As in many other countries of the world, the public transport system of the southern Australian city of Melbourne is privatised. The company that runs the tram and train system, MTR Corporation, is a global company which also runs public transport systems in four other countries. Negotiations for a new agreement have led to a number of strikes as workers fight to maintain existing working conditions. The company wants to introduce new, more 'flexible' rosters and work arrangements that would lead to the creation of more insecure and lower paid jobs. The company's rationale is that it wants to introduce world best practices that it operates in other cities. This push is a clear indication of how global companies undertake a ‘Race to the Bottom’ in their industries and why workers have to fight both locally and globally.
As in many other countries of the world, the public transport system of the southern Australian city of Melbourne is privatised. The company that runs the tram and train system, MTR Corporation, is a global company which also runs public transport systems in four other countries. Negotiations for a new agreement have led to a number of strikes as workers fight to maintain existing working conditions. The company wants to introduce new, more 'flexible' rosters and work arrangements that would lead to the creation of more insecure and lower paid jobs. The company's rationale is that it wants to introduce world best practices that it operates in other cities. This push is a clear indication of how global companies undertake a ‘Race to the Bottom’ in their industries and why workers have to fight both locally and globally.
