By ANEEKA SIMONIS
STRIKE action on the trains last week displaced fewer people than predicted, with most commuters reporting close to normal travel conditions or taking a day off to avoid what was expected to be total chaos.
Train stations across Cardinia Shire resembled ghost towns on Friday, with commuters making alternative travel plans to work while replacement buses were spotted leaving Berwick train station without a single passenger on board.
However, there were some commuters who were caught out by the workers’ walk-off stint, including Chris from Pakenham who described the action as “frustrating” for commuters travelling during off-peak times.
From 10am to 2pm all train workers walked off the job, though train services were delayed for the better half of the day.
The action, which followed minor stoppages a day earlier, was led by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) over ongoing pay disputes.
Currently, no resolution has been made between the union delegates and Metro Trains following the strike action.
