- The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union of Employees accepts Government's wage offer to settle negotiations for customer service and passenger ticketing employees at the Public Transport Authority (PTA)
- This is the third agreement settled under the new Public Sector Wages Policy
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed the decision by the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union of Employees (ARTBIU) to accept its offer for a replacement industrial agreement.
Ninety per cent of Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union members voted in support of the three-year agreement, which provides employees with a five per cent wage increase from 22 May 2024, followed by a four per cent increase in 2025 and $60 per week in 2026.
The agreement also includes several new and improved conditions of employment, including:
- reform to shift allowance rates;
- increase in personal leave entitlements; and
- access to pro rata long service leave after the first seven years' service.
The State Government's new principles-based Wages Policy came into effect in December 2023.
Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:
"I'm happy to announce the settlement of these negotiations and thank the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union of Employees for working with the Government to negotiate an excellent outcome for its members.
"The agreement covers approximately 200 employees at PTA, and we are pleased to be able to demonstrate our appreciation of their hard work through this offer."
Comments attributed to Acting Transport Minister Sue Ellery:
"I am pleased that we've been able to work constructively yet again with the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Union of Employees to deliver a positive outcome for PTA transit officers.
"Our transit officers carry out an integral function on the public transport network, and we've always been committed to delivering better wages and conditions for their hard work."
