Brisbane ferry workers strike during Riverfire event over pay and conditions
Consensus Summary
Brisbane ferry workers represented by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) are set to strike for 24 hours on Saturday during the Riverfire event, disrupting transport for up to half a million attendees. Pay negotiations between the MUA and RiverCity Ferries have been ongoing since October last year, with workers taking intermittent industrial action since July 30. Both sources confirm 17 bargaining meetings have failed to resolve disputes over wages, fatigue management, and working conditions. The MUA claims RiverCity Ferries has not engaged meaningfully, while the council and ferry operator criticize the strike timing as a disruption to a major public event. The ABC notes the MUA seeks a six per cent pay rise in the first year of a three-year agreement, while 7NEWS focuses on fatigue and meal break concerns, including workers receiving only around 10 hours and five minutes between shifts.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Ferry workers will undertake a 24-hour work stoppage on Saturday during Riverfire
- Pay negotiations between the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and RiverCity Ferries have been ongoing since October last year
- Workers have conducted industrial action intermittently since July 30
- There have been 17 bargaining meetings between the parties
- The strike coincides with Brisbane's annual Riverfire fireworks display
- The MUA is seeking a three-year agreement with a six per cent pay rise in the first year
- Up to half a million people are expected to travel to river precincts for Riverfire on Saturday
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- About 27,000 people used Brisbane ferry services to travel to Riverfire last year
- Workers will walk off the job at 4am on Saturday morning
- The MUA claims RiverCity Ferries has not meaningfully engaged with the unions for the past 17 meetings
- The MUA has concerns about fatigue management, work-life balance, meal break provisions, and superannuation
- RiverCity Ferries proposed an offer equal to the Fair Work Commission's annual wage increase, which the MUA rejected
- The BCC chair for public transport, Andrew Wines, called the strike 'a stunt designed to cause maximum pain'
- Labor council opposition deputy leader Lucy Collier said the council had 'failed to sort this out' ahead of Riverfire
- The strike involves both the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU)
- Workers currently receive only around 10 hours and five minutes between shifts, with irregular rosters requiring multiple start times and locations
- The MUA previously took part in a 24-hour strike on Friday after 17 bargaining meetings failed to reach an agreement
- The Brisbane City Council had planned additional ferry services to help spectators during Riverfire
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The ABC states the MUA is seeking a three-year agreement with a six per cent pay rise in the first year, while 7NEWS does not mention specific pay demands beyond the dispute over fatigue and meal breaks
- The ABC mentions a six per cent pay rise as part of the MUA's demands, but 7NEWS does not reference this figure
Source Articles
Brisbane's ferry workers to go on strike during Riverfire
Brisbane ferry workers have been undertaking intermittent industrial action since July 30, with pay negotiations between the Maritime Union of Australia and RiverCity Ferries stalling.
Ferries set to strike during Brisbane Riverfire as council urges union not to ‘ruin’ event
‘Tens of thousands of people just want to get into the city, enjoy the fireworks and get home safely.’
More Business stories
One Nation announces Mike Newman as NSW leader ahead of 2027 election
US-Canada trade war escalates after failed negotiations and retaliatory tariffs
Jetstar introduces new carry-on baggage fees and size restrictions from 2027
ABC retracts Four Corners episodes by sacked reporter Mahmood Fazal over accuracy concerns
NSW government announces partial Sydney toll road price reductions and reforms
CFMEU corruption inquiry implicates Mick Gatto in labour hire schemes and tax evasion
Latest cross-verified stories
Catastrophic Nepal-Tibet floods: deaths, missing Australians, and rescue efforts
Bathla Group's administration and potential collapse due to debt and funding crisis
Lindsay Clancy murder trial: postpartum psychosis defense vs. prosecution's deliberate murder claim
US-Iran escalation in Strait of Hormuz with airstrikes and threats of wider war
Deportation of far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos from the US
Former UK PM Keir Starmer resigns as MP after leaving office
Browse all stories from September 2026 in the archive.