Adelaide rail workers have notified rail operator Keolis Downer Adelaide (KDA) that they will stop work for 24 hours on Thursday 2 May.

The planned industrial action is a direct result of KDA’s failure to finalise a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement with their employees.

If it goes ahead, the action will affect transport to and from the ‘showdown’ AFL match between Adelaide and Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval that night.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) SA/NT Branch Secretary Darren Phillips today said negotiations between workers and KDA had stalled, and escalating industrial action was the only way to force KDA back to the table.

“Workers have not made the decision to take this action lightly. They are extremely frustrated that negotiations have been dragging on for six months, and they still do not have an agreement on the issue of pay.

“There is another meeting planned with KDA next Friday (26 April), and we urge KDA management to put a better offer on the table.

“By notifying KDA of the planned action two weeks in advance, we have deliberately given them ample time to change course.

“We have also given commuters and footy fans as much as time as possible to plan for alternative travel arrangements, should the action go ahead.

“We know KDA is out to extract as much profit from the people of South Australia before services are returned to the State Government, but rail workers are united and determined to get a fair outcome from their Enterprise Agreement.”