Brisbane is facing a major public transport disruption ahead of Riverfire, with ferry workers planning a 24-hour strike that could affect thousands of passengers travelling across the city for one of Queensland’s biggest annual events. The industrial action is part of an ongoing dispute between River City Ferries and maritime workers over wages, working conditions and safety concerns.

The planned stoppage is expected to create significant challenges for people who normally rely on Brisbane’s City Cat and ferry network. Riverfire will take place on Saturday, 5 September, with entertainment beginning in the afternoon and the main fireworks display scheduled for 7pm. Translink is preparing additional bus and train services to help transport large crowds during the event.

The ferry dispute involves members of the Maritime Union of Australia and the Australian Maritime Officers Union. Workers have already taken protected industrial action during the dispute, including full-day stoppages and shorter service interruptions. The unions say employees are seeking improved wages and workplace conditions, particularly measures designed to address fatigue, meal breaks and working arrangements.

According to the Maritime Union of Australia, workers have been involved in numerous bargaining meetings with River City Ferries but remain dissatisfied with the company's offer. The union says workers are seeking a wage increase of 6 per cent in the first year, followed by 4.75 per cent or the Fair Work Commission annual wage increase, whichever is higher. They are also seeking improved parental leave, better protections during extreme weather, a 12-hour break between shifts and longer meal breaks.

River City Ferries has proposed a different wage arrangement, including a 4.75 per cent increase in the first year and subsequent increases linked to Fair Work Commission decisions. The company and unions remain divided over the proposed enterprise agreement.

The dispute is particularly significant because Riverfire attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Brisbane. A large number of visitors normally use public transport to reach viewing areas around South Bank, the Brisbane River and the city centre. The loss of ferry services could place additional pressure on buses, trains and roads.

Translink has announced extensive transport arrangements for Riverfire. Extra buses will operate before and after the fireworks, while free travel will be available on selected bus and train services from 7:30pm until 9:30pm. Additional ferry services are also planned, although the industrial action could affect normal ferry operations.

Passengers are being encouraged to plan their journeys before travelling and check the latest Translink updates because industrial action can result in cancellations and changes at short notice. Translink has warned that real-time information may not always be available during disruptions.

The ferry dispute has now become an important issue for Brisbane's Riverfire preparations because the event already requires extensive transport planning and crowd management.

Despite the disagreement, negotiations between workers and the operator remain central to resolving the dispute. The unions argue that improved conditions are necessary for workers performing safety-critical duties, while the company has defended its proposed agreement.

For Brisbane residents and visitors, the immediate concern is how the industrial action will affect travel on Riverfire night. With large crowds expected, passengers who normally depend on ferries may need to consider buses, trains or alternative travel arrangements.

The situation remains subject to further developments as negotiations continue. Passengers should check official transport information before leaving home, particularly on the day of Riverfire.