Regional Victorian rail workers are threatening ongoing strikes as a bitter industrial dispute continues but the boss of the network says that won’t help reach a deal.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union members will walk off the job from 3am to 7am on February 12, 16, 19 and 23.
The strikes are expected to bring regional services to a halt with effects also felt in Melbourne's west.
Branch Secretary Vik Sharma says if four days of strikes don't lead to an agreement the union will continue taking action.
Major sticking points include a pay rise in line with inflation and protections to safeguard jobs from technology in line with Metro employees who work on Melbourne's network.
Mr Sharma on Thursday blamed the Victorian government for stalled negotiations.
"There is technology knocking on the door which is a threat to our frontline members' jobs," he told reporters.
"We want a commitment from the Allan Labor government that our members' jobs are secure and because we haven't received that commitment we will continue to strike."
V/Line chief executive Matt Carrick urged the union to reconsider while the two parties are in mediation.
"The actions announced by the union today are not helpful to getting to an outcome," he said.
"These disruptions won't help anybody, it's more important than ever to get back to the talks rather than strikes."
Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said the strikes were disappointing and would have wide-ranging effects.
"This will not just affect regional Victorians; it will also affect passengers in western Melbourne who rely on V/Line to get to work, school and appointments," Mr Bowen said.
"While we assume some coaches will run instead of trains, these are very limited in capacity and get caught in traffic, resulting in crowding and delays for people who do need to travel."
V/Line authorised officers, conductors, customer service staff and other employees will take part in the action but not drivers as progress has already been made on their agreement.
Mr Carrick claimed the union was seeking a pay rise well above the three per cent cap on public sector wage increases imposed by the state government.
He noted Metro is a private operator but V/Line is part of the public service and most organisations are unable to give the kind of job security guarantees the union wants.
Senior minister Mary-Anne Thomas encouraged V/Line and the union to return to the negotiating table.
She warned commuters to expect disruption and said the government would seek to provide replacement transport where possible.
