You’ll Be Riding Trains For Free In Melbourne As Workers Fight Back Against Metro
Over the next two Mondays, ticket barriers will be kept open, and ticket inspectors will refuse to check mykis.
The transport workers union has announced industrial action as part of its fight for better pay for its members. This means Melbourne commuters will be able to ride suburban trains free on Monday, August 12 and Monday, August 19.
Over the next two Mondays, Melbourne station staff will keep ticket barriers open and refuse to sell or top-up mykis. Ticket inspectors will not be checking tickets, while train drivers will refuse to divert services or skip stations, a practise often employed by Metro Trains to ensure it hits its performance targets.
The scheduled action comes as the Rail, Tram and Bus union tries to negotiate a 6% pay rise. Metro Trains is reportedly offering a 2% rise.
“This industrial action is aimed at Metro’s hip pocket, not the travelling public,” said union secretary Luba Grigotovitch in a statement on Monday. “The RTBU is seeking to keep the public well informed of any impacts ahead of any industrial action, however these action items announced today are designed to target Metro and will not impact commuters’ ability to catch the train.”
Feature image via Wikimedia
