Aurizon’s Industrial Action deemed Illegal

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has hit out against Rail Freight company Aurizon for engaging in unlawful industrial action against its workforce in the Hunter Valley.

The Fair Work Commission has determined that Aurizon broke the law when it directed employees not complete work or to leave work because they would not answer questions relating to the display of RTBU campaign stickers on company vehicles.

“The decision is a clear win for Hunter workers – and those across the board,” NSW Loco Division secretary Farren Campbell said.

“Aurizon’s attempts to stop people from working simply because they wouldn’t say whether they’d drive a car with a union sticker on it are an outrageous attack on their rights.

“It tried to force them to choose between their job and answering intrusive, union-busting questions.

“Aurizon’s behaviour clearly wasn’t designed to protect safety or operations, but rather to intimidate workers and undermine their basic rights.” 

Mr Campbell said Aurizon has joined a small list of national employers to have taken unlawful industrial action against its own workforce.

“But, this ruling shows that big businesses aren’t above the law.”

The ruling comes after the results of a ballot on a proposed enterprise agreement were voted down last week.

It is understood 97% of respondents voted against the proposed agreement.