Queensland Rail has reached an in-principle agreement with unions covering three of its six enterprise agreements, representing a significant breakthrough in months of industrial negotiations that have disrupted train services across south-east Queensland.

The agreement applies to approximately 3,500 employees, including station staff, administrative workers and tourism employees. Under the proposed deal, workers would receive an 8 per cent wage increase over three years, along with a 2.5 per cent cost-of-living payment, back pay to 1 June 2026, and a new strategic delivery allowance. The agreement must still be voted on by union members before it becomes final.

The announcement follows months of industrial action that has resulted in reduced train timetables, service cancellations and ongoing inconvenience for commuters. Since April, Queensland Rail has been operating a reduced schedule due to a combination of workforce shortages, maintenance backlogs and protected industrial action linked to stalled enterprise bargaining negotiations.

Despite the breakthrough, the dispute is not yet over. Negotiations continue for workers covered by the remaining three enterprise agreements, including rolling stock maintenance employees and approximately 270 train controllers, whose negotiations remain before the Fair Work Commission. These groups have not yet reached a settlement, meaning some industrial action and service disruptions could continue in the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, train controllers withdrew a planned industrial action that threatened additional services for the State of Origin match at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, after criticism from the Queensland Government. Acting Transport Minister Sam O'Connor welcomed the decision while urging all parties to continue negotiating in good faith.

Queensland Rail described the agreement as an important milestone following an intensive bargaining process. The company said it remains committed to working with unions to finalise the remaining enterprise agreements and restore certainty for both employees and passengers. The operator also reiterated that restoring a full timetable remains a priority once staffing, maintenance and industrial issues are resolved.

Union representatives said the agreement reflects improvements in pay and conditions for many workers but acknowledged discussions must continue for employees whose agreements have not yet been settled. Those negotiations are expected to continue under the supervision of the Fair Work Commission.

For commuters, the agreement offers hope that the prolonged dispute is beginning to move toward resolution. However, Queensland Rail has warned that passengers should continue checking timetables before travelling, as reduced services are likely to remain in place until the remaining negotiations are concluded and operational staffing levels improve.

The in-principle agreement is viewed as the most substantial progress in the dispute so far and could pave the way for a gradual return to normal rail services across Queensland's passenger network if outstanding negotiations are successfully concluded.