MEMBERS CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE A STRONG WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE

AFTER MONTHS OF TRYING TO REACH REASONABLE AND FAIR ENTERPRISE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS (EBAS) WITH QUEENSLAND RAIL (QR), MEMBERS WORKING IN TRAIN CONTROL, NETWORK AND ROLLINGSTOCK WERE LEFT WITH NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO FILE FOR PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION (PIA) IN MAY, IN PURSUIT OF THEIR CLAIMS.

This came after waiting weeks for QR management to even respond to unions’ claims for a decent wage increase. A lack of good faith bargaining and delaying tactics by QR management have shown a compete lack of respect to the workforce who are dealing with an unprecedented amount of project work such as the new Cross River Rail, the introduction of European Train Control Systems and the big one, to be Olympic Games ready!

Retaining staff to ensure a strong future workforce is a real issue at QR. To rectify the drain of key personnel, together with the need to address the high cost of living pressures for our members, QR must address the unions’ wage claims in a meaningful way.

QR’s massive projects are already under pressure to meet tight timelines and budget, and it would be in their best interest to turn up to negotiations in good faith.

The Combined Rail Unions are seeking reasonable wage increases in line with the Cost-of-living (CPI) reporting.

The claims also include:

• Retention and attraction – align appropriate wage classifications for Engineers, with retention payments/Allowance for Electrical and Trade based positions.

• Gender pay equity;

• Insecure work – QR must address the use of some 200 fixed term contract employees in Station Customer Service doing Core work.

• Provide Roster Stability in Station Customer Service with appropriate roster notification periods to ensure staff can manage their work and family commitments.

At the time of writing, further consultation is being undertaken with members in Administration Professional and Technical, Stations Operations and Travel and Tourism about whether they will follow their colleagues in balloting for PIA as well.

Our members are strong in their resolve to ensure they receive the wages deal they deserve in what is an extremely busy time across the board at the entity. Our Union will keep members up-to-date with the negotiations.