Transit Australia Group’s Sunbus drivers on the Sunshine Coast have accepted a three-year enterprise agreement, marking a fresh start
By David Goeldner | October 28, 2011
The protracted enterprise agreement negotiations between Transit Australia Group’s Sunbus drivers on the Sunshine Coast ended today.
TAG General Manager Megan Harkin announced the endorsement of the three-year Enterprise Agreement following the release of the Australian Electoral Commission’s ballot count from this morning’s vote.
“The vote for the agreement was unanimous, which is testimony to the time and energy both parties invested into getting every aspect of the highly complex and detailed Agreement, right,” Harkin says.
A TAG spokesperson says the Transport Workers Union has an agreement in place with Sunbus not to disclose the final enterprise agreement pay details.
However several ‘non-pay’ items were supported by drivers in the Sunbus agreement.
Key non-pay related aspects of the agreement include a three-year agreement with a nominal expiry date of 30 June 2014.
The agreement covers drivers and cleaners, and sets a defined structure for the terms and conditions of their employment to 2014 and beyond.
It provides for ‘work-life balance’ in regards to maximum of rostered hours per day and per month, and sets minimum engagements.
The EA also focuses on a safe working environment in regards to fatigue management standards, provides for greater flexibility in how employees take annual leave, and also provides for Leave Without Pay in certain circumstances.
The agreement also provides an ongoing commitment from all parties about Workplace Health & Safety, and provides for standard provisions in an Enterprise Agreement around dispute resolution and consultation about major workplace changes.
It also engages the Sunbus workforce through an elected Workplace Consultative Committee.
“The negotiations were lengthy and at times difficult, however the agreement has now been endorsed ending months of uncertainty,” Harkin says.
She adds it allows TAG to move forward with healthy working relationships at the core of the business, and the delivery of a reliable service as a result.
“The fact that our employees are happy, and the Agreement is sustainable, we can assure the Sunshine Coast community there will be no more service disruptions and inconvenience,” Harkin says.
“Our customers can rely on their bus service once again.”
Harkin says today marks a fresh start for all parties.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders in what will be a new era for public transport on the Sunshine Coast.”