By Mitchell Clarke
More train pain could hit commuters with the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) indicating action could be taken across Melbourne’s entire public transport rail network, which faces the prospect of a complete closure for up to 48 hours.
The union announced on Monday 29 July that a ballot of Metro Trains operation staff endorsed protected industrial action against their employer.
Workplace stoppages ranging from four to 48 hours, refusal to check tickets, open barrier gates and refusal to issue infringement notices were all listed as approved industrial action in the ballot.
The action would cover the full range of Metro’s frontline services, back of house administrative and reporting activities and would also ban last minute changes to timetables such as station skipping, cutting short scheduled and other profit boosting strategies.
RTBU Secretary Luba Grigorovitch said members were mindful of the impact this action could have on the travelling public but said this could be their only option.
“With 99 percent of members who voted endorsing industrial action, it is clear members are frustrated by Metro’s tactics and aggressive attacks on hard won conditions,” Ms Grigorovitch said.
“Our members will be making efforts to minimise the impact on the travelling public, sharpening the focus on the company where it hurts most.”
Negotiations are now into their fifth month and with the existing agreement expired, members see this action as a last resort.
But Metro claims the action is needless, stating they sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission in early May to keep negotiations moving at a reasonable place.
“Industrial action is completely unnecessary – an agreement can be reached around the negotiating table without disrupting our passengers,” a Metro spokesperson said.
“We continue to negotiate in good faith with the union to reach a fair and reasonable outcome.”
Metro confirmed to the Gazette that regular negotiations with the union have been taking place since February, with further meeting scheduled for this week.
Taking aim at Metro’s recent poor performance despite healthy profits, Ms Grigorovitch said if Metro are looking for improved productivity and better outcomes, they should take a “good hard look at management” before pointing the finger at employees.
“This is a majority foreign-owned company that has drained over $305 million from the Victorian economy since it took over the franchise,” she added.
At least six working days’ notice must be given for any work stoppages. RTBU delegates are set to meet in the coming days to discuss the next steps in the campaign however there is currently no planned date for the action.
Meanwhile, the criticism of Melbourne’s rail system continues, with Shadow Minister for Public Transport David Davis throwing the Andrews Labor Government onto the tracks.
Mr Davis is calling for Premier Daniel Andrews to “pull his head out of the sand”, after commuters experienced an average of 62 trains either cancelled or not re-routed each day in June.
The Pakenham line experienced 57 cancelled services over the month.
“Passengers expect reliable, safe and punctual train services,” Mr Davis said.
“Cancelling services or bypassing or skipping stations leaves passengers justifiably frustrated and angry.”
