Industrial action by maintenance workers since July 24 has caused cancellation of 89 train services on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, disrupting travel on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines. The $15 billion Metro Tunnel connects these three lines and supports 1,200 weekly train services.
Reduced Train Availability and Service Adjustments
On Thursday, only 50 High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) were available from a fleet of 70 due to slowed maintenance caused by the industrial action. This shortage forced Metro Trains to cancel 20 services on that day alone. Metro Trains management warned it may need to partially suspend train lines and terminate services before usual endpoints on
the affected routes if the dispute continues.
Metro Trains confirmed it is exploring options for partial line suspensions supplemented by bus services to maintain connectivity for passengers. A Metro Trains spokesperson said, “We thank passengers for their patience and we advise passengers to plan their journey ahead of travelling.”
Cause and Scope of the Industrial Action
Approximately 110 maintenance workers represented by the Electrical Trades Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union at Downer Group’s Pakenham East depot have been conducting industrial action since July 24. The action includes half-day and full-day strikes on Mondays, aiming to slow maintenance tasks on Melbourne’s HCMT fleet.
The unions demand pay
and working conditions equivalent to those provided to employees of Metro, V/Line, and Yarra Trams. The Downer Group holds the state government contract for routine maintenance of HCMTs.
Official Responses and Negotiations
Downer Group acknowledged its employees are engaged in protected industrial action related to enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations and stated it remains committed to constructive bargaining. A Downer spokesperson said, “Downer remains committed to the process and continues to engage constructively with bargaining representatives.”
A State Government representative confirmed cooperation with Metro Trains and Downer to limit disruption. The government supports the rights of workers to industrial action and encouraged all parties to
negotiate in good faith.
Metro Tunnel Background and Related Industrial Action in Victoria
The Melbourne Metro Tunnel opened on November 30 last year with a limited timetable and commenced full operations in February 2026, linking the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines. The infrastructure project facilitates 1,200 weekly train services.
This industrial dispute follows a series of recent actions affecting Victoria’s state-run services, including strikes by doctors and healthcare workers, and a $5.4 billion pay agreement with teachers after prior industrial disputes.
