Adelaide’s tram workers have rejected the latest pay offer from Torrens Connect and will escalate industrial action next week.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) SA/NT Secretary Darren Phillips said there will be no trams on Tuesday (12 September 2023) as workers will take the unprecedented step of stopping work for 24 hours.

From Tuesday, members will not turn on ticket validators. When services resume on Wednesday, passengers who are not able to validate their tickets will ride for free.

Mr Phillips said workers met yesterday (Wednesday) and decided to escalate their protected industrial action.

“Tram workers suspended their industrial action in good faith, however they are disappointed that Torrens Connect’s latest offer is still well short of their demand for a pay rise that reflects the increasing cost of living.

“The fact is that these workers are on a relatively low base pay rate of $67,000 a year, and inflation has been eroding the value of their pay year after year.

“They are fed up, and they do not want to keep going backwards. A 24-hour stoppage is a serious action for our members to take, and they understand the disruption that it will cause to travellers.

“However, they feel they have no other alternative left than to ramp up industrial action.”

Darren Phillips said the ball was now back in Torrens Connect’s court.

“Workers wanted to give travellers as much notice as possible so they can have time to make alternative travel plans for next Tuesday.

“Of course, the industrial action could still be avoided if Torrens Connect responds quickly with a revised pay offer.”