RTBU members interrupt QT as union continues to feud with Minister
Protesters have interrupted Question Time in parliament as a war of words escalates between a union and Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Protesters have interrupted Question Time in parliament as a war of words escalates between a union and Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne.
Members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union were kicked out of the building after revealing T-shirts that read “Horne do your job” in the public gallery.
It came just minutes after climate activists from Extinction Rebellion also delayed proceedings by singing, chanting and unfurling banners.
The public transport union has called on the state government to become more involved in negotiations as it discusses new pay agreements with Metro, Yarra Trams and V/Line.
Tram strikes are scheduled for the entire weekend of the Australian Grand Prix while 34-hour stoppages have this week hit the Albury, Ballarat and Traralgon lines.
Ms Horne on Wednesday said the government provided an independent mediator for V/Line because it was a government-owned corporation.
She also said the union had refused to meet the mediator this week, with state secretary Luba Grigorovitch denying this was the case not long after.
“The minister has again misrepresented the efforts being made to find resolution,” she said.
“The RTBU made offers to meet this week that did not align with the mediator
“As public transport minister, she needs to intervene to assist the parties to reach agreement,” she said.
“This is what the public expect of her.”
Ms Grigorovitch said the Andrews Government had been involved in negotiations with public transport operators in the past.
“In 2015, it was the intervention of then Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan that was critical to agreement being reached between the RTBU and the private operators Yarra Trams and Metro Trains.
MORE NEWS:
‘HE’S POURED PETROL ON ME’: THREE KIDS, ONE MAN DEAD
FOUR DEAD IN HORROR MID-AIR CRASH AT MANGALORE
ST KEVIN’S PRINCIPAL RESIGNS AMID CHILD GROOMING SCANDAL
“In 2018, the government again got involved and mediated the dispute between the TWU and the private bus operators.
“This is exactly what Minister Horne needs to do.”