Queensland Rail restores service after pay deal
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Queensland Rail and seven unions in Australia reached an agreement ending a months-long pay dispute that caused reduced rail service and delays for commuters.
The state government and the unions negotiated in the Fair Work Commission since May, leading to protected industrial action and a backlog of maintenance. Transport minister Brent Mickelberg announced trains would return to a normal timetable starting in October, with 91 percent of services restored by October 12th.
Queensland Rail plans to clear the maintenance backlog and add 417 services each week, which equals about 83 extra trains per day, to improve service frequency and comfort. Employees impacted by the dispute will vote on the new enterprise agreement, which offers an 8.5 percent pay rise over three years, with additional increases tied to inflation.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union branch secretary Peter Allen stated the improvements to working conditions were achieved despite resistance from Queensland Rail and the government. Queensland Rail had already reached agreements covering around half of its almost 6,000 employees, including a deal for train controllers in the previous month.
