This operational risk assessment covers the planned 24-hour strike by bus drivers in Melbourne, Victoria, on 10 July 2025. The strike poses significant risks to urban mobility, logistics, and public operations, with supporting scenario analysis, historical context, and business continuity planning guidance. Suitable for business continuity planners, HR heads, and security/risk officers operating in Victoria.
Introduction
A state-wide strike by bus drivers in Melbourne, Victoria, is expected to severely impact public transport, causing major disruptions across Melbourne’s metropolitan bus routes. These impacts are consistent with historical labor actions in Australia, including prior Victoria-wide strikes in May and June 2025.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Industrial Transport Strikes?
Strikes by public transport workers pose a high-risk scenario for mobility, workforce availability, and logistics. Though limited in duration, even a 24-hour halt in transport can cascade across operational timelines. Evaluating these risks helps identify mitigation strategies to minimize delays, maintain access, and protect productivity.
Executive Summary: High Risk Level
- Date of Incident: 10 July 2025
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Score: 4/5
- Confidence Level: 95%
The 24-hour strike by bus drivers will disrupt half of Melbourne’s metropolitan bus network, significantly affecting workforce mobility, school services, and urban traffic flow. Past events confirm strong likelihood of significant congestion and increased commute time. Indirect impacts include delays in deliveries, business access, and heightened demand on alternative modes of transport.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
- Melbourne CBD and transport hubs (e.g., Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station)
- Educational institutions across Melbourne (schools, universities)
- Medical centers, major shopping precincts, and government zones
- Arterial roads likely to experience heavy traffic: Monash Freeway, West Gate Freeway, CityLink, Hoddle Street
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Public Transport: Approx. 50% of metro bus services suspended for 24 hour
- Road Disruption: Severe traffic congestion on major Melbourne routes
- Utility Damage: Not expected
- Public Safety: Elevated risk of minor road incidents due to increased private vehicle usage
Recommended Actions
- Offer remote work and flexible scheduling for Melbourne staff.
- Communicate travel disruptions to customers and partners.
- Coordinate with delivery/logistics vendors to pre-adjust routes.
- Establish rapid response team to manage workforce mobility and client services.
- Enhance internal communications and ensure IT capacity for remote operations.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 000 or 131 444
- Fire Department: 000
- Ambulance: 000
- Public Transport Victoria: 1800 800 007
- Department of Transport Victoria: https://www.vic.gov.au/transport
- Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/
Final Thoughts
Short-term transport strikes, especially those affecting public bus networks, can result in citywide delays and loss of productivity. Timely adjustments to staffing, routing, and external communications will help minimize friction. While the strike is limited to one day, preparedness ensures organizational resilience across all frontline and supporting functions.
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