Qld Rail workers oppose sell-off

Rail workers in Maryborough have been dealt another blow by the Queensland Government with Premier Anna Bligh announcing plans to sell off Queensland Rail's coal business.

Ms Bligh broke the news in parliament yesterday by saying it was part of a government restructure of its asset portfolio.

Also on the chopping block was Queensland Motorways Limited, The Port of Brisbane, Forest Plantations Queensland and Abbott Point Coal Terminal.

The news has sparked outrage from the Queensland Rail, Tram and Bus Union and cast doubt on future employment for industry workers in Maryborough.

Union state secretary Owen Doogan said it was an "appalling decision" by Ms Bligh to sell QR's coal business.

“Considering the privatisation of rail operations is deplorable,” Mr Doogan said.

"The sale of the track or the disposal of the track will have a major effect on workers in Maryborough and Bundaberg.

"It has the potential to affect jobs in the area."

Mr Doogan said Fraser Coast residents should be very concerned about the decision which was an "inappropriate" way of addressing issues.

He was also concerned future jobs with QR would go to contractors, which he believed did not put the safety of rail lines first.

The union planned to take "any action required" to counteract the decision including a "major campaign" to prevent the sale.

"We'll exclude nothing in making that campaign.

"We will take whatever action required to try and save our members' jobs."

Maryborough jobs were also a major worry for Brad Hansen, the convenor of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

Mr Hansen said from an EDI perspective Ms Bligh's decision could mean rail contracts could become more difficult to secure.

"It's very distressing and concerning for me."

EDI already shared QR work with private companies but Mr Hansen said they did not have the same "connections" and would find it hard if it had to compete even stronger with the private sector.

Mr Hansen planned to ask Transport Minister Rachel Nolan for more details of the decision when EDI union delegates meet with her tomorrow .

The meeting was to discuss QR's call for international tenders for a new carriage contract, but Mr Hansen said he would also seek detail about the latest news so the union can inform its members.