The company has been talking with unions since December about work-life balance issues for shift workers in the Aurizon Bulk Operations Enterprise Agreement but negotiations temporarily stalled in July.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Northern District Organiser Les Moffitt said Aurizon informed the Unions there was no value in continuing ongoing negotiations at that time.

"The company than proceeded without the support of the Union to commence briefing sessions state wide on their proposed agreement which was then sent out to the employees for a vote," Mr Moffitt said.

"Ninety percent of eligible employees voted on the company's proposal with a resounding 80pc No Vote received back from the workforce."

Mr Moffitt said since the result had returned, Aurizon had recommenced negotiations with a "better attitude".

"Last week (August 5) negotiations recommenced involving union delegates and Aurizon management with the company displaying a more positive attitude towards the Union's claims for improved rostering arrangements as well as a decent wage increase," he said.

"Meetings are planned to continue this week and the unions are hoping that the recent change in managements attitude towards achieving a positive outcome for the workers continues and that we are able to reach an agreement in principle in the very near future."

Aurizon was more tightly guarded and when asked to comment would only say, "negotiations on the Bulk East Enterprise Agreement are continuing."

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