Justice Logan of the Federal Court handed down a decision today that awarded a $660 000.00 penalty against Queensland Rail for failing to consult with its workers regarding the coming split and float of the company.
The joint Rail Unions ran the case in the Federal Court over the changes to the business ahead of the float. The decision was handed down on Friday 11 June with the Penalty hearing held yesterday.
"Those workers were let down badly by senior management. Queensland Rail utterly failed to consult with their workers. To exclude workers is a very serious contravention ... of a very important modern workplace right."
The AFULE acknowledges the efforts of all the Rail Unions, in bringing QR's failure to treat its employees with the dignity and respect they deserve to light, but wishes, in particular, to recognise the important part our comrades at the ETU have played in instigating the course of action.
The penalty monies will be paid to the joint Unions and the AFULE will be putting its share back into the Queensland Not For Sale campaign.