Melbourne rail commuters will not be getting any free rides after the public transport union abandoned a plan to open up ticket barriers amid possible industrial action.
A four-hour strike foreshadowed by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has also been postponed, although tram stoppages are still likely.
The union and Metro trains will return to the negotiating table at 9am Wednesday.
Metro brought an application before the Federal Court on Tuesday, after the union threatened free travel on Wednesday and Friday as part of the ongoing battle over an enterprise bargaining agreement.
The train operator wanted the union to issue corrective advertising in newspapers and on radio, claiming the public had been misled.
But Metro's application was withdrawn after Herman Borenstein, QC, acting for the union, said the RTBU had agreed to abandon the free travel days and strike action.
RTBU secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the action was postponed after an undertaking that negotiations would continue, and a better offer would be provided by Friday.
Members would prefer to avoid a strike, but reserved the right to launch protected industrial action if negotiations broke down again, she said.
"The level of frustration among our members is at an all-time high and we will take industrial action if Metro doesn't honour its undertakings," Ms Grigorovitch said in a statement.
The negotiations were about more than just a pay deal, she said.
"With Melbourne moving towards a 24-hour transport network, it is essential that these negotiations address issues of safety and wellbeing for workers and the travelling public," Ms Grigorovitch said.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said it was a significant step forward and both parties were demonstrating they want to see the matter resolved through negotiation.
A Metro application to the Fair Work Commission over the planned strike has also been withdrawn.
Stop work action against Yarra Trams is still scheduled for Friday.
Share
