Tram drivers consider industrial action over pay deal
Adelaide tram drivers are being asked to consider industrial action including a strike amid ongoing talks over pay and conditions.
Photo: Tony Lewis / InDaily
The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) SA branch has made an application to the Fair Work Commission for a protected action ballot order, with a hearing set down for tomorrow.
The union says it is seeking better pay and conditions for Adelaide’s tram drivers and controllers employed by private operators Torrens Connect.
RTBU SA branch secretary Darren Phillips said the union is currently polling its members over “various types of industrial action”, including a strike.
He said the union has been in enterprise bargaining negotiations with Torrens Connect since February and was seeking a “decent outcome” on pay and conditions given the current cost of living crisis.
“They’re great people. They’re doing a great job out there,” Phillips said.
“They were a big part of getting us all through the pandemic, getting us to and from work when there were restrictions and shutdowns.
“They can hold their head high that they worked through those tough times, uncertain times.”
Phillips said the ballot closes on July 31.
The RTBU has around 100 Adelaide tram employee members, according to Phillips, who declined to reveal whether Torrens Connect has a current pay offer on the table.
The most recent tram operations enterprise bargaining agreement came into force on June 1, 2020, and was due to expire on June 30, 2023.
InDaily contacted Torrens Connect for comment.
If RTBU members choose to take industrial action, they will have to enter a compulsory conciliation conference with Torrens Connect before taking protected industrial action.
The new conference arrangements were introduced as part of the Albanese Government’s reforms last year to industrial relations.
Torrens Connect is due to return Adelaide’s tram operations, including drivers, operations control, customer service, network and timetable planning, back to the state government by July 31, 2025.
The company – a joint venture between national firms John Holland and UGL as well as Kelsian subsidiary Transit Systems – will continue to provide tram fleet and track maintenance services until 2035.
Earlier this year, bus drivers for the Transport Workers Union went on strike against employer Torrens Transit – disrupting two-thirds of Adelaide’s bus network.
