Metro staff secure pay rise and increased parental leave
After months of negotiations between Metro trains and the union, an agreement has been reached – and it’s good news for staff.
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A lengthy dispute between the state’s Public Transport Union and Metro Trains is set to come to an end, with members voting in favour of a new agreement.
About 51 per cent of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union have endorsed the new contract which covers operational staff such as train drivers and authorised officers.
It is understood about 95 per cent of eligible employees cast a vote.
The announcement comes after months of negotiations in which the union lodged for industrial action and then battled Metro in court after it was blocked from being able to strike.
The contract secures staff a 3.5 per cent pay increase year on year and a similar rise in allowances.
Parental leave will be lifted to 14 weeks.
The Fair Work Commission will now receive the proposed agreement for approval.
Metro chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the decision provided certainty for staff.
“We are pleased to have reached a fair agreement for our people, with a competitive pay increase balanced with improvements in the way we work to deliver the network needed for a growing Melbourne,” he said.
Victoria was hit with rolling strikes across Yarra Trams and V/Line services earlier in the year as the RTBU called on the Andrews Government to intervene.
Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne attended mediation for the tram deal in February and an agreement was ticked off by leaders and passed by members.
V/Line negotiations are ongoing.
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