More pain ahead for the regions rail commuters as the transport union declares industrial action against V/Line.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says the states entire regional network will be affected for fours on the morning of January 25, as workers push for better work and pay conditions.
Operations staff including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff, authorised officers, will walk off the job for four hours between 3am and 7am, bringing the network to a halt.
“V/Line continues to drag their feet and seems to be in no rush to reach an agreement,” RTBU Branch Secretary Vik Sharma says of negotiations with enterprise bargaining negotiations with V/Line.
“In the current climate of automation, major changes and an uncertain economy, members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve – job security and decent conditions.”
V/Line CEO Matt Carrick urged the union to work “collaboratively” with the transport operator to reach what he described as “a fair and reasonable agreement.”
“We have been continuing to negotiate in good faith and have made progress towards reaching an agreement,” he said.
It’s the second network shutdown within a month, the last on December 12.
