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More Vic train strikes could be on the way

Victoria could have more train strikes on the way after workers applied to take industrial action over a new pay deal.

V Line stock at Southern Cross Station  in Melbourne
Victoria could have more train strikes on the way after workers applied to take industrial action. (AAP)

Victorian train workers have again applied to take industrial action, months after strikes shut down Melbourne's CBD.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has applied to the Fair Work Commission for the ability to hold work stoppages up to 48-hours long as part of its negotiations with regional train service V/Line.

"Members feel they are being taken for a ride by V/Line," union secretary Luba Grigorovitch said on Thursday.

"Industrial action is never a decision that is made lightly, but members have been agitated by the company's inaction for too long."

The union shut down Melbourne's CBD in September with the first train and tram strikes in a generation as part of negotiations with Metro Trains.

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Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said it was all speculation and negotiations were still continuing.

"At this stage there is no suggestion that there will be industrial action," Ms Allan told reporters.

Ms Allan said there was no need for any "unnecessary disruption".

"The best way to get these matters resolved is by sitting around a negotiating table," she said.

Opposition public transport spokesman David Hodgett said more strikes would be the latest in a long line of problems in Ms Allan's portfolio.

"I urge (Premier) Daniel Andrews in his upcoming reshuffle to either sack the minister or put her in (another) portfolio and give someone else a go," Mr Hodgett told reporters.

The union last year won a 17 per cent pay increase over four years for Metro operational staff.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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