The negotiations between V/Line, a public company in Victoria, and its employees are coming to a close, with workers set to receive thousands of Australian dollars in pay raises each year, thanks to the efforts of the union.
According to a report by The Sun Herald, V/Line has reached a preliminary agreement with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). The union’s Victorian secretary, Vik Sharma, informed members that they will see an additional 14% income increase over four years.
Most employees will also receive a new 3% “modernisation allowance,” as well as night shift bonuses, and an extra five days of leave over the four-year agreement period.
The imminent agreement signifies that workers will be calling off any future strike actions. Earlier this year, rail workers staged multiple strikes, leading to widespread transport disruptions.
In a brief sent to members, Sharma stated that the actual pay rise over four years amounts to 17%, well above the government-mandated public sector wage increase cap.
He remarked, “In addition to the pay rise, members will also receive a one-off grant equivalent to 2% of the total earnings of employees in the 2023 fiscal year.”
The agreement also allows employees with more than 20 years of service to receive retirement travel passes.