<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Queensland rail unions are taking legal action against the state government-owned QR for failing to consult workers over its privatisation plan. </span> <p>By Rob McKay<br /><br />The Queensland Council of Unions said up to $660,000 in penalties would be sought in the Federal Court following QR’s alleged breach of 20 provisions in enterprise bargaining agreements with the unions.<br />The agreements contain comprehensive “consultation” clauses that state that the views of workers must be sought when any significant changes to the workplace are proposed. <br />The QCU said that a clause in the relevant agreement also provided for a genuine opportunity for employees and their representatives to affect the outcome (of workplace changes).<br />QCU general secretary Ron Monaghan said workers had only received a letter of offer to transfer to one of three new QR companies, giving a deadline of less than four weeks to decide their working future.<br />However, QR said the unions were consulted.<br />“QR’s view is it has fulfilled its requirements in relation to staff consultation,” it said.<br />“However, unions are entitled to exercise their rights through the legal process and the Federal Court.<br />“Seventy percent of staff who have been offered a transfer to Queensland Rail have already accepted the offer so staff are obviously voting with their feet.”</p><p>Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lloydslistdcn.com.au">www.lloydslistdcn.com.au</a></p><p> </p><p><br /> </p>
