- Queensland Rail employees have voted to accept the first three (of seven) new Enterprise Agreements.
- An overwhelming majority voted in favour of the new agreements which are in line with the Queensland Government-Owned Corporations Wages Policy.
- Customers will benefit from 417 rail services restored to the timetable from next week (October 12) with the full South East Queensland timetable on track to recommence by end of November.
The first round of ballots for Queensland Rail employees has been successful, with employees voting to accept three new Enterprise Agreements, with ballots for the remaining four Enterprise Agreements to get underway soon.
The ‘yes’ vote paves the way to restoring world-class rail services, after a reduced rail timetable was introduced in May because of a train maintenance backlog caused by union protected industrial action.
The agreements deliver a fair deal for employees, providing competitive wages and improved conditions while balancing the expectations of the Queensland community.
An overwhelming majority of employees covered under Administrative, Professional and Technical; Station Operations; and Travel and Tourism agreements voted ‘yes’ to the new Enterprise Agreements which are in line with the Queensland Government-Owned Corporations Wages Policy.
In-principle deals have also been reached on the remaining four (of seven) Enterprise Agreements – Train Control; Network; Rollingstock and Operations; and a new electrical-only agreements- with a ballot to go to employees in coming weeks.
Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Kat Stapleton said the outcome was a positive step forward for the rail operator and its workforce.
“We’re pleased to have reached an outcome that recognises the important work our employees do every day to keep Queensland moving,” Ms Stapleton said.
“We want to thank our customers for their understanding during this time when union protected industrial action meant disruptions to their services.
“We are also working through the maintenance backlog and are pleased to be restoring 417 services to the timetable for customers from next week.
“Queensland Rail is a great place to work, where our people feel valued, supported and paid fairly. These agreements provide a fair deal for employees so we can get back to delivering a world-class rail service for all our customers.”
The 417 weekly services restored from Monday 12 October bring the South East Queensland network to 91 per cent of the full timetable, with a return to full services expected by the end of November.
