Train dispute – the fight for a 21st century system
Disruptions to our trains are continuing, with more strikes and bans now called for Grand Final week.
This train dispute is not just about demands for huge pay rises, like the tram dispute. The key issue with trains is the rail union’s refusal to allow modernisations that will bring Melbourne’s system into the 21st century.
Metro is trying to make changes so our train lines run independently of one another, as they do in successful world-class systems like London and Paris. This reduces the complexity and means disruptions or delays on one line don’t affect the rest.
However, the union is insisting that all drivers be trained to drive over every kilometre of the network, and be re-trained every time there’s any change, such as a level crossing removal. This means huge costs, as well as huge delays while all drivers are re-trained for any change, anywhere.
That’s why the reforms Metro is seeking are so important, and why Premier Daniel Andrews needs to tell the rail union leaders – his own supporters in Labor’s socialist-left faction – to stop trying to block them