Train drivers return to work

28/04/2004

The Public Transport Authority does not expect any further disruption to its urban passenger train services despite today’s failure by railcar drivers to accept a proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Transperth train services resumed this afternoon following an authorised report-back meeting of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union to allow members to consider the offer.

PTA Acting CEO Reece Waldock said today that he welcomed the return to work, but could not comment on the implications of the drivers’ decision until full documentation had been received from the union.

“The meeting’s decision is disappointing – we have been bargaining in good faith since February, and real progress had been made,” Mr Waldock said.

“Under this process, agreement was reached on almost all matters which were in dispute.

“Our Transit Guards and CSAs (Customer Service Assistants) have already accepted the proposal in principle, as did the country railcar drivers at today’s meeting.

“We expect to be advised in writing tomorrow of the issues which remain in dispute.

“We had expected that any outstanding issues after today’s meeting would be referred for arbitration to the Industrial Relations Commission.

“Our final position will be determined when we have considered the union’s written advice.”