26 February 2024
An ongoing dispute between the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) and V/Line has seen rolling morning strikes take place all throughout February, disrupting services across several train lines.
The industrial action has taken place four times already in February, shutting down the network from 3am to 7am each time, causing extensive delays and resulting in coach replacements on local lines. Strikes also occurred in December and January.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the strikes were yet another concerning situation for commuters in the region.
“The strikes and expected delays are just one of many issues members of my community have to deal with when it comes to commuting on our regional train network,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We have just three trains a day from Albury to Melbourne – this is completely unacceptable with our region’s population.
“Since fares were reduced, we are seeing significantly increased traffic across our regional network – resulting in crowded and uncomfortable services on our trains and coaches.
“I have countless stories of people missing medical appointments due to unreliable trains, and elderly having to stand for hours on the train because of the overcrowding and poor frequency of trains.
“With strikes set to impact the morning services, issues with this train line will become more apparent.”
Ms Cleeland said it was up to the Premier and the Labor Government to intervene and sort out the ongoing dispute.
“The State Government has direct responsibility over V/Line, yet we are now months into the dispute with no intervention,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Premier must sit down with the RTBU to reach a reasonable agreement that suits all parties and gets our regional train network running effectively.
“Labor can’t manage Victoria’s public transport network, and Victorians are paying the price with unreliable services and ongoing delays across the network.”