Brisbane ferry workers to strike during Riverfire, union and operator clash over pay dispute

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) confirmed the latest industrial action will fall on Saturday, coinciding with the annual Riverfire event that officially opens the Brisbane Festival. Up to half a million people are expected to attend river precincts, with about 27,000 having used ferry services to reach Riverfire last year.

Pay negotiations between the MUA and RiverCity Ferries have been ongoing since October last year, with workers undertaking stoppages of varying lengths since July 30. The Brisbane City Council has condemned the timing of the strike.

RiverCity Ferries general manager Paul Rigby accused the union of planning to "spoil the party" and called for the action to be scrapped. "Riverfire is one of the biggest nights on the Brisbane calendar, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate along the waterway that shapes and serves the city," he said. "The unions should stop this selfish and unnecessary disruption to what should be a day of celebration."

MUA organiser Jaiden Simpson denied the union was trying to ruin Riverfire, instead blaming RiverCity Ferries for failing to engage meaningfully over 17 meetings. He said the union had a range of concerns that had not been addressed, including fatigue management, work-life balance, meal break provisions, salary and superannuation.

"We would deny that wholeheartedly, and in fact I would say that RiverCity Ferries haven't meaningfully engaged with the unions or the delegates or their workforce for the past 17 meetings," Mr Simpson said.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The strike directly affects one of Brisbane's largest public events, potentially stranding thousands of festival-goers who rely on ferries and CityCats for river access.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in essential public transport services, with workers seeking improved conditions amid a protracted negotiation process.
Both sides are digging in, raising the prospect of further disruptions during the Brisbane Festival and beyond if no resolution is reached.

Background

RiverCity Ferries operates the CityCat and ferry network along the Brisbane River in partnership with the Brisbane City Council. The service is a key transport mode for residents and visitors, especially during major events like Riverfire. The MUA has been in pay negotiations with the operator since October last year, and industrial action has been escalating since late July. Saturday's strike is the first to coincide with the festival's opening weekend.

Key Perspectives

Maritime Union of Australia: Members argue that RiverCity Ferries has not addressed core concerns around fatigue management, work-life balance, meal breaks, and wages. The union says it has attempted to negotiate in good faith but the operator has not meaningfully engaged across 17 meetings. RiverCity Ferries / Brisbane City Council: The operator describes the union's action as selfish and unnecessary, saying it has put a strong offer on the table. Council officials have condemned the timing, calling the strike an attempt to spoil a major community celebration. Attendees and commuters: Festival-goers and regular ferry users face potential transport chaos, with many relying on the river network to access Riverfire viewing points. Last year's event saw significant gridlock, and this strike could repeat that experience.

What to Watch

Whether either side agrees to last-minute talks or the union calls off the action before Saturday.
The actual number of ferry users affected and how well alternative transport copes.
Any further escalation of industrial action during the Brisbane Festival, which runs through September.

ZOTPAPER