RTBU Response to Queensland Rail’s Action

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Queensland Media Release 31st March 2026

Quotes Attributed to State Secretary Peter Allen:

“The last thing the RTBU and our members want is for Queensland commuters to be caught in the crossfire of a bargaining dispute. That’s why they are taking limited industrial action that would have no effect on passengers, and would be limited to coal and mineral trains.

“Unfortunately, the Queensland Government has responded with a heavy-handed and disproportionate action, looking to turn a minor ban on mineral trains into a full-time stoppage. What the Government is doing looks less like bargaining and more like punishment.

“Any impact on passengers is purely self inflicted and entirely the choice of the Queensland Government.

“Our members are professional, committed rail workers who serve this community every single day. They shouldn’t be punished for exercising rights they are legally entitled to.

“Our members did not want a full stoppage; they are only taking action on the running of mineral and coal trains after repeated attempts to negotiate in good faith were unsuccessful. This ban was then met by the Government with further escalation rather than constructive dialogue.

“This decision to take action against our members is a deliberate attempt to intimidate workers who are exercising their lawful right to take protected industrial action. We won’t be bullied.

“We will use every available avenue to ensure the Government acts responsibly to protect passengers and get both parties back to the table.

“The Queensland Government must understand that the way to avoid disruption is to bargain fairly with its workers, not to escalate against them.”

“We’re urging the Government to give Queensland Rail the licence to come back to the table with a fair offer. That’s the only way to resolve this dispute and the only way to guarantee certainty for passengers.

“The Queensland Government cannot stand at a distance on this. Queensland Rail is a publicly owned company; the government needs to direct it to bargain in good faith and stop taking action that puts commuters at risk.”