Planned strikes are no longer expected to affect V/Line services on March 22 and March 28 after a breakthrough in negotiations.
Click here for the full story: https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/breakthrough-rtbu-withdraws-strikes-v-line-negotiations-begin/
EARLIER, 11.45am, Tuesday, March 19: V/Line strikes update
Regional commuters will face significant disruptions after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union notified V/Line of its intention to strike on Friday, March 22 and Thursday, March 28.
No trains are set to run until the early afternoon, with trains resuming after 1pm on both days. Passengers should expect considerable delays and cancellations throughout the day.
Regional passengers planning to attend events such as the Grand Prix and Melbourne Flower and Garden Show on Friday, March 22, are recommended to seek alternative travel arrangements.
Passengers are urged to travel only if needed, as the coach replacement will be “extremely limited” and significant delays are expected on both days.
Passengers travelling on Thursday, March 28, ahead of Good Friday, are also invited to make alternative travel arrangements.
Standard service is scheduled on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24.
The RTBU secured a 17 per cent salary increase deal for Metro workers and has been advocating for job security, fair pay and favourable working conditions for its regional members since June last year.
V/Line has reached an in-principle agreement with RTBU drivers, but a fair deal has yet to be reached between the operations division and V/Line to resolve the ongoing dispute.
“We have put an offer to the union, which delivers excellent outcomes for our frontline workers,” V/Line chief executive Matt Carrick said.
“We urge the union to come to the table and continue negotiating.
“We thank our passengers for their patience and advise that they make alternative travel arrangements until the early afternoon on March 22 and 28, with a very limited replacement coach service operating.”
Real-time traffic conditions can be found at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au, while the latest public transport information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au, the PTV app, or the V/Line website or app.
Passengers are urged to check these sources before embarking on their journeys.
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