Metro makes new offer to operational staff with 3.5 per cent pay increase

Metro Trains has made a new pay increase offer to drivers but the transport union still looks unlikely to accept the deal. So is strike action looming?

Metro Trains has lobbed a new pay offer to drivers in a bid to prevent strike action but the state’s public transport union has flagged it is unlikely to accept the deal.

The operator last night presented the Rail, Tram and Bus Union with a new enterprise agreement that would see operational staff record a 3.5 per cent pay increase year on year.

It would increase parental leave from 12 to 14 weeks.

The RTBU has been pushing for an annual pay rise of 6 per cent since negotiations began, with planned strike action over the agreement called off at the last minute as a show of good faith.

Metro chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the company was hoping more productive discussions would get the deal done.

Metro Trains has lobbed a new pay offer to drivers in a bid to prevent strike action. Picture: AAP

“We have made a fair and reasonable offer to our Rail Operations employees that provides the wage increase, benefits and conditions they deserve,” he said.

“Our commitment was to lift the pace and intensity of these negotiations to reach an outcome — we’ve delivered on that, and this is an important next step.”

It comes after the latest wages policy for Andrews Government capped public servant pay increases at 2 per cent.

It is understood Melbourne train drivers now receive an average package of at least $140,000 a year.

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RTBU state secretary Luba Grigorovitch said she would wait for feedback before deciding on the agreement.

“Based on the initial feedback from my members they don’t think it cuts the mustard,” she said.

“However I will be guided by their decision after a meeting with all delegates.”