Melissa Meehan, AAP
Victoria’s regional rail network is set to be brought to a temporary standstill as workers take industrial action over conditions.
Operations staff at V/Line, including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer staff and authorised officers, plan to walk off the job for four hours between 3am and 7am on Thursday, January 25.
At this stage only non-driving grades will participate in the action.
Rail, Train and Bus Union Branch Secretary Vik Sharma said despite bargaining since June, V/Line was yet to address key concerns raised by workers.
“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,“ he said on Monday.
“V/Line continues to drag their feet and seems to be in no rush to reach an agreement.“
He said his union would continue to meet with V/Line and negotiate in good faith as members would prefer to avoid industrial action.
V/Line chief executive officer Matt Carrick also said talks would go on.
“We have been continuing to negotiate in good faith and have made progress towards reaching an agreement,“ he said in a statement.
“We strongly encourage the union to work collaboratively with us to reach a fair and reasonable agreement.“
Passengers are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest scheduling and coach replacement information on the V/Line website and social channels.
