Brisbane's Riverfire festival, a major annual event drawing up to half-a-million attendees to the city's river, faces disruption due to a planned 24-hour strike by public ferry workers.
The industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is set to begin at 4 a.m. on Saturday and conclude at 4 a.m. on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the situation. This timeline directly impacts the Riverfire festivities, which are scheduled for Saturday.
The strike stems from a pay dispute between the MUA and RiverCity Ferries, the operator of Brisbane's CityCat ferries, which has been ongoing since October of the previous year. Ferry services have seen intermittent disruptions since July 30 due to the disagreement.
Translink, Brisbane's public transport authority, confirmed the impending strike. "At this stage, there will be no Brisbane River ferry services on Saturday," the authority stated. Translink advised attendees to check its journey planner for alternative transport options to reach Riverfire and noted that the event page for the festival would also provide guidance.
Services to Southern Moreton Bay Island and Coochiemudlo are not expected to be affected by the industrial action.
RiverCity Ferries general manager Paul Rigby criticized the union's decision, accusing them of "spoiling the party." He stated that the company had presented a strong offer to staff but contended that the union's actions would disrupt the plans of tens of thousands of travelers.
MUA organizer Jaiden Simpson acknowledged the timing of the strike was unfortunate but denied any intention to ruin the event. Simpson asserted that RiverCity Ferries had not engaged in meaningful negotiations, citing issues such as fatigue management, work-life balance, meal break provisions, salary, and superannuation as points of contention that the company has not addressed.
The MUA is seeking a three-year agreement that includes a six percent pay increase in the first year.
Riverfire is the opening event for the Brisbane Festival. The industrial action is slated to run for 24 hours.
