Metro Trains cancelled 89 train services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines running through Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning due to industrial action by maintenance staff.
Maintenance Worker Strike at Downer Depot Disrupts Metro Services
The cancellations result from industrial action by around 110 workers maintaining Victoria’s High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) at Downer Group’s Pakenham East depot, which began on July 24, 2026. Members of the Electrical Trades Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union are participating in half-day and full-day strikes demanding pay and conditions equivalent to other public transport workers operating in Metro, V/Line, and Yarra Trams.
Metro Trains Considers Partial Line Suspensions to Manage Disruptions
Metro Trains has indicated that
ongoing industrial action may force partial suspensions on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines, potentially terminating some trains before reaching the end of the routes. A Metro executive’s internal email stated, “We may require partial line suspensions if this external industrial action continues. This is always a last resort but will allow us to provide the best services for the largest number of passengers possible.” The company is also exploring bussing options to supplement train services during disruptions.
Fleet Availability Reduced, Backlog of Maintenance Increases
The HCMT fleet consists of 70 trains, but only 50 were operational as of Thursday due to the slower maintenance pace caused
by the strike. The limited availability has directly resulted in the cancellation of multiple train services on affected days. Maintenance on HCMTs is time-intensive, and even if the dispute is resolved promptly, clearing the backlog of out-of-service trains could take weeks.
Stakeholders Emphasize Negotiations and Support for Workers’ Rights
A Metro Trains spokesperson confirmed the cancellations and stated, “We thank passengers for their patience and we advise passengers to plan their journey ahead of travelling.” Downer Group acknowledged the industrial action relates to enterprise bargaining negotiations and declared its commitment to constructive engagement with union representatives. The Victoria State Government expressed support for the workers’ right to protected
industrial action while urging all parties to negotiate in good faith to resolve the dispute and limit impacts on services.
Metro Tunnel Project Background and Industrial Relations Context
The $15 billion Metro Tunnel project opened on November 30, 2025, initially with a limited timetable, before full operations commenced in February 2026. The tunnel connects Melbourne’s Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines and increased weekly train services to 1,200. This maintenance strike is among several recent industrial disputes impacting public services in Victoria, following strikes by doctors and negotiated pay deals with teachers and healthcare workers earlier in 2026.
