TRAIN drivers and ticket inspectors have hit a pay jackpot after clinching a new deal to end a six month wage and conditions battle.

An average train driver will now be paid $143,600 and a ticket inspector will cash in $98,797 with superannuation on top.

Station officers, including those who announce late trains and sell Mykis, will also get a beefed up pay packet with their wage jumping to $98,797 plus superannuation.

It is understood the deal was a 14 per cent increase with a 3 per cent sign on bonus over three years.

A Metro spokesman promised an end to strike action following the deal.

“We have reached an agreement in principle for a new Rail Operations Enterprise Agreement.

“Following intensive negotiations with the RTBU this week, we are pleased all the industrial action proposed for next week has been called off.”

media_camera Melbourne was facing a Grand Final week marred by strikes.

The settlement comes after a fierce battle between Metro and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union that has seen three train strikes, leaving passengers travel plans in turmoil and stranded.

The deal will cost $92.4 million and an additional $7.4 million for a one-off three per cent payment for the rollout of the Government’s 24 hour public transport plan.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan welcomed the deal.

“Following intervention by the Victorian Government, an in principle agreement has been reached between Metro and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

“As a result, industrial action planned for next week will be withdrawn, and public transport will operate as normal throughout Grand Final week.

“This is great news for footy fans and all Victorians.”

The union walked out on talks on Wednesday and Metro refused to meet with the RTBU on Thursday.

The new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement will now also see Grand Final Week free of any industrial action.

The union had on Thursday announced seven consecutive days of industrial action including a free travel on Grand Final Day and grinding trains to a halt for four hours on Thursday.

Yarra Trams has already struck a pay deal of 14 per cent over the next four years and two separate cash payments totalling 3 per cent, sparing passengers this week five days of strike action.

The union has been holding firm on some of its conditions established in the “steam train era” that allow some drivers to work three hours and then go home.

It has also been against having its drivers do repetitive running, where drivers drive the same lines more than twice a day.

It also stood its ground on having its drivers trained on only three lines rather than the entire network.

Another key issue was maintenance workers moving trains around the depot yard.

The union wants only drivers to move trains — sometimes as little as 2 metres to finish maintenance tasks.

But that would lead to in some cases work coming to a standstill for eight hours while a driver is put in a taxi and driven to the depot to move a train.

aleks.devic@news.com.au

@AleksDevic