RTBU applies to launch industrial action against V/Line
Geelong and Ballarat train commuters could be the first targets of major distributions after the transport union applied to launch industrial action for V/Line staff. If approved, Victoria’s entire rail and tram network could all go on strike over the coming months.
VIC News
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Victoria’s entire rail network could be subject to strikes by the end of the year after the public transport union applied to launch industrial action for V/Line staff.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union made the application on Tuesday afternoon and if approved by members could see rolling stoppages hit regional rail services.
V/Line operational staff are asking for a 6 per cent pay increase year on year but the state-owned operator is limited by the Andrews Government’s 2 per cent wages cap.
It’s understood busy lines such as Geelong and Ballarat could be among the first to be targeted.
The operator’s latest annual report revealed compensation payouts for late trains have soared, with an extra $1.5 million train and bus trips added in the last year.
Union negotiations are continuing with Yarra Trams and the RTBU is still locked in a court battle with Metro Trains over its right to protected strike action.
State secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the decision to launch protected action was not taken lightly.
“We want to see V/Line come to the table and genuinely recognise the hard work done by RTBU members,” she said.
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“A safe reliable train service should not be a race to the bottom on wages and conditions.
“V/Line outperformed Metro last month but we’re still getting the same aggressive attacks in bargaining.”
Documents launched with the Fair Work Commission also raise the possibility of 24 and 48 hour stoppages and bans on overtime.
The decision means that Yarra Trams, Metro Trains and V/Line staff could all go on strike over the coming months.
“We’ll continue to negotiate in good faith with our workers’ representatives about the new V/Line operations workplace agreement,” a spokesman said.
A government spokesman said:
“We expect negotiations to continue in good faith between the parties involved.”