Company reaches in-principle deal with rail unions for first of two enterprise agreements
Aurizon has reached an in-principle agreement with unions representing its 1700 train crew and transport operators in Queensland.
The new enterprise agreement is one of two workplace deals set to replace the 12 legacy agreements that Aurizon terminated last month.
Negotiations for the second agreement, covering 1800 construction and maintenance roles in Queensland, are continuing.
The agreement allows for a 4 per cent increase in pay each year for three years, but requires significant productivity enhancements from the workforce in return.
These include an overhaul of rostering practices.
In addition, the controversial “no forced redundancy” rule has been removed, and the majority of employees will also lose access to long term passes giving them free travel on Queensland Rail passenger services.
The agreement is still subject to final drafting, and an employee vote.
Aurizon says it expects a positive endorsement and will seek to have the agreement implemented in August.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Owen Doogan did not respond to calls today.