Aurizon Bulk and Containerised Freight Rail Operations Enterprise Agreement 2023 – Update No 8

Locomotive Division Members are advised that your Negotiating Team came together on Tuesday, October 3rd, at the RTBU Newcastle Office to continue our negotiations. 

As agreed during our last meeting, the RTBU Negotiating Team submitted draft Clauses to Aurizon Management. These included: 

• Discipline 
• Redundancy 
• Employee Representative Committee 
• Work Health Safety and Fatigue 
• Home Base Provisions 
• Parental Leave 
• Domestic And Family Violence Leave 
• Roster Principles 
• Accommodation Standards 
• Short Term Transfers 
• Temporary Transfers 

These clauses formed the foundation of our discussions on the day, with your RTBU Negotiating Team committing to forwarding more clauses to Aurizon Management in advance of the next meeting. 

It was agreed that the best approach moving forward is to integrate the Locomotive Division positions into the draft Enterprise Agreement and proceed from there. This means that the RTBU’s position will be the focal point of our negotiations. 

Unfortunately, when we reconvened on Thursday 19th October, we were disappointed to find that Aurizon Management had not fulfilled their part of the agreement. Instead of providing us with their proposed clauses, they presented a table outlining why the RTBU Clauses were insufficient. This feedback even included the dismissive comment, “TOO BAD, HOW SAD,” particularly in reference to personal call time. 

Frankly, this development was extremely disappointing and felt like a waste of our day. A dismissive approach to member claims, and bargaining more broadly, is not conducive to getting an outcome. Aurizon need to do better as members expect a mature and outcome-driven negotiation process. 

Our next meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 31st (RTBU only) and Wednesday, November 1st (involving both teams). 

This upcoming meeting will be a defining moment. Unless Aurizon is prepared to engage in meaningful negotiations, we will seek input from our Membership on how to proceed. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local Delegate or Organiser. 

AURIZON RAIL OPERATIONS MEMBERS – STANDING UNITED FOR A FAIR AND REASONABLE DEAL

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