QR members vote up EA

QR Intermodal members recently voted in favour of a 10 month roll over the old EA – with the addition of a few key changes.

Members voted overwhelming in favour of the new agreement.

The changes to the old EA include:

– Forecast rostering

– A 5 per cent pay increase

– The subtraction of the tonnage allowance.

The new roll-over EA will come into effect once given Fair Work Australia approval, which is expected over the coming weeks.

Kevin Pryor said he believes the new EA represents a good deal for members.

“The introduction of forecast rostering, which will allow members to see in advance the jobs they’re rostered onto, is something members have been saying is important for some time so it’s great that we’ve got that included in the EA.

“The five per cent pay increase for a 10 month agreement is also a good outcome. It’s a much more reliable increase than the tonnage allowance / bonus which was not guaranteed, as it will guarantee some certainty and essentially result in a higher wage increase for members.

The roll-over agreement is until July next year and Kevin Pryor says the union is hopeful a new EA will be able to be negotiated with the coming early next year.

“With changes to QR management meaning there isn’t anyone in a position to negotiate with the us on a new EA, which is why the decision to roll over the previous EA, with our new additions, was made. We are hopeful we’ll be in a position to negotiate on a new EA with the company early next year.

The vote in favour of the new EA came after the Loco Division completed a QR member tour, speaking to members about the proposed changes to the EA and listening to concerns, suggestions and questions.

“We travelled around and spoke with QR members to make sure this was the deal members wanted and answered the questions people needed answered.

“It’s clear from the overwhelming vote in favour that members are satisfied that this represents a good deal for workers.”

The following were the tour dates:

13 November – Taree

14 November – Acacia Ridge

15 November – Yenoora

16 November – Junee

21/22 November –Victoria and South Australia members (via phone)