Tram drivers to strike for 24 hours on Tuesday amid pay dispute

Adelaide commuters are set to face major public transport disruptions next week as tram drivers plan strike.

Commuters are being warned to expect delays on Tuesday as tram drivers set to strike for 24 hours. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Adelaide commuters are set to face major public transport disruptions next Tuesday as tram drivers plan to strike for 24 hours.

Led by drivers at Torrens Connect, it will affect all tram routes.

The strike is a result of failed negotiations between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and Torrens Connect over pay.

SA’s RTBU secretary Darren Phillips said tram workers were seeking a decent pay rise and a change in the use of split shifts.

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.

On Monday night 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 walk off the job.

Commuters at the Victoria Square tram stop are warned to expect delays on Friday as tram drivers strike. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“Tram workers suspended their industrial action in good faith, however they are disappointed that Torrens Connect’s latest offer is still well short of their demand for a pay rise that reflects the increasing cost of living,” Mr Phillips said.

“They are fed up, and they do not want to keep going backwards.

“A 24-hour stoppage is a serious action for our members to take, and they understand the disruption that it will cause to travellers.

“Workers wanted to give travellers as much notice as possible so they can have time to make alternative travel plans for next Tuesday.”

Tram Drivers are set to turn off ticket validators on Tuesday, allowing commuters to ride for free when services resume on Wednesday.

“It was disappointing that workers had to resort to industrial action to get Torrens Connect to take the issue of pay seriously,” Mr Phillips said.

“The fact is that these workers are on a relatively low base pay rate of $67,000 a year, and inflation has been eroding the value of their pay year after year.”

The Union representatives are set to meet with Torrens Connect on Friday.

A union spokesman said the strike could be halted again if Torrens Connect offers a revised offer before Tuesday.