Melbourne Bus Services Crippled by 24-Hour Strike, Thousands of Commuters Stranded

May 27, 2025
Melbourne Bus Services Crippled by 24-Hour Strike, Thousands of Commuters Stranded
  • On May 28, 2025, a 24-hour strike organized by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) will disrupt bus services operated by Dysons and CDC Victoria, affecting nearly a quarter of Melbourne's bus network.

  • Passengers are encouraged to seek alternative transport options on the day of the strike, as many routes will be affected.

  • Normal bus services are expected to resume on May 29, 2025, following the strike.

  • The strike will particularly impact bus routes in Geelong, Wyndham, Mildura, and Ballarat, leaving thousands of commuters and school children at risk of being stranded.

  • In response, Dysons claims to have been negotiating in good faith and accused the TWU of rejecting their proposed wages and conditions without offering a counterproposal.

  • TWU's Victorian/Tasmanian director, Sam Lynch, criticized the companies' current offers as inadequate, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and respect for drivers.

  • Dysons expressed disappointment over the strike decision, noting that they proposed a nine percent wage increase in their new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which was rejected by workers.

  • Lynch highlighted that bus drivers are struggling with wages that have not kept pace with living costs, making the strike a last resort after prolonged negotiations since January.

  • More than 95% of TWU members voted in favor of the strike after negotiations over pay and working conditions stalled.

  • Both Dysons and CDC expressed their disappointment regarding the strike action, with CDC apologizing to passengers and emphasizing their commitment to continue negotiations.

  • To minimize disruption, Dysons is working with the Department of Transport to run a modified timetable during the strike.

  • Specific school services and routes in Geelong, including those to several local colleges, will also be disrupted, further impacting the community.

Summary based on 4 sources


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Sources


Major Victorian bus driver strike to halt network

Australasian Bus and Coach • May 26, 2025

Major Victorian bus driver strike to halt network

Bus strike to affect Geelong

Geelong Independent • May 27, 2025

Bus strike to affect Geelong

Bus strike to affect Geelong

Ocean Grove Voice • May 27, 2025

Bus strike to affect Geelong

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