Metro Trains, RTBU meet as planned industrial action called off

Melbourne public transport staff have backed away from their planned industrial action this morning, when they had arranged to disrupt services. Here’s what it means for your commute.

Melbourne’s public transport union has walked away from industrial action planned for Monday as it continues enterprise negotiations with Metro Trains.

Members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union had originally organised a host of measures to inconvenience the metropolitan rail operator as they bargain for a pay rise.

Under the initial plan, authorised officers would have stopped checking Myki cards and train staff would have refused to deviate from the timetable and participate in training.

But after a weekend of negotiations the union has cancelled the action as a show of good faith.

It comes after the RTBU last week filed for strike action, with staff set to walk off the job over four hours on August 27.

State secretary Luba Grigorovitch said her members wanted to support the travelling public while pursuing the agreement.

“We are encouraged by Metro’s commitments to intensive negotiations over the coming days,” she said.

Metro chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the decision meant commuters would be spared from extra disruptions.

“We have always maintained that an agreement can be reached at the bargaining table, and without disrupting our passengers,” he said.

“All work bans planned for the next two weeks have now been withdrawn, meaning there will be no impacts to services tomorrow.

“We look forward to getting back to the negotiating table immediately.

“We look forward to lifting the pace and intensity of negotiations this week so we can reach a fair and reasonable agreement for our employees.”

The union has pledged to keep barriers open at stations as part of its industrial action.

The backflip comes after a dramatic day for negotiations on Friday when the Federal Court the union from keeping barriers at stations open to the public on Monday.

The court found the industrial action was not lawful as it could encourage commuters to illegally travel without a valid ticket on August 12 and 19.

The August 27 strike meant most trains would not run from 10am to 2pm and services before and after the disruptions were likely to be affected.

RTBU state secretary Luba Grigorovitch last Friday said the decision to strike came after Metro sent out a memo on Thursday night advising staff they may not be paid while taking industrial action.

“Last night at the stroke of midnight, Metro hit another new low,” she said.

“They decided to send out an email informing RTBU members that they would be docking their pay if they were to participate in protected industrial action.

“In some cases, they wanted to dock their pay up to 100 per cent.

“We came to work today flooded with phone calls from our members asking us exactly what these men if they were to participate.”

Figures released last Friday show Metro has not met its monthly performance target once this year.

Victorian Branch Secretary of the RTBU Luba Grigorovitch. Picture: AAP

TRAM STAFF JOIN TRANSPORT STRIKE ACTION

It came after a ballot of Yarra Trams’ operational staff found almost 99 per cent of Rail, Train and Bus Union members endorsed workplace stoppages, a refusal to check tickets and bans on working overtime, all in support of a pay claim.

The move happened just days after similar measures were endorsed by Metro workers, with the powerful public transport union revealing members would not check rail commuters’ Myki cards on August 12 and 19.

It meant joint stoppages were likely, which would have created chaos on the public transport network.

Tram staff have joined Metro rail workers in voting for industrial action. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The union is asking for a 6 per cent pay rise a year for all operational staff, with Metro and Yarra Trams so far believed to have offered their workers 2 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Metro train workers have also endorsed strike measures. Picture: Ian Currie

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RTBU state secretary Luba Grigorovitch said an overwhelming majority of her members had approved the decision.

“Yarra Trams have pushed drivers to breaking point to meet impossible targets. It’s no wonder they are mad at further attempts to strip away conditions,” she said.

“Strike action is always a last resort but will always be on the table if common sense does not prevail.”

A Yarra Trams spokesman said the operator would remained committed to talks.

“We do not believe industrial action is necessary and are disappointed the RTBU has taken this step,” he said.

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