10 Feb 2009: Queensland: Can QR Citytrain Traveltrain strike action be avoided?

[ozbob]

Media Release 10 Feb 2009

Queensland:  Can QR Citytrain Traveltrain strike action be avoided?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has said two days of planned industrial action next week will render the QR Citytrain network effectively non functional and urges all parties to continue negotiations in attempt to find a resolution of the issues.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track is empathetic to the positions of the both RTBU and the AFLUE and rail crew.  We are of the view that chronic crew and train shortages over a long period of time have taken a toll on rail crew and have lead to a maintenance slow down of the Citytrain fleet.  This is evident to rail commuters as locked doors, failed air conditioning units, and frequent service cancellations and other disruptions.?

"The massive transport dislocation that will occur in south-east Queensland if the planned industrial actions eventuate, and disruptions to Travel Train services are going cause significant problems for not only rail commuters but bus and road users too.  It will be chaos!?

"Even at this late stage we urge further negotiations to see if a compromise position can be found. We call on the Minister for Transport to personally intervene and strive for a solution as a matter of urgency.?

Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
11/02/2009

Rail dispute moves to Australian Industrial Relations Commission

Transport Minister John Mickel said late today he was dismayed that rail unions had refused offers aimed at averting major rail stoppages next week.

"I am extremely disappointed that the talks today have broken down," Mr Mickel said.

"It would seem, however, that the leadership of the rail unions is determined to proceed with the 24-hour stoppages they have planned for next week."

Mr Mickel said QR had this afternoon filed with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to terminate the bargaining period with the rail unions.

If successful, this would result in the industrial action being cancelled and the Commission intervening to determine an outcome for the parties.

"The government will support this action by QR in the AIRC," Mr Mickel said.

"While I strongly encourage the unions to come back to the table, I support legal action by QR to involve an independent umpire to help prevent a strike and disruption to hundreds of thousands of commuters.

"These negotiations have already been the subject of more than 30 meetings in the past four months.

"QR has negotiated in good faith and put a very generous deal on the table in return for productivity gains.

"If the parties cannot agree, then let the independent umpire decide.

"If the union executive genuinely wanted to avoid a rail strike, they would join Queensland Rail and approach the Commission on a voluntary basis to have the matter sorted out.

"Instead they are embarking on a course of action that will interfere with the lives of ordinary Queenslanders and working families at a time of a very serious economic downturn."

Mr Mickel said it was important for people to know what had been offered by QR:

?a 24.75 per cent productivity-based wage increase over three years resulting in an average increase of around $20,000 on today's wages

?An increase from 37 to 40 attendances per eight-week roster block - the equivalent of working an average five-day week instead of an extra three days off every eight weeks.

?Train crew rostered for an additional eight Sundays per year, up from 18 to 26, at a penalty rate of 40 per cent for all 26 days.

"Over the past few days QR have offered a range of compromise positions to try and avert this unnecessary industrial action.

"They offered to compromise on the number of Sundays worked. QR also offered a new agreement reflective of the current rostering arrangements as well as a 12.5 per cent pay rise over three years.

"Frankly, I am astounded that the rail unions have failed to reach agreement with QR.

"The independent process of the Commission is the only legal avenue available to protect the safety and welfare of rail commuters."

11 February 2009

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