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Striking Vic train union on verge of deal

Metro Trains and the train drivers' union seem ready to strike a deal as negotiations in Melbourne show signs of making good progress.

Striking Melbourne train workers seem on the verge of a deal with Metro Trains over their long-running pay dispute.

More strike action is planned for the AFL grand final week, with ticket inspectors refusing to check myki cards on grand final day.

But after a meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union said a deal was imminent.

"If Metro come forward in good faith and actually commit to what they've said today, then we will have an outcome," union secretary Luba Grigorovitch told Channel Nine on Thursday.

Metro CEO Andrew Lezala said both sides had made concessions in talks.

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"We're optimistic that we can reach a conclusion before the weekend and get next week's action called off," he told Channel Nine.

Ms Grigorovitch said the two parties would meet again on Friday.

Earlier, Mr Lezala said the only sticking point had been allowing maintenance workers to move trains to depots, rather than requiring a trained driver.

The union has planned a four-hour stop work action on October 1, along with a series of uniform bans, and refusal to skip stations.

Industrial action planned for this week by Yarra Trams workers was called off on Friday after the union reached an in-principle agreement with the public transport company.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION PLANNED BY METRO STAFF

* Refusing to wear company uniforms for a week from September 29

* Stop-work meeting 10am-2pm on October 1

* Non-reporting of trains running late on October 2

* Refusal to skip stations on October 2

* Ban on inspecting myki tickets on October 3

* Refusal to drive trains without checking PA systems on October 4

* Refusal to drive trains without checking headlights on October 5


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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