Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, one of the city’s most iconic trading hubs, has been disrupted by an unprecedented strike, as fruit and vegetable traders protest against rising costs. This article appeared on ABC News and details how stallholders are accusing the City of Melbourne and market management of financial mismanagement.
The protest, which has left market lanes eerily empty, marks the first time in the market’s long history that traders have taken such action. Their primary grievance centres on an added electricity and waste charge, which they argue was previously included in stall fees.
Traders Allege Financial Mismanagement and Unfair Charges
At the heart of the dispute is the claim that the City of Melbourne has mishandled market finances, leading to increased costs for market traders. Traders argue that charges for electricity and waste management, previously covered by existing fees, have now been passed on directly to them.
Veteran trader Frank Fontana, whose family has operated at Queen Victoria Market for nearly 70 years, described the situation as “death by a thousand cuts.” According to Rocco Tripodi, another trader, the market’s administration has been too rigid, even on .
“The market management infringing if he leaves 15 minutes early, [Mr Chinn, an older stallholder] is on his feet all day,” Mr Tripodi reported. “It’s petty and they should have more consideration for someone who is that vintage.”
Market Management Defends Policy Amid Trader Concerns
In response to the strike, Lord Mayor Nick Reece insisted that Retailers licence fees had only seen modest increases since 2015, adding that the city has taken steps to support businesses.
“We’re doing everything we can to minimise the impact on sellers during the precinct renewal. Since 2017, we’ve provided around $3 million in grants and adapted our works to further reduce disruption to their businesses,” he stated.
Additionally, market authorities highlighted the installation of solar panels in 2022, which they claim has lowered overall electricity costs. The City of Melbourne maintains that the additional charges being disputed are necessary for maintaining the market’s operations.
“We will continue to help traders apply for funding and rent relief, as well as with marketing support and business mentoring.”
Fears of Declining Customer Numbers and Market Sustainability
For many strikers, the financial burden is not just an operational issue—it is a matter of survival. Wing Chinn, a wholesaler who has operated at the market since 1947, urged management to give traders a “fair go” and warned that continued cost increases could drive customers away.
Rising stall fees have already had an impact on consumer behaviour. Traders warn that if prices are forced up, customers may turn to supermarkets instead, undermining the market’s role as a key source of affordable fresh produce.
Shoppers Caught off Guard by Sudden Strike
Regular visitors to the market were left surprised by the absence of fresh produce stalls. One shopper, who relies on Queen Victoria Market for lower grocery prices, described the situation as “shocking.”
Another customer, who shops at the market weekly, voiced support for the traders, acknowledging the challenges they have faced over recent years, from COVID-19 disruptions to ongoing construction projects.
“I come here deliberately to support the Vic Market, [the traders] have been through a lot,” he said.
Calls for Action to Preserve Melbourne’s Historic Market
The strike has reignited discussions about the future of Queen Victoria Market, which has operated for over 150 years and is considered a cultural landmark in Melbourne. Mary-Lou Howie, president of Friends of Queen Victoria Market Inc., stressed that the market’s decline would be a significant loss for the city, both economically and culturally.
“I’ve watched the decline, and it’s been just so sad to see,” she said.
For traders like Frank Fontana, the concern remains clear: continued financial pressures risk eroding the market’s high turnover, low-margin business model, potentially pushing long-standing businesses to closure.
