March 12, 2010Unions will meet with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to hear the coal industry’s concerns about the state government’s privatisation of QR’s coal rail network.
Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) General Secretary Ron Monaghan says he has been approached by the QRC for the meeting as part of its desire to seek discussions with key stakeholders over the QR float.
“Representatives of the major rail unions and I will meet with the QRC to hear what they say are the pitfalls of the current plans for ownership of QR’s coal rail network in Central Queensland,” Monaghan says.
“From the QRC’s public statements so far, they are against the government’s current privatisation plans for Queensland Rail and we definitely share that view,” he says.
According to Monaghan, QCU is prepared to discuss any issues of “genuine and mutual concern” and admits it is worthwhile listening to key stakeholders.
“However, unions remain steadfastly opposed to any form of privatisation and will continue to campaign against the government’s asset sell-off. Queensland Rail should remain in public hands.”
