Delays and cancelled services across light rail network as drivers walk off the job over pay dispute

Gold Coast light rail users face lengthy delays, cancelled services and major disruptions. See when and why

Industrial action to affect light rail.

The Gold Coast’s light rail network will face major disruptions during one of the busiest times of year as staff threaten to walk off the job.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is following through on its threat of “unprecedented industrial action” by scheduling strikes to begin on Friday.

Strike action was forecast in the Bulletin earlier this month as likely amid a break down in negotiations between the RTBU and the light rail operator Keolis Downer, over a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

Gold Coast light rail network to face disruption from Friday amid industrial action.

Friday’s industrial action is scheduled from 4pm-6pm with services running to a reduced timetable and replacement buses operating. In a statement GoldlinQ said passengers will need to allow for extra travel time. GoldlinQ contracts joint venture Keolis Downer to operate and maintain the light rail.

A second day of protected industrial action is also planned on Wednesday December 27 during the same two-hour period. The RTBU represents more than 100 drivers, customer service officers and the regulators across the network.

The light rail has never been subject to a strike since the first tram rolled out in 2014.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Acting State Secretary Tom Brown said the current enterprise agreement was rejected by members. Picture: Liam Kidston

The industrial action was put to a vote among union members earlier this month following stalled negotiation over pay and conditions for workers.

At the time, Tom Brown, the union’s acting state secretary said the offer on the table from Keolis Downer was not enough for staff.

“The next agreement was for the next three years. It was a substandard offer. The members are not very happy with it,” Mr Brown said.

“Upfront it’s only four per cent (increase) but that’s not even guaranteed next year or the year after because of the formula that they are using. Now CPI is at 5.6 per cent or so over the year. It’s too volatile for us to settle again for something below the CPI.”

“They can’t really afford not to take that action considering the poor pay offer this year on top of last year. It just puts them too far behind the cost of living race.”

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said plans were being put in place to minimise any passeenger impacts: “We ask our passengers to be aware of the industrial action caused by a dispute by the union and our contractor.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the Gold Coast community and our visitors.”