Southern Shorthaul Railroad Enterprise Agreement

Southern Shorthaul Railroad Enterprise Agreement: All You Need to Know

For those who are not familiar with the railroad industry in Australia, the Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) is a privately owned company that provides rail haulage services for freight customers. The company operates across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, and has a workforce of over 200 employees.

Like many other enterprises, SSR has a set of employment terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the company and its employees. This set of terms and conditions is known as the Southern Shorthaul Railroad Enterprise Agreement (Agreement).

The Agreement outlines the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employees, and is negotiated between the company and the relevant trade union representing the employees. The current Agreement was approved by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in 2018 and is set to expire in 2021.

So, what are some of the key features of the Southern Shorthaul Railroad Enterprise Agreement?

Pay and Benefits

The Agreement outlines the minimum rates of pay for various roles within the company, and provides for annual pay increases for employees. It also includes provisions for various leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave. The Agreement also provides for payment of shift allowances and overtime rates.

Workplace Health and Safety

The Agreement requires the company to maintain a safe working environment for its employees, and outlines the responsibilities of both the employer and the employees in relation to workplace health and safety. The Agreement also includes provisions for the reporting and investigation of workplace incidents, and requires the company to provide training and support for its employees to ensure they can perform their work safely.

Dispute Resolution

The Agreement includes provisions for the resolution of workplace disputes. If a dispute arises between the company and its employees, the first step is for the parties to attempt to resolve the matter through informal discussions. If this is not successful, the matter can be referred to a more formal mediation process. If the dispute remains unresolved, it can be referred to the FWC for arbitration.

Flexible Work Arrangements

The Agreement includes provisions for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time or casual employment, and allows for employees to request changes to their working arrangements to better balance work and personal responsibilities.

Conclusion

The Southern Shorthaul Railroad Enterprise Agreement is an important document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for employees of the Southern Shorthaul Railroad. It provides for basic minimum entitlements, as well as workplace health and safety, dispute resolution, and flexible work arrangements. Overall, the Agreement is an important tool for ensuring a fair and safe workplace for employees of the company.