Union threat over rail strain

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG rail workers have resolved to “take whatever action is necessary” on a Melbourne line straining under a surge in passengers.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union officials claim V/Line is short at least 30 workers to cover for a Myki ticketing system two years behind schedule.
State Government also announced this week the cost of the bungled system had blown out from $500 million to $850 million.
Union state secretary Trevor Dobbyn said a Geelong sub-branch meeting had condemned the management of V/Line and Government for failing to operate stations and trains with “professional” levels of staff.
“You couldn’t rule out that this action might involve some form of industrial response,” Mr Dobbyn said.
“I wouldn’t like to say strike, though.
“I don’t want to threaten the service and upset the passengers of Geelong.”
The union named the worst-hit stations as Geelong, Lara, North Geelong and Marshall.
The meeting also resolved that both the flagship and special events services between Geelong and Melbourne were struggling to cope with high demand.
Mr Dobbyn asked the Independent not to name an employee who was behind the union resolution out of fear he could be sacked.
Mr Dobbyn said the staff shortage was “unsafe” for passengers.
“There is not enough staff around to manage the issues of people getting on and off trains,” he said.
“It’s not good for staff, either, because they’re subject to customer frustration and customer anger about queues and overcrowding.”
Commuter numbers had already risen 25 per cent this year on top of a 29 per cent jump in 2007, Mr Dobbyn said.
V/Line spokesperson Daniel Moloney said Geelong-Melbourne services were experiencing “some huge increases” in passengers.
“That is creating some short-term pressures for our staff and that is something we are working on now with the union,” he said.
However, Mr Moloney said staff levels had increased in 2006 in line with extra services between Geelong and Melbourne.