TasRail Workers On Strike; HACSU Slams ‘Shambolic Bargaining’

Media release – RTBU, 22 January 2026

TasRail Workers Reject Intimidation as Industrial Action Escalates with a 24-hour strike

TasRail workers have reached a tipping point after management failed to seize the opportunity at yesterday’s bargaining meeting to resolve long‑standing workplace issues and avert further industrial action.

Rather than working toward a fair and reasonable in‑principle agreement, TasRail management chose to threaten to “test” the unions and its members. This confrontational approach has only deepened frustration across the workforce.

When workers stood firm on their position, management reacted with hostility instead of problem‑solving.

“Threats and posturing will not intimidate our members,” Mark Dunsby RTBU State Secretary said. “TasRail’s attempt to strong‑arm its workforce only reinforces why workers standing together is so important.” The unions remain committed to securing a fair outcome and will not back down simply because management objects to hearing the word “no.” he said.

Further to this TasRail have threatened to stand down CEPU members without pay for observing partial bans like using hand tools or fault finding. This is outrageous behaviour from a state-owned Tasmanian company Amanda Coleman CEPU Organiser said.

Industrial action will escalate with a 24‑hour statewide strike to take place this Friday 23rd, January commencing at 00:01.

Media release – HACSU, 22 January 2026

HACSU walks out of shambolic bargaining meeting after government fails to put anything on the table once again

HACSU yesterday walked out of enterprise bargaining talks for Allied Health Professionals (AHP) after government representatives arrived without a position to present and could not make contact with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Treasurer Eric Abetz, or Health Minister Bridget Archer.

HACSU representatives have shown up to every AHP bargaining meeting in good faith to try to progress a new enterprise agreement but have been met with a lead negotiator who has no authority to provide a position on any of the major claims union members have put forward.

“We turned up prepared to work through the outstanding issues. The government turned up empty-handed once again,” HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore said.

“This is not bargaining. The government has effectively been gaslighting its own workforce by putting nothing on the table but asking unions to return to the table.

“Meanwhile, every week this drags on, the pressure on staff keeps building and experienced allied health professionals consider leaving the state, putting patient care at risk,” Mr Moore added.

HACSU is now calling on Premier Jeremy Rockliff to step up and intervene personally in public sector negotiations to ensure the government is properly represented and to bring this dispute to a resolution without further delay.