V/Line workers will stage a 13-hour strike this Friday, causing 'significant disruptions' to commuters after rejecting pay rise offer.
In a move that’s set to significantly disrupt travel plans across Victoria right before the long weekend, V/Line workers have announced a 13-hour strike on Friday, March 8, following the rejection of a pay rise offer. This escalation in industrial action comes after a series of four-hour strikes throughout February, impacting morning commuters.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union members at V/Line will halt work between 3am and 4pm, effectively bringing the entire regional train network to a standstill. Operations staff including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff, and authorised officers will participate in the strike.
Passengers are advised to avoid travel if possible.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Due to industrial action, there will be a full train network closure for 13 hours between 3am to 4pm on Friday 8 March. Please avoid travel if possible as an extremely limited coach replacement service will run with significant delays expected. https://t.co/lZfCJXeGkK pic.twitter.com/YWVPjGJsp8
— V/Line Geelong Line (@vline_geelong) March 4, 2024
An extremely limited number of replacement services (coaches) will run from first service until 6pm. Coaches will depart every 60 minutes on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and Traralgon lines. Coaches will depart as close as possible to scheduled train times on the Warrnambool, Ararat, Maryborough, Echuca, Swan Hill, Shepparton, Albury and Bairnsdale lines. Significant delays of two hours or more are expected including extended wait and travel times.
Trains will progressively return on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland lines from approximately 5pm but there will be significant flow on impacts, with delays and cancellations to continue across the evening. The last evening trains on the Warrnambool, Albury and Ararat lines will be scheduled to run.
Due to trains being out of position, train services will not return on the Seymour, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Echuca and Maryborough lines. A schedule of the first trains to return will be published on the V/Line and PTV websites so please check before you travel.
This marks the seventh day of V/Line train strikes as the union continues its pursuit for better job security, work/life balance, and fairness for all staff. Previous strike actions have occurred in December and January, with the aim of securing improved conditions.
Passengers are advised to stay updated on service changes and temporary timetables, which will be available on the V/Line website, mobile app, and social media platforms. Additionally, schools will receive direct notifications regarding service alterations and travel advice for students.
You can find out more here.
