As Brisbane prepares to look to the skies for Riverfire, the city’s river will fall unusually quiet as CityCat crews are set to strike during one of the busiest nights of the year.

In a last-minute attempt to avert the industrial action on the weekend, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) said it held further talks with RiverCity Ferries on Friday but failed to reach an agreement.

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Ferry services will not operate on Saturday as maritime workers press ahead with the strike, leaving thousands of festivalgoers to find another way home form the city’s CBD.

But while the dispute has centred publicly on wages, ferry crews say there is a deeper concern driving their decision to strike: fatigue and the growing pressure of keeping up with the river’s city’s booming demand for transport.

The RAAF flyover and Riverfire fireworks display will be back on again at the Brisbane Festival. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Ferry workers say the dispute is about more than pay, raising concerns about mounting workloads and fatigue. Credit: AAP

The introduction of 50-cent public transport fares has brought a surge in passengers onto the network, workers say, increasing workloads and placing greater pressure on crews throughout their shifts.

Concerns have also been raised about whether ferry masters are getting adequate breaks, particularly during busy periods and when crews are required to change over vessels.

The union says workers are seeking a guaranteed 12-hour break between shifts, protections around heat and inclement weather, and assurances crews will receive their full meal breaks.

It says those concerns are about more than workplace conditions.

The union argues fatigue management is ultimately a passenger safety issue, with crews responsible for navigating crowded waterways and safely moving thousands of people every day.

The union said more than 17 meetings had been held during negotiations, accusing the company of failing to meaningfully address concerns about fatigue and breaks.

“Once again, River City Ferries has chosen confrontation over negotiation despite every good faith offer made by the union,” Queensland secretary Aaron Johnston said after the failed talks on Friday.

The company has not publicly responded to the union’s latest claims.

The strike comes at a particularly difficult time for commuters, with Riverfire expected to draw huge crowds into Brisbane’s CBD and South Bank precincts.

Extra buses and trains will be running, with 80 additional train services scheduled across the network and high-frequency bus services operating before and after the fireworks, Translink said.

Brisbane’s CityCat services will stop during Riverfire as ferry workers take industrial action on Saturday. Credit: Katharina Loesche/7NEWS

Festivalgoers will also be able to travel home for free from selected busway and train stations between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

But with ferries off the river, authorities are urging the public to plan ahead and expect delays.

“Our message is Riverfire will be bigger and bolder than ever, just plan ahead, plan your journey, be patient, be kind,” Brisbane Festival CEO Ebony Bott said.

More information about transport changes and alternate travel options is available through the Translink website and app.

Riverfire festivities begin from 4pm, with flyovers running until 5.30pm before the fireworks light up the Brisbane River from 7pm.