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V/Line strike action threatened in lead-up to Christmas

Dec 4, 2023

**Industrial action:** V/Line services could grind to a halt on Wednesday, December 13 if negotiations over a new enterprise bargaining agreement are not resolved. Photo by Geoff Adams

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is threatening to bring the V/Line network to a halt in the lead-up to Christmas over negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

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The RTBU said it had notified V/Line of its members’ intention to take industrial action between 3am and 7am on Wednesday, December 13.

“We make no apologies in our fight to secure decent conditions for our members,” RTBU Branch Secretary Vik Sharma said.

“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.

“We are focused on minimising the impacts of industrial action on the travelling public and encourage commuters to plan their working weeks accordingly where possible.”

Operations staff, including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff will walk off the job for the four hours.

The union said V/Line was yet to address key concerns that had been raised during the negotiations.

The RTBU said public transport workers at Metro recently resolved their negotiations, locking in the key issues around fairness of process, job security and achieving a 17 per cent pay increase over four years.

It said the expectation should be that the regional RTBU members were treated the same.

“The RTBU will continue to meet with V/Line and negotiate in good faith as members would prefer to avoid industrial action if their concerns are addressed,” Mr Sharma said.

V/Line has been approached for comment.