EA implementation and payments update

Following the approval of the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink Enterprise Agreement 2022 (EA) by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) last Friday, we are now preparing for its implementation on Friday 17 February 2023.

Our priority is getting you the one-off payment of $4,500. This payment will be processed in the pay run on either 17 February 2023 for Train Crew or 24 February 2023 for employees in other classifications.

When the EA comes into effect this Friday there are many changes to be made which require complex payroll and system updates. Our teams are working hard to implement these changes, and deliver your entitlements, as quickly as possible.

The table below shows when the changes to your entitlements will be visible in your pay. You can start claiming these new entitlements on your timesheet or through Equip from 17 February 2023.

Date	Changes	Comment
17 February 2023	Breastfeeding breaks NPA Overtime Meal Allowance Increase in Bereavement Leave from 2 days to 5 days Parental Leave Domestic and Family Violence leave 6-month average pay when off duty at the initiative of the employer Lift-up and lay back (NSWTL) Time in barracks no longer counts to guarantee (NSWTL – Onboard services employees)	For employees whose pay period end date is 18 February 2023, adjustments for these claims will be paid in the following pay period, ending 6 March 2023.
19 February 2023	Payment of excess shifts for Operational Wages Employees (NSWTL cl 203.9)	Payment is based on the work pattern across a full pay period, subsequently it can only be paid from the next full pay period.
26 February 2023	WOBOD payment for Drivers and NSW TrainLink Guards	Payment is based on the work pattern across a full pay period, subsequently it can only be paid from the next full pay period.
10 March 2023 17 March 2023 (i.e. the next full pay periods after 17 February 2023)	Higher Standards Cleaning Allowance (ST cleaners) Lifting of the Overtime Cap for Operational RC Employees	Where an employee is entitled to payments between 17 February 2023 and the next full pay period, they will receive the payment in the backpay calculation.
By 19 March 2023	Electrical Safety Allowance (ST only)
From 6 weeks following the FWC arbitration decision	Roll-up of Cab Allowance (for Drivers) and Cab and Security Allowances (for Guards) into base pay. Increase to wage / salary Backpay	The roll-up of cab and security allowances to base pay will require the continuation of current practice until new wage/salary rates are loaded into the system.

The NSWTL guards’ crib breaks will be phased in, in line with changes to the Master Roster requirements as set out in the EA. Guard schedules will be altered to accommodate the crib break from Friday.

As we’ve previously shared, backpay and the new wage increases will be calculated and paid after an outcome from the FWC arbitration proceedings. This will allow us to accurately calculate and process backpay and wage increases. I appreciate your patience as we wait for the FWC arbitration decision.

If you have any questions, please contact the EA team at nswtlea@transport.nsw.gov.au