QUBE notifies of ANOTHER Lock-out 

With RTBU members becoming more and more concerned at the safety risks posed by QUBE’s efforts to mitigate a lack of train crew, it was decided that Protected Industrial Action notified by members would be paused from 0001 on Saturday 29 July 2023. 

In response QUBE has made the existing lock out unconditional from 0001 on Saturday 29 July 2023, whereas it previously hinged on whether employees were willing to perform all their duties and ignore the partial work bans, now members cannot work even if they wanted to perform all their duties. 

Clearly QUBE weren’t ready to have them back! 

With services already reduced for the coming weekend in anticipation of reduced train crew availability, this appears to be a transparent cost-saving measure by QUBE. We will, in due course, challenge the validity of the second lockdown, given QUBE’s refusal to bargain, and see that all members are paid for this period. 

Given the confusing terms of the ‘lock-out’ members should call management and let them know they are willing to work – find out if you’re required as its not clear on the face of the notice. 

Members should never forget, QUBE management lost nothing when members went on strike, but those same managers, by ordering a lock out, are directly attacking your pay for no justifiable reason – they are not even willing to bargain. 

With this lock-out the usual rulebook goes out the window. Strategic and late-notice employee response action is on the cards. 

In any case the s424 application remains listed for Monday afternoon in Sydney. We’re hopeful the Commission will be able to sort QUBE’s mess out. The hearing is open to the public and represents a good opportunity to mingle with your favourite managers. 

Members will continue to be updated as the dispute continues. If you have any questions, please contact your local delegate or RTBU Head Office. 

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