Melbourne commuters warned to plan ahead as major union votes to ‘halt’ rail network amid pay dispute

Commuters in one Aussie city have been warned to brace for travel pain after workers voted to bring the rail network “to a halt”.

Melbourne commuters have been warned to brace for impending travel pain as a major union prepares to bring the city’s rail network “to a halt” amid an ongoing pay dispute.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) notified Melbourne’s Metro Trains on Friday that members had voted to go ahead with two four-hour stoppages on October 6 and 11 between 10am and 2pm.

It follows threats from the union to strike during a major event period at the end of the month over an expired enterprise bargaining agreement.

RTBU members, including stations and customer service staff, authorised officers, signallers and train controllers, are expected to walk off the job during the strike.

Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union has announced that members will strike on October 6 and 11. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“Metro is yet to address key concerns that have been raised throughout the negotiations to date,” the RTBU said in a statement.

The RTBU has given Metro Trains 15 days’ notice in a bid to resolve any outstanding matters during the pay dispute.

“In the current climate of automation, major changes and an uncertain economy, members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve,” RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said.

He said the union was focused on minimising the impacts of the strike to the public, encouraging commuters to plan their working weeks as appropriately as possible.

RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said the union made ‘no apologies’ for its fight for ‘decent conditions’. Picture: Supplied by RTBU

“The RTBU will continue to meet with Metro and negotiate in good faith, as members would prefer to avoid industrial action if their concerns are addressed,” Mr Sharma said.

“We make no apologies in our fight to secure decent conditions for our members.”

The union had asked for a 17 per cent pay bump over the course of four years, but it is understood negotiations over the pay rise have been ongoing since March this year.

In a statement, Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the organisation would “continue to bargain in good faith” over a “fair and reasonable” outcome for their employees.

“We’re offering a competitive pay increase and urge the RTBU to work with us to get a deal done,” Mr O’Flaherty said.

“We‘re working through the implications of the industrial action on passengers.”