LOCAL train commuters could see industrial action taken on the Gawler train line from next month as pay negotiations between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and the State Government drag on.

RTBU South Australia members will vote on whether to take industrial action, including a possible stop-work move, next month after the union was given permission by the Fair Work Commission to hold the ballot.

The union and the State Government are at an impasse over a four-year pay deal for train drivers and other rail staff, with members seeking a four per cent annual pay rise in each of the next four years.

Workers are also seeking travel allowances and greater health and safety provisions for drivers, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of the private union members’ ballot will be known by October 15, and could see drivers walk off the job for an undetermined period of time.

Other industrial actions being considered include refusing to wear a company uniform to work, indefinite bans on working overtime and making announcements over train PA systems informing commuters of the union’s requests.

RTBU SA secretary Darren Phillips said train drivers had turned up to work during the pandemic and deserved reward for their service

“A lot of these conditions are long-standing conditions which aren’t captured (in the current enterprise agreement) and we want them captured and preserved in the (new) enterprise agreement,” he said.

“It’s about protections for workers working on public transport during COVID-19 and protection for the public as well.

“These are front line workers out during COVID-19, just as teachers, nurses and police have.

“There needs to be some recognition of that and protections put in place.”

Mr Phillips added any drivers’ strike would occur during the middle of the day and avoid peak travel times in the morning and evening.

Treasurer Rob Lucas has attacked the union’s demands, saying they would “severely disrupt” commuters.

“For union bosses to go out of their way to cause even more distress and disruption to public transport passengers who are just trying to get on with their lives and go to and from work, or school, safely is not only callous – it’s counter-productive,” he said.

“No amount of strike action will give the Government any extra money to spend on unreasonable salary increases.

“The union bosses must do the right thing and immediately put a stop to this silliness and return to negotiations in good faith.”