Queenslanders to Suffer as LNP Risks Railway Chaos to Push Anti-Union Agenda
Electrical Trades Union members at Queensland Rail have today taken steps toward minor industrial action, in the form of limited workplace bans that would not have disrupted rail services. Despite this measured approach, the LNP State Government yesterday escalated the situation, warning workers they will not be paid if they participate in these minor bans. Workers have made it clear: they will not work for free.
Queensland Rail and the LNP State Government are solely responsible for any disruption to services, after choosing to escalate the situation rather than negotiate with unions. Any absence from the job today is a direct result of this heavy-handed response, not the limited industrial action itself.
"This situation did not need to happen," ETU State Organiser Darren Wood said.
"The workers were set to take measured, controlled action that would not have impacted commuters. This ideological LNP Government has instead chosen to inflame the situation and put services at risk, out of pure spite for unions."
The ETU has offered a clear cost-free and practical solution to avoid unnecessary disruption to the public in the lead-up to Easter. Workers want Queensland Rail to honour previous commitments and agree in writing to negotiate an Electrical Workers Enterprise Agreement, rather than forcing electricians into a broad rail agreement that fails to recognise their highly skilled trade.
This claim is not new. It was acknowledged in a letter of agreement during the last round of bargaining, where Queensland Rail committed to working toward this outcome. That commitment has now been abandoned.
This comes as the State Government is pursuing cuts to funding and resources within an essential public service relied upon by hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders every day.
"The Government has a cost-free option sitting right in front of them to avoid any impact on commuters," said ETU President Jason Young.
"They simply need to come to the table and negotiate in good faith as they previously promised."
"Instead, they are allowing ideology to override common sense, refusing to work constructively with unions and denying workers a fair deal." He said.
The ETU warns that it will be Queenslanders who once again pay the price for an LNP Government more focused on political positioning and anti-union propaganda over realistic outcomes.
