- Queensland Rail has now reached an in-principle deal with the unions representing Train Controllers, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and The Services Union (TSU).
- This follows the recent restoration of 135 weekly train services to boost the South East Queensland (SEQ) reduced timetable as crews worked through a backlog of maintenance caused by ongoing union-protected industrial action.
- Negotiations continue with unions representing members for the Network and Rollingstock Enterprise Agreements which continue to prevent Queensland Rail from full-service running.
Queensland Rail has reached an in-principle deal on a new Train Control Enterprise Agreement, taking another important step towards restoring full rail services for Queenslanders.
The proposed replacement agreement, covering more than 270 employees, reflects Queensland Rail's commitment to investing in our people so we can build a better rail network for Queensland and ensure fair and reasonable pay and conditions for all of our workers.
Key conditions across the latest replacement agreements include:
- 8.5 per cent wage increase over three years plus an additional cost of living relief payment (up to 1 per cent in each of the second and third years depending on inflation), in line with the Queensland Government-Owned Corporations Wages Policy
- Strategic Delivery Allowance - an added incentive to deliver major projects for Queensland, for which train controllers are instrumental
- Backpay will be paid from 1 August 2026.
It follows the in-principle agreement for three Enterprise Agreements reached in June covering nearly 3,500 employees.
All in-principle agreements remain subject to Board and Government approvals.
This is positive progress, however there are still negotiations underway to finalise agreements with Network and Rollingstock employees, and a proposed electrical only agreement.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU), which represents rollingstock employees, is still undertaking protected industrial action including rolling work stoppages and a ban on overtime.
While Queensland Rail recently restored 135 weekly train services to boost the current reduced timetable, there is still a backlog of rollingstock maintenance due to this ongoing union-protected industrial action, which has prevented full-service running.
Given Queensland Rail continues to be constrained by a rollingstock maintenance backlog, we do not expect the in-principle agreement on the Train Control Enterprise Agreement to allow the return of additional services at this time.
Further meetings are scheduled this week before the Fair Work Commission.
The focus remains on reaching a deal on the final agreements so we can get back to delivering exceptional services, every day.
