Disruptions on the Austalian Rail Track Corporation network in New South Wales could be coming to an end, after workers approved a new Enterprise Agreement, despite union criticism.
The ARTC on Monday announced the majority of workers polled in a vote which began last Thursday, had voted in favour of the Corporation’s latest work offer, which includes pay rises of 2% every year for the next three years.
This was despite heavy campaigning from the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) urging workers to vote no on the matter.
Intense industrial action has taken place on the ARTC’s NSW interstate passenger and freight network in recent days, and more strikes are scheduled for next week.
The results of the study will need to be ratified by the Fair Work Commission before the union’s planned strikes become unlawful, however, so the union now has to decide whether it will take action despite the writing already being on the wall.
“This has been a difficult period for our business and the rail industry generally,” ARTC boss John Fullerton said.
“With a majority of NSW staff voting in favour of the new enterprise agreement, our focus now shifts to rebuilding and restoring confidence in rail.
“While there is potential for notified industrial action to go ahead, we are hopeful of being able to return to normal operations as soon as possible and running trains safely and reliably.”
The ARTC will make an application with the Fair Work Commission, where it will be reviewed for compliance with the ‘Better Off Overall Test’ (BOOT) and assigned to a Fair Work Commission member for decision.
Thank goodness. It looks like some common sense at last – no thanks to the RTBU though.