Off the rails: Train building contracts ripped up, workers sacked under LNP

• Whisteblowers reveal rail workers to be sacked in Maryborough

• More than 100 workers to be let go by Christmas as LNP, Queensland Rail rejects works package

• Comes after David Crisafulli and the LNP said during election they supported train workers

  
  

Hundreds of rail workers will be out of work by Christmas, with news that jobs are on the chopping block at the Maryborough Train Manufacturing workshops.

The same workshops that were decimated under the last LNP Government when train building was sent overseas.

Whistleblowers have provided documents to the opposition which outline more than 100 employees at Downer’s Maryborough Service Delivery Centre will be let go after the LNP rejected a works package for the overhaul of Queensland Rail’s diesel train.

The $160 million package of works to be delivered over three years was put to the Queensland Rail Board in March but was “definitely rejected”, prompting Downer to provide a memorandum to workers outlining the company’s decision to now look at reducing the number of roles.

It raises concerns for train manufacturing jobs across Maryborough, including through the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

Shadow Minister for Manufacturing Tom Smith called on David Crisafulli and Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg to admit they were wrong after telling parliament the decision to let workers go was related to a private freight train operator.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Manufacturing Tom Smith:

“It feels like 2012 all over again.

“At a time when Queenslanders are supposed to celebrate workers, Queensland train builders are being let go before the labour day long weekend.

“Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and LNP MP John Barounis said before the election that rail jobs would be backed by the LNP – they lied.

“Premier David Crisafulli and Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said yesterday it had nothing to do with government contracts – they lied.

“It again proves that when this government says something, it means nothing.

“And it calls into question how the economy of Maryborough will survive after it is gutted by the LNP once again.

“The LNP have tied a bow on a cruel Christmas gift for more than 80 workers and their families who will be let go by year’s end.”

ENDS