Industrial action to disrupt Metlink rail services
Ongoing disruption to Metlink passenger rail services is expected from Tuesday 17 September because of industrial action planned by the Rail and Maritime Transport Union.
Metlink was informed on Friday 13 September by rail operator Transdev that its staff affiliated with the union would be undertaking continuous work-to-rule industrial action ahead of mediation associated with collective bargaining - expected to take place on 26 September.
From Tuesday morning, union members have voted to take all breaks, and not to work overtime or accept shift alterations.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain says passengers should plan ahead as services may be cancelled or delayed at short notice.
It’s vital rail passengers keep a close eye on the Metlink website or app to stay informed of any service disruption. Know before you go.
“Because of the nature of the industrial action, it’s hard to predict which services will be affected. Limited bus replacements will be available for cancelled services but, when possible, rail passengers should travel by other means.
“We respect the right of unionised staff to take industrial action, but we know our passengers will be frustrated by any disruptions. We are grateful for their patience and understanding.
“Metlink encourages both sides to negotiate in good faith to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”
Transdev Wellington Managing Director Ian Ladd says he apologises to customers who may be impacted from Tuesday.
“We have a full roster for Tuesday, and we’ll be doing everything possible to limit the impact of this industrial action,” Mr Ladd says. “We are committed to negotiating in good faith.
“We will let customers know about any delays or cancellations that occur as soon as we can.”
For information about service disruptions, passengers are advised to regularly check service alerts and timetables - available on the Metlink website and app.
Frequently asked questions
The RMTU has voted to reject pay increase offers from Transdev Wellington and has conducted a ballot with its members to initiate strike action. They informed Transdev late Friday afternoon of their intention to start industrial action from Tuesday.
The collective agreement expired on 2nd July 2024 and is currently being renegotiated.
Due to the nature of this industrial action, it's not possible to predict in advance which services will be affected due to many variables. Metlink will keep customers informed of any service impacts as they arise, but are advising customers to expect disruptions on all rail lines.
The duration of the industrial action will depend on ongoing negotiations. It will continue until the RMTU decides to withdraw it.
This is an ongoing negotiation between the union and the employer. Metlink has no role in these negotiations and we encourage both sides to negotiate in good faith to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
Metlink had been advised that Transdev currently have more staff than required for most front-line roles according to the master roster.
Although KiwiRail operates the Masterton trains with their Locomotive and Locomotive Engineer, it is still staffed by Transdev staff (Train managers and Passenger operators) who are covered by the RMTU industrial action.
The Metlink app will provide the most up-to-date information on service status. You can find it here(external link).
Metlink has no role in the union negotiations as this is between the union and employer.
No, there are no refunds for cancellations caused by industrial action. Our Conditions of Carraige do not provide refunds for events beyond our control such as industrial action.
Daily Snapper Users
If you tag on at the platform and your service doesn’t arrive due to the Union's decision to hold industrial action then make sure you tag off again. If you don’t tag off, you will be charged a default fare.
If you’re using daily Snapper and you board a service which then doesn’t arrive as its destination due to the Union's decision to hold industrial action then we advise you to tag off when you disembark so you’re only charged for the portion of the journey.
30-Day Pass Holders
We are really sorry about the inconvenience to 30 Day Passholders caused by the Union's decision to hold industrial action. Our Conditions of Carriage do not provide refunds for events beyond our control such as industrial action. If you’ve already tagged on and your train doesn’t arrive then please make sure you tag off, so you don’t get charged a default fare.
For more information see Refund policy » Metlink
If you feel you’ve done all of the above and have still been charged incorrectly, please contact Snapper directly.
Passengers who have tagged on and want to cancel the tag on and exit the bus or train station without travelling and free of charge can do so by tagging off:
- on-board a bus at the same stop within five minutes after the card is tagged on; or
- at any Snapper validator at the same railway station within 40 minutes after the card is tagged on. To cancel a tag on, passengers must wait 10 seconds and tag on within 40 minutes.
So, after a 10 second wait after tagging on they can tag off within 40 minutes to cancel proposed travel.
Because of the nature of the industrial action, it’s hard to predict which services will be affected. Limited bus replacements will be available for cancelled services but, when possible, rail passengers should travel by other means. Metlink have been advised by Transdev that they are working to reduce any risk of services being affected halfway through their journey because of the time that scheduled breaks and shift swap overs occur. We are dedicated to keeping our passengers updated as much and as early as we can.
Initial media stories incorrectly reported that the industrial action was only happening on Tuesday 17 September. The stories have now been corrected to show that the industrial action commences on Tuesday 17 September and is ongoing.