Tram drivers strike Friday causing disruptions for morning commuters

Tram services have returned to normal after early morning industrial action – but strike action isn’t over with teachers also striking today. See the details on what schools will close.

• Strike to affect 62,500 students

Trams are back on track after drivers took industrial action over pay and conditions.

But the inconvenience caused by industrial action isn’t over on Friday, with more than 300 South Australian schools closing or be forced to alter classes because of the planned teacher strike. Analysis of enrolment data by The Advertiser shows about 62,500 students attend the schools set to close.

Tram services were cancelled from 4.45am until about 7.45am on September 1 because of the strike by drivers employed by private contractor Torrens Connect.

Lines to and from Glenelg and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as well as services throughout Adelaide’s CBD were affected.

Tram drivers want a three-year enterprise agreement length with a 3 per cent wage increase per year or CPI (whatever is bigger), no split shifts to reduce fatigue and better training with a Certificate 3 Light Rail Operations for all operators.

It is the third train driver strike in two weeks – and more industrial action has been threatened for next week.

Trams and trains also stopped running on August 19 because of a tram driver strike and repair works being done on train lines, causing chaos for footy fans.

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

Just a week later, tram drivers stopped work again leading to route disruptions for about five hours.

Substitute bus services operated between Glenelg and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre from first service.

The Seaford/Flinders train line was running for Glenelg tram passengers and the following bus services operated: 190 Glenelg Interchange to City, 263 Marion Centre Interchange to City, H20 Glenelg Interchange to Paradise Interchange, J1 and J1G, G10 Marion Interchange to Blair Athol, W90 Marion Interchange to Paradise Interchange and 150 and 157 Osborne/Largs Bay to City.

Passengers can call the Adelaide Metro Infoline on 1300 311 108 or visit the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre in the Adelaide Railway Station with any queries.