Ferry workers to strike during Riverfire, as pay deal grinds to a halt

Brisbane ferry and CityCat workers are set to strike for a full day on Saturday, in alignment with the Riverfire annual fireworks display. This comes after months of pay negotiations between the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and RiverCity Ferries, a partnership with Brisbane City Council (BCC) that operates ferry and CityCat services along the Brisbane River.

The dispute has seen intermittent work stoppages since July 30 last year. Riverfire is anticipated to attract about half a million visitors to the river precincts on its opening night, with 27,000 people using ferry services last year. RiverCity Ferries CEO Paul Rigby lambasted the union's decision, calling it a "selfish and unnecessary disruption" to what should be a celebratory event.

The MUA, however, maintains that the union has been denied meaningful engagement from RiverCity Ferries during 17 previous meetings. The union seeks a three-year agreement with a six percent pay rise in the first year, followed by unspecified increases. BCC Chair Andrew Wines criticized the union's move as a "stunt designed to cause maximum pain," claiming the union hasn't given members time to vote on the latest offer. The union has rejected these claims, stating that members have voted for the strike action.