Trams on the move as strike action ends in Melbourne

Yarra Trams chief executive Nicolas Gindt says more than 400 trams are now back on track after four hours of industrial action by drivers today, but the threat of further strikes lingers.

Trams have returned to running at full capacity after strike action shut down the network over four hours.

Yarra Trams chief executive Nicolas Gindt said more than 400 trams were back on the tracks after having to return to depots during the strike.

“We are now preparing a new negotiation phase starting on Monday,” he said.

“We are before the Fair Work Commission with the RTBU to continue discussions that began months ago.

“Negotiation is a journey and we probably added a milestone in this journey today.

“I want to reiterate the fact the industrial action today was not necessary.”

RTBU throwing a bit of a barbecue at Trades Hall during #tramstrike pic.twitter.com/rm7O4QyXIk

— Kieran Rooney (@KieranRooneyCM) August 30, 2019

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has been negotiating a new workplace deal for months but is yet to reach an agreement on annual pay rises and changes to part time rosters.

The chanting has begun pic.twitter.com/LRYytli3d7

— Kieran Rooney (@KieranRooneyCM) August 30, 2019

State secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the union believed workers would have their job security destroyed under conditions set out by Yarra Trams.

“Our members have been forced to take a stand because management plans to flood depots with part time workers, introduce shorter shifts and change rosters which will undermine stability and the culture of the tramways,” she said.

“It’s unfair and unreasonable that careers and lives are turned upside down by a reduction of hard-won conditions.

“Yarra Trams’ plans for short shifts and rotating rosters are completely unsuitable for workers with childcare and caring responsibilities and will create havoc in workers’ lives.”

Ms Grigorovitch has flagged the possibility of more tram stoppages at the union’s strike rally.

Fired-up members chanted “we will win” as Ms Grigorovitch pledged not to budge on conditions for Yarra Trams staff.

The tram is running from 10am to 2pm today. Picture: George Salpigtidis

I’m downtown #melbourne and there’s not an iconic tram to be seen ANYWHERE. They are on strike! pic.twitter.com/aUiewyfT2R

— Jacquelineâ„¢ (@_Cuddlefish_) August 30, 2019

A map showing where buses will replace trams during planned industrial action.

“I would like to say that today’s stoppage will probably be our last because we’ll get a deal that our members will accept,” she said.

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“But knowing the rubbish that’s been put on the table not once but twice ... I suspect Yarra’s going to do the same thing and dish us up a substandard deal.”

Hundreds of RTBU members put on a barbecue at Trades Hall before the rally, with the stoppage set to affect services up until 3pm.

The union is also seeking a 6 per cent pay rise year on year.

Thousands of Melburnians are expected to have been impacted by the four-hour stoppage.