Ballarat train passengers could be in for long delays, just before the Labour Day long weekend.
The rail union have announced their intention to hold a 13-hour work stoppage on Friday March 8th, between 3am and 4pm, bringing the regional train network to a halt yet again.
It’s on top of several four-hour stoppages that have been held over recent weeks, as part of the union’s fight for better pay and conditions.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says the new work stoppage comes after a ‘sub-standard government endorsed offer’ tabled on Friday.
In a statement, Branch Secretary Vik Sharma said into the ninth month of bargaining, the State Government has endorsed a deal that would leave regional workers worse off than their metropolitan counterparts.
Mr. Sharma is encouraging commuters to make alternative travel arrangements on March 8th.
In a statement, V/Line CEO Matt Carrick says they have put an offer to the union, which delivers improved benefits and excellent outcomes for their frontline workers.
He says the union’s action to notify them of further strikes is disappointing and the continued industrial action will disrupt passengers that rely on V/Line services.
Mr. Carrick is calling on the union to focus on resolving the dispute at the bargaining table.
