Adelaide tram strike off as Torrens Connect offers RBTU a new deal

Tram staff had been planning to walk off the job, threatening commuter chaos for city workers.

Commuters at the Victoria Square tram stop were warned to expect delays before the union called off the strike. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Commuters have avoided major disruptions to public transport as its union has called off a strike set for Tuesday.

A stoppage of Adelaide’s tram network was set to cause commuter chaos but last minute discussions between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) and Torrens Connect have staved off the threat.

The discussions, which took place at the Fair Work Commission on Monday, resulted in a new offer being submitted to the union from Torrens Connect.

RBTU state branch secretary Darren Phillips said the decision came as workers “recognise that this dispute is frustrating for commuters”.

Commuters at the Victoria Square tram stop can breath easy after the strike was called off. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“They have agreed to suspend all suspend all industrial actions while they consider the new offer from Torrens Connect,” Mr Phillips said.

“Workers will front up to work as usual tomorrow, so there should be no interruption to services.”

The union initially demanded a 21 per cent pay increase over three years, against Torrens Connect’s offer of 12.5 per cent over three years.

Last week, the union was offered a revised offer of 14 per cent over the next three years, which led to a suspension of its planned strike on Wednesday.

However, union members rejected the offer and will once again threatened to walk off the job.