Aurizon tries to throw out QLD EAs

Privatised Queensland rail freight carrier Aurizon is attempting to terminate 14 expired enterprise agreements – a move the RTBU says it will vigorously fight.

The company’s application to the Fair Work Commission to terminate the agreements comes as the Aurizon attempts break a bargaining deadlock. The parties have been in discussions for a new EA since April last year.

RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva told Workplace Express that the company would have to convince the Fair Work Commission that terminating the agreement was in the public interest, raising complex legal issues about pay and conditions.

Bob Nanva says the union will have a very strong vigorous defence and that the RTBU won’t let the company make a mockery of enterprise agreements.