Aurizon reaches in principle agreement with unions on train crew EA
Aurizon and rail unions have reached in principle agreement on the terms of a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) for train crew and transport operators in Queensland.
The in principle agreement is not yet binding on the parties and is subject to more detailed documentation, a formal ballot of employees and approval of the Fair Work Commission.
The Train Crew and Transport Operators EA is one of two outstanding agreements in Queensland.
The other, the Construction and Maintenance EA, continues to be negotiated between the Company and union representatives.
Subject to final drafting, it is intended that the new Train Crew and Transport Operators EA will be distributed to employees by the end of June, with employee briefings and a formal ballot to be held during July.
Pending a positive vote, the new Train Crew and Transport Operators agreement would then be lodged with the Fair Work Commission, seeking implementation in August.
The proposed EA includes:
A 4% pay increase each year for three years, in return for significant productivity enhancements and enhanced work flexibility including modern rostering practices
The removal of the ‘no forced redundancy’ provision
Rail passes will be removed for the majority of employees.
Rail passes held by employees with more than 25 years of service will be valid for long distance travel until 2018.
Approximately 1700 employees are covered by the Train Crew and Transport Operators EA, and approximately 1800 by the Construction and Maintenance EA.
Aurizon has been bargaining with unions on the expired Queensland EAs since April 2013.