Workers on Victoria's regional rail line are a step closer to industrial action as a dispute over an enterprise agreement drags on.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union has applied for V/Line workers to vote on whether they should stop work for 48 hours, stage a uniform ban or take other measures.
Conductors, station staff, train drivers, authorised officers, train controllers and other rail operations staff would be able to vote if the the Fair Work Commission approves the ballot.
Union secretary Vik Sharma said the public would have sufficient notice of any industrial action so people could make alternative travel plans.
"V/Line is not listening to staff and we are yet to see meaningful commitments on the issues that matter to (union) members," Mr Sharma said.
The union and rail operator have been in negotiations since the last agreement expired in June.
V/Line chief executive Matt Carrick said the organisation would continue to bargain in good faith.
"We're ensuring we provide excellent employment conditions for our workforce and a better service for our passengers," Mr Carrick said.
"In the event of industrial action, we will work hard to minimise the impacts on passengers."
