Vandals hit back as Rail, Tram and Bus Union plans strike action over wage dispute with Keolis Downer
Furious vandals have hit Adelaide Metro trains after drivers walked off the job, with ongoing dispute over rail workers’ wages and conditions coming to a head.
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An Adelaide Metro train has been vandalised with profanities during strike action from rail operators, with thousands of commuters impacted amid an industrial dispute with train operator Keolis Downer Adelaide.
Following threats of strike action last week, South Australian train operators stopped work at 10am for four hours over an ongoing disagreement between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and Keolis Downer over pay and conditions.
Further stoppages are planned for Tuesday April 16, between 6am and 8am, and Wednesday April 17, between 4pm to 6pm.
On Thursday morning, one Adelaide Metro service was vandalised with furious graffiti over the strike, which read: ‘F*** your payrise, drive the train rat”.
RTBU SA/NT Secretary Darren Phillips said Keolis Downer had failed to come to the table after the union threatened “low-level” action last week, 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.”
Low-level action was to include 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.
“It’s time to even up the score. Rail workers are seeking a fair and reasonable deal that restores some of their lost real wages, and protects their existing conditions of employment,” he said.
A Keolis Downer spokesperson said they “encourage the public to keep across Adelaide Metro’s website for specific service details, as well as to seek alternative transport as required.
“Keolis Downer Adelaide is currently in negotiation with employee representatives on a new Enterprise Agreement for our Adelaide Metro workforce.
“Keolis Downer respects the right of workers to take lawful industrial action in pursuit of their claims and remains committed to negotiating an agreed outcome.”
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.
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