Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union planned industrial action on regional trains in midst of coronavirus pandemic
The militant Rail, Tram and Bus Union planned industrial action that would have hit V/Line services in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, undermining a system grappling to keep services running and throwing it into further chaos.
National
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The militant Rail, Tram and Bus Union had planned industrial action that would hit V/Line services in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The incredible move came as the state rail service grappled with keeping services running and managing operations during the global crisis, which has seen the Andrews Government declare a state of emergency.
A notice of intention to take industrial action was lodged last week, but pressure was applied on the union to withdraw.
The RTBU lodged to strike from March 24, with rolling stoppages across the network.
This would have seen at least one morning service unable to run, and would have caused V/Line to use valuable resources to reorganise train services.
Ordinarily there would be replacement buses to run for suspended services, but it is unclear if this could happen during the current response to COVID-19.
The RTBU state secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the union had withdrawn all action and V/Line members were “here to help” during the crisis.
“Noting the projected impacts of COVID-19, the RTBU has withdrawn all ongoing industrial action items,” she said.
“We continue our work to maintain critical connections between communities and those who depend on them. We are here to help as we ask the Operators and the government to uphold necessary support for such services.
“It is paramount that certainty and support form the foundations of public services to ensure Victoria remains serviced as we look to a future unknown.”
It is understood the union is seeking an 18 per cent pay rise over three years — three times the government’s wages policy.
Part of the action was withdrawn late last week, but the locomotive division of the union had been pushing ahead with plans to disrupt services.
The Herald Sun approached the RTBU and V/Line for comment this morning.
It is understood the RTBU has now said it would withdraw the action.
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Originally published as Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union planned industrial action on regional trains in midst of coronavirus pandemic