Footy Express train services for Crows match impacted by Rail, Tram and Bus Union industrial action

Footy Express services to Adelaide Oval are set to be impacted by ongoing industrial dispute, as train drivers rally against overtime in a bid for better pay.

Football fans heading to Adelaide Oval on Friday could be derailed by industrial action over an ongoing dispute with train operator Keolis Downer Adelaide, with Footy Express services set to be impacted.

On Thursday morning, a Keolis Downer spokesperson said the rail operator predicted dedicated Footy Express services would likely be halted by ongoing strike action.

“Keolis Downer Adelaide confirms that the regular train timetable will be operational this Friday ahead of the Crows clash against Essendon at Adelaide Oval, however extra Footy Express services will be impacted due to ongoing industrial action on the network,” they said.

“Some additional bus services will be in operation to accommodate any overflow for footy attendees.

“We encourage the public to keep across Adelaide Metro’s website for general service updates.

“We apologise for any inconveniences caused and remain committed to the safe delivery of train services for our people, our passengers, and the broader public.”

The disruptions come after a ban on overtime work, part of low-level action taken by RTBU over pay and conditions.

Last week, RTBU SA/NT Secretary Darren Phillips confirmed that overtime bans were being enforced as part of industrial action, which “may or may not” impact services.

An Adelaide Metro train has been vandalised with profanities ahead of planned strike action. Picture: Supplied

SA train operators stopped work last Thursday at 10am for four hours over an ongoing disagreement over pay and conditions.

On Thursday morning, one Adelaide Metro service was vandalised with furious graffiti over the strike, which read: ‘F*** your payrise, drive the train rat”.

Last week, Mr Phillips said Keolis Downer had failed to come to the table after the union threatened “low-level” action, forcing an escalation of industrial action.

“While we did meet earlier this week, we are yet to see satisfactory improvements in the wage offer,” Mr Phillips said.

“This means the options to advance members’ claims are limited, and therefore stop work actions will take place.

“The upcoming work stoppages in the peak times will be held during school holidays, which will minimise disruptions to families.”

Rail Tram and Bus Union Branch Secretary Darren Phillips. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Low-level action includes employees wearing RTBU clothing and stickers and a ban on overtime work, Mr Phillips said.

Mr Phillips said rail workers had received below-inflation pay rises “for a number of years” and had borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.

The state government handed over operation of the metropolitan rail system to the company in 2021 under a 12-year, $2.14 billion privatisation plan – but that deal was scrapped by the Malinauskas government in 2023.

Keolis Downer will return the operation of drivers, network and timetable planning to the government by January 31, 2025.

The company will also hand over customer services and security operations by June 2027.