BREAKING: QUBE locks out train crew

Media release, 19 July 2023: Rail company, QUBE, has today announced it is locking out its train crew from midnight tonight (0001 Thursday 20 July).  

The move by the company will have an impact on QUBE’s services – which transport large amount of freight, including steel and grains – right across the state.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Locomotive Division Secretary, Farren Campbell, said the company’s disgraceful move follows workers’ plans to take part in a small, partial work ban as part of current protected industrial action.

QUBE workers have been attempting to negotiate a fair enterprise agreement for workers for over 12 months, however the company has refused to negotiate fairly, including reneging on in-principal deal reached in conciliation.

The RTBU is at the same time currently fighting a massive wage theft claim against QUBE in the Federal Court, claiming that a chronic and systemic practice of underpayment and wage theft that has robbed employees of tens of thousands of dollars each year.

“This is a callous and outrageous attack on QUBE’s workforce which will also have a big impact on the businesses that move freight using QUBE’s rail network,” Mr Campbell said.

“It’s a dog act from a company that has form when it comes to treating its workers appallingly

“QUBE’s train drivers are willing to work and had every intention of turning up to work tonight, but the company is refusing to let them in.

Mr Campbell said QUBE workers are simply demanding a fair enterprise agreement and have been taking low-level protected industrial action in an attempt to force the company to deliver that.

“To take this stance against workers who are simply demanding the rail company commit to provide basic wages and conditions, which includes a commitment to stop the current practice of chronic underpayment and wage theft, is a low act from a major rail company.

“We’re hopeful common-sense will soon prevail and QUBE will let its workforce get back to doing what they do best – moving our goods across the country.”

The lock-out will impact QUBE’s approximately 180 train drivers across NSW who are based in various locations including Newcastle, Sydney. Wollongong, Bathurst, Port Kembla, Junee, Dubbo.