Major V/Line disruptions coming

INDUSTRIAL action will escalate at V/Line, affecting services during the Melbourne Grand Prix and the Easter long weekend.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has announced two nine-hour strikes for all non-driving operations staff, including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff, and authorised officers.

These will take place from 3am to 12 noon on Friday, March 22, and March 28, effectively shutting down the regional train network.

The industrial action will have a flow-on effect, affecting operations throughout each day.

This latest action brings the total to nine days of strikes since December.

V/Line chief executive officer Matt Carrick said the strike would cause major disruptions to the network.

“The union’s decision to strike for an eighth time is incredibly disappointing and will again disrupt tens of thousands of passengers wanting to travel for major events and before the Easter period.”

“We have put an offer to the union, which delivers excellent outcomes for our frontline workers. We urge the union to come to the table and continue negotiating.”

“We thank passengers for their patience and advise that they make alternative travel arrangements until the early afternoon on 22 March and 28 March, with a very limited replacement coach service operating.”

At a rally in Melbourne on Friday last week, attended by hundreds, RTBU state secretary Vik Sharma voiced the union’s demands for a fair deal that matches Metro workers’ conditions, with the aim of preventing a second-class transport network in the regions.

“Members are sick of decision-makers dodging of responsibility,” Mr Sharma said.

“The RTBU is ready to negotiate intensively should V/Line and government commit to putting the real decision-makers in the room.”

He urged the Victorian government to take responsibility for regional workers and work towards resolving the dispute, criticising the state wages policy for creating a two-tier transport system.

“Into the 10th month of bargaining, the Allan Government has sat on their hands since tabling the last dud deal that already led to today’s stoppage so members are angry.

“V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement that reflects the conditions already accepted by other employers across the industry. “The current offer on the table would leave regional workers worse off than their metropolitan counterparts.

“This industrial action will regrettably impact regional commuters and cause significant disruptions to services. As such we encourage commuters to make alternative travel arrangements.

“We won’t accept a deal that treats regional workers and their communities like second class citizens.

“While the Allan State Government continues to play puppet master, V/Line need to get serious at the bargaining table to resolve this dispute.

A Victorian government spokesperson said V/Line had put an offer to the union, which delivers improved benefits and excellent outcomes for their frontline workers.

“The union’s action to notify V/Line of further strikes is disappointing and this continued action will disrupt passengers that rely on V/Line services.”

“V/Line has called on the union to focus on resolving this dispute at the bargaining table.”

First published “More V/Line disruptions coming” 18 March 4.00 AM

Story updated 18 March 2024 at 12:25 PM.