Rail Tram and Bus Union members employed by V/Line will take protected industrial action in the form of a work stoppage between 3am and 7am.
Days impacted are:
- Monday, February 12
- Friday, February 16
- Monday, February 19
- Friday, February 23.
No V/Line trains will run during the stoppages and significant delays are expected throughout the mornings as trains get back into position and gradually resume the normal timetable.
RTBU Branch Secretary Vik Sharma said the industrial action will continue unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations with the State Government.
“If anyone is to be blamed for these strikes, it is the Allan Labor Government, which has forgotten about the regional workers,” he said.
“V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement which reflects the rising cost of living and addresses key workplace issues such as job security.
“The RTBU has been trying to negotiate with V/Line management since June last year, and workers have been taking industrial action since December.”
Passengers are advised to avoid travelling on those mornings and to only travel if necessary.
A very limited coach replacement service will run for essential journeys with delays of two hours expected.
Replacement coaches will not stop at metropolitan train stations.
A schedule of the first trains to return on each line will be published on the V/Line and PTV websites.
Motorists travelling on key routes between regional centres and Melbourne should allow extra travel time due to increased traffic.