UPDATE: 10.15am A RAIL union boss has hit back at "false charges" amid a war with Metro set to cause commuter chaos.

Metro has made a high risk bid to end the sabotage of services by targeting the train drivers' union.

Last night the rail provider filed an application with Fair Work Australia to have Rail, Tram and Bus Union locomotive division secretary Marc Marotta banned.

It follows a claim by Metro chief Andrew Lezala in April that some train drivers were on a deliberate "go-slow" designed to sabotage Metro's performance.

It also follows a Metro investigation into claims of assault at the Epping train depot in June.

Today, Mr Marotta refuted the allegations against him, saying they are false.

"Anybody who has false charges made against them, of course it's upsetting," Mr Marotta told the ABC.

"It's intended to intimidate and stop me from using the instruments available, that's the industrial agreement and Fair Work Australia legislation, to win my members rights in the workplace."

Mr Marotta told the ABC he had not been told about the allegations until they contacted him, despite not returning phone calls from the Herald Sun since last night.

He said Metro’s action was desperate.

"I think it's desperate because we've taken Metro to Fair Work Australia three weeks ago and they've been given directions to go and work through an industrial agreement," he said.

"That wasn't in their plan and they were particularly upset about having to go through that process."

The dispute means Melbourne's rail system will become the latest battleground in an increasingly bitter fight pitting the rail operator and Baillieu Government against the unions.

Transport sources fear the move could provoke wildcat industrial action - including possible walk-outs, more "go-slows" and bogus fault reports - which could cripple or severely undermine services.

The Baillieu Government, which has backed the Metro move, has launched a separate crackdown on what it calls union thuggery and intimidation on the $5 billion Regional Rail Link project.

But the public transport advocate says Metro and the unions should sort out their dispute off the train tracks.

"Passengers would be hoping that Metro and the union can sort this out peacefully,” Public transport users association president Daniel Bowen said.

"The last thing that we would want to see is industrial action that could disrupt passengers.”

He said any service changes or cancellations could be debilitating to passengers and transport in the city.

“Shutting down railway lines is like shutting down freeways, if it were to get to that.”

Metro spokeswoman Leah Waymark said the Fair Work Australia application had been made because of serious allegations.

"Our employees should be able to come to work and be treated with respect," Ms Waymark said.

The allegations were disturbing and, if true, the company had an obligation to protect its workers.

An industry source said the move could be provocative.

"A private operator has never taken on the unions like this before. They might go quiet, or there might instead be an angry backlash," the source said.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder last night demanded swift action.

"These are extremely serious allegations and Fair Work Australia will need to deal with them as soon as possible," Mr Mulder said.

"Train drivers are respected members of the community with highly responsible jobs and the public rely on their integrity and professionalism."

The Herald Sun believes a police investigation into the alleged assault in June resulted in no charges.

If Fair Work Australia revoked Mr Marotta's right of entry he would be unable to conduct union meetings on railway property.

As work continues on the rail link, the Government yesterday told companies bidding for work on the project they must allow its inspectors on site or they would not get the job.

Australian Workers Union secretary Cesar Melhem, who has brokered agreements with Regional Rail Link bidders, said the Government should stop bashing unions.

"It's hypocritical of this Government to attack unions. They should butt out," he said.



"The only reason they are doing this for political point-scoring. It's a throwback to the days of the waterfront dispute."

gardinera@heraldsun.com.au

- with Michelle Ainsworth

Originally published as Rail union steps up Metro war