SA strike action settled
A planned train strike in Adelaide has been called off.
Strike action was averted after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) reached an “in principle” agreement with Keolis Downer, the private contractor managing Adelaide's train services.
The RTBU, which represents train drivers, negotiated a 9 per cent pay increase over the next two years with Keolis Downer.
The proposed agreement includes a 5 per cent raise in the first year followed by a 4 per cent increase in the second year.
Hayden Boyle, the union's branch organiser, has described the deal as “a reasonable outcome”.
“We decided we'd go with a two-year deal because we felt the quantum of the increase could be reached in a two-year deal,” he said.
The deal also covers back pay effective from January 1 of the current year.
This resolution came after an emergency meeting held on Friday, where terms were hastily negotiated to prevent the impending strike.
RTBU members will cast their votes on whether to accept the proposed agreement in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson from Keolis Downer acknowledged the withdrawal of the planned industrial actions, including stoppages and overtime bans, and expressed gratitude towards the community for their patience during the negotiations.
This development follows a series of work stoppages earlier in the month.
The privatisation of tram and train services under the former Liberal government saw Keolis Downer taking over Adelaide's rail network in 2021.
An agreement was made last year with the Labor government for Keolis Downer to return train operations by 2025.