Vic: Trams to strike tomorrow

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2000
Vic: Trams to strike tomorrow

MELBOURNE, Dec 20 AAP - Melbourne's tram services could come to a standstill tomorrow
after tram workers announced they would stop work over the introduction of Sunday timetables
from Boxing Day to January 2.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union's Lou Di Gregorio said the union would strike unless the
private tram operators agreed to run services to a normal timetable.

Mr Di Gregorio said the operators - Yarra Trams and Swanston Trams - were trying to
cut costs by reducing services in violation of their contract with the government.

He said Yarra Trams workers would stop work for four hours from 9am tomorrow, and Swanston
Trams workers from 1pm to 5pm.

Mr Di Gregorio said the strike was planned to minimise disruption for public transport
users, with the industrial action timed to miss peak travel times.

"Everyone will be at work, and we will make sure we get everyone home," he told AAP.

Mr Di Gregorio called on the state government to force the operators to restore the
normal timetable over the Christmas-New Year period.

"It's up to the government to say: 'We're paying for the service, so it's up to you
to provide it.'

"They are contracted to provide a service, so they should provide it."

Mr Di Gregorio said Boxing Day until January 2 was a busy time on public transport
because of post-Christmas sales and sporting events.

Comment was being sought from the tram companies.

AAP bp/jlw/cjh

KEYWORD: TRAMS

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