QLD Rail workers walk off job

QUEENSLAND Rail boss Lance Hockridge flew into Rockhampton yesterday to assure disgruntled workers their future looked bright.

While he’s got a far way to go to allay concerns, he said, rather than creating job losses, the move to publicly list QR’s coal and freight sections meant more jobs.

He met a large number of QR’s 1000 Rockhampton staff during morning meetings at the Bolsover Street depot and later at the train station.

“We will have more jobs; we will have better jobs,” Mr Hockridge said.

“Having a great, secure company is the best guarantee of good jobs, secure jobs in the future.

“In life there aren’t that many guarantees – the best thing we can do is to make sure we have the best company we can.”

He wouldn’t be pinned down on specific numbers regarding new jobs, but said Rockhampton was in the right spot for future growth.

“Rockhampton is right in the centre of the coal industry,” Mr Hockridge said. “This is about a great future.

He said he was “disappointed” to hear workers had walked off the job soon after he’d spoken with them.

“I understand and appreciate the concerns – this is such a big change,” Mr Hockridge said.

He said as concerns were addressed, workers’ anxiety would ease.

Mr Hockridge’s Rockhampton visit was his first stop as he moves across the State talking to workers.


Source: themorningbulletin.com.au