Unions launch attack on Andrews Government over handling of RTBU and Metro pay dispute

The Andrews Government has refused to intervene in a dispute between Victoria’s powerful public transport union and Metro Trains, prompting anger from union leaders.

The RTBU will face off against Metro Trains in Federal Court on Thursday. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Victoria’s trade unions have attacked the Andrews Government after it refused to intervene in a dispute between the Rail Tram and Bus Union and Metro Trains.

The powerful public transport union is fighting for its right to take strike action and this week joined Trades Hall in asking Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas to stop the disagreement before it went to court.

But Mr Pallas, who has the power to step in and resolve the dispute, on Wednesday formally refused to get involved.

The decision has angered union leaders, who argue that Metro is attacking the RTBU’s legal rights.

Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari said the government had a role to play as the sole contractor to Metro.

Secretary of the Rail Tram and Bus Union Luba Grigorovitch. Picture: Ian Currie

“Victorian workers will be very disappointed to learn that the government has taken the side of a multinational corporation Metro Trains against the RTBU,” he said.

“We like for the government to walk beside us at ‘Change The Rules’ rallies but part of the rules that need changing are the ones that limit worker’s rights for industrial action.”

The RTBU will face off against the rail operator in Federal Court on Thursday as it battles to ensure it can launch work stoppages while negotiating a new pay agreement.

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If it loses Trades Hall could soon mobilise a public campaign against the Andrews Government in a bid to force an intervention.

“The Victorian union movement believes that Metro’s threats of legal action against

the RTBU is a classic example of the broken IR system rules being used against a union by a large multinational employer which operates in government-controlled public transport,” Mr Hilkari said.

“In our view, this fundamentally undermines the balance in bargaining.”

Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said:

“As with all private enterprise agreement negotiations, this remains a matter for the parties involved.

“There is still time for them to resolve this, and I urge Metro Trains and the union to negotiate in good faith.”

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