By Mitchell Clarke
Melbourne’s train network will be thrown into disarray from Monday 12 August with the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) notifying Metro that industrial action will take place, in a bid to secure a new enterprise agreement.
Announced on Monday 5 August, the action is set to begin on the following Monday, with station staff keeping ticket barriers open all day while authorised officers will refuse to check Myki cards and Booking Office staff refusing to sell and upload the cards.
Train drivers will also refuse to comply with directions to alter services not scheduled on the train timetable until Sunday 18 August.
RTBU claim this is in a effect a ban on station skipping and diversions around the city loop, as well as short shunting of trains which allegedly help Metro meet performance targets.
They’ll also refuse to operate trains which do not have Passenger Emergency Intercoms.
Following a democratic ballot endorsed last Monday 29 July, RTBU Victorian Branch Secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the action is aimed at Metro’s hip pocket, not the travelling public.
“The RTBU is seeking to keep the public well informed of any impacts ahead of any industrial action, however these action items announced today are designed to target Metro and will not impact commuters’ ability to catch the train,” Ms. Grigorovitch said.
“Given the ballot returned a yes vote of 99%, 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.”
On top of the other action, an indefinite ban on wearing uniforms will commence on Monday 12 August for all commuter facing employees.
“The RTBU will continue to meet with Metro and negotiate in good faith,” Ms Grigorovitch said.
“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.”
