Important EA update

Dear team

We are writing to provide an update on our discussions with the Combined Rail Unions about the new Enterprise Agreement. Our priority is to finalise an offer that we can bring to you for consideration and a ballot as soon as possible.

To move us closer to a new Enterprise Agreement, we presented an updated offer to the Combined Rail Unions (CRU) this afternoon.

The formal offer is now on the table, including a wide range of improved terms and conditions based on your feedback and many hours of engagement with Union and independent bargaining representatives throughout the bargaining process. We believe this is a fair offer and will provide the certainty our people are looking for.

Highlights include:

• Annual wage increases of:
  • 3%, including super increases in the first year, backdated to 1 May 2022 (noting that the super increase has already been paid since 1 July 2022)
  • 3.5%, including super increases, in the second year, from 1 May 2023.
• A one-off payment of $3,185 (further super is payable on this amount)
• The combined financial benefit to staff of these wage increases equates to approximately 9% average increase to 30 April 2024.
• Significant new enhancements to conditions and allowances.

An option of a third year has also been put to the CRU (that is, if accepted, the Enterprise Agreement will then operate until 1 May 2025). The annual wage increase from 1 May 2024 would be at the applicable wages policy rate of 2.5% (inclusive of super increase) or wages policy in place at that time, if it has increased.

The backpay to 1 May 2022 and the one-off payment of $3,185 would be paid in the first full pay period following commencement of the new Agreement, with some flexibility available in the timing of these payments.

The wide range of improved terms and conditions includes those benefits which we communicated in June this year and we look forward to bringing you more details on this as we get closer to a vote.

The proposed Deed to make modifications to the Mariyung fleet awaits agreement from the Rail Tram and Bus Union. These modifications will only be made if the proposed EA is voted up by employees, and therefore none have been made to the fleet at this stage.

Next steps

The Unions are considering our proposal and we hope to receive their support. We have asked that they come back to us by Friday at 10am with their response. We are really keen to share the details of all the benefits in the new Enterprise Agreement and bring this offer to you for a vote, hopefully before the holiday period.

We will keep you updated as we receive any further information from the Combined Rail Unions.

A reminder to continue to be respectful to each other in your discussions about the Enterprise Agreement.

Take care

Pete, Dale & Matt