The RTBU appeals to the public to take their greivances up with the Government as workers report an increase in abuse

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Queensland Branch Media Release 5th May 2026

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union Queensland Branch is calling on members of the public to treat
Queensland Rail workers with dignity and respect, as the union continues to bargain for a new
enterprise agreement on their behalf.

RTBU Queensland State Secretary Peter Allen said workers were reporting an increase in verbal
abuse and aggressive behaviour from passengers, and it had to stop.

“Our members come to work every day to keep Queensland moving. They operate trains, staff
stations, and maintain critical infrastructure, and they deserve to be treated with basic respect,”
Mr Allen said.

“Enterprise bargaining is a normal and lawful part of Australian workplace relations. Whatever
disruption passengers may experience during this process, the workers on the ground are not
responsible for it, they are fighting for fair wages and conditions, just like any worker would.

“Abusing frontline workers solves nothing. It puts our members under enormous stress and
makes their jobs harder. We will not tolerate our members being subjected to that kind of
treatment.”

Mr Allen said the RTBU remained committed to reaching a fair agreement and encouraged
anyone with concerns about service disruptions to direct them to the Queensland Government,
not frontline workers.

“Our members are doing their jobs. They are not the decision-makers in this dispute,
management is. The public’s frustration should be directed accordingly,” he said.

“We urge Queensland Rail management to come to the table, negotiate seriously, and help us
reach an outcome that is good for workers and for passengers alike.”