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.”

Media contact: 3237 1944

11 February 2009