourne’s public transport sector declare that the strike planned for tomorrow will still go ahead.
Industrial action planned Thurs 10am-2pm. No trams. Services altered prior & after. Consider train/bus alternatives. http://t.co/hkJy72fGo2
— Yarra Trams (@yarratrams) August 26, 2015
The strike will begin at 10am tomorrow morning and will last four hours. Though it is highly likely that preparation for the action will see the network feeling the effects from earlier than that, given that trams will be delivered back to depots and locked away for the duration of the strike.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt services throughout the day, with commuters advised to check their TramTracker app, rather than rely on the timetable, for departure information. Honestly, anyone that doesn’t do that anyways is a bit of a loony. TramTracker is the biz.
Meanwhile Metro staff are considering launching industrial action that will last the entirety of next week, which will involve staff refusing to check Myki cards, refusing to wear the compulsory uniforms, periods of train stoppages on both Thursday and Friday, and a ban on express routes – with all trains to stop at all stations (yes, including East Richmond, and South Kensington).
Should the strike go ahead, tram replacement bus services will connect commuters on St Kilda Rd with railway stations, as well as servicing major hospitals.
Alternative transport arrangements can be viewed via the Yarra Trams website.
Photo: Nina Dermawan via Getty Images.
via ABC News.
