Industrial action on Metro rail set to start as pay talks stall

Frustrated Metro staff will be giving passengers a free ride as strike actions hits Melbourne’s train network. Here’s when the planned protest will begin.

The union says action is aimed at Metro, not the travelling public. File picture: Trevor Pinder

Commuters will be given a free ride on Melbourne’s train network under the first wave of industrial action from the state’s public transport union.

The RTBU today revealed station staff would keep ticket barriers open and refuse to check Myki cards on August 12 and 19 as they struggle to reach an agreement with Metro Trains.

Drivers will also refuse to skip stations or divert around the city loop unless they are already scheduled in the timetable.

State secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the union was hoping not to inconvenience passengers after an impasse in negotiations.

“This industrial action is aimed at Metro’s hip pocket, not the travelling public,” she said.

“It is clear RTBU members are angry at Metro’s approach to negotiations and quite reasonably want the security of a new agreement with fair working conditions.”

Victorian Branch Secretary of the RTBU, Luba Grigorovitch. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

But Ms Grigorovitch said work stoppages and strike action would still be considered as negotiations went on.

“The latest offer from Metro, which was rejected, was quite poor,” she said.

“We’d now like to think that Metro will get serious.

“If they don’t we’ve been endorsed by the membership to entertain a stoppage and whether that be a four hour, eight hour or whatever it might be.

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“Our members would prefer to avoid industrial action if an agreement can be reached, however the level of frustration among members is at an all time high and we will continue with industrial action if pushed.”

Staff will also refuse to wear uniforms and participate in any trainings for the Andrews Government’s High Capacity Metro Trains.

But a Metro spokesman said the action was avoidable and urged the union to reconsider.

“This is a very disappointing outcome – industrial action is a completely unnecessary step,” he said.

“We will do everything in our power to minimise disruptions to our passengers as a result of any action taken.”