Pacific National train crew force company to reach in-principal agreement  

Media release, 25 November 2022: Train crew at Pacific National have forced the company to agree in-principal to an enterprise agreement – a move which will see an end to the company’s lock out of workers.

Pacific National effectively locked out a section of its workforce after Rail, Tram and Bus Union members refused to operate trains that didn’t meet minimum safety standards as part of protected industrial action.

Workers were forced to take protected industrial action following Pacific National’s refusal to deliver a fair enterprise agreement for workers.

RTBU NSW Locomotive Division Secretary, Farren Campbell said the in-principal agreement reached today is a good step forward and will allow trains to get back on the tracks.

Workers will go back to work from tomorrow (Saturday 26 November) morning.

“It’s bitterly disappointing that it went down this path, but it’s great that common-sense has finally prevailed and the company has come to the table and agreed in-principal to give workers the fair wages and conditions they deserve,” Mr Campbell said.

“Pacific National members will now of course have to vote on the enterprise agreement, but today’s movement from the company means the lock out is off and we can get trains moving again.

“Rail workers shouldn’t have to take industrial action to ensure we get safe trains and fair wages and conditions. It’s disappointing that it got to this point, but it’s good that we’re now moving in the right direction.

“This is a win for workers and a win for everyone who relies on Pacific National’s services.”