Rail workers walk out over safety
BY BILL MASON
BRISBANE — The Queensland Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) struck for 12 hours on April 13 against the introduction of driver-only trains in north Queensland. The "wildcat" strike was called at short notice as a result of rank-and-file members' demands for action.
The immediate issue, according to RTBU state secretary Les Crofton, was the precedent being set on the Townsville to Mt Isa line of driver-only trains operating without an automatic train-stop system.
The main drivers' union, the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen (AFULE), was not involved in the strike. However, a memo sent to transport minister Steve Bredhauer on March 31, immediately before the new arrangements on the Mt Isa line were initiated, confirmed that both the RTBU and the AFULE had raised concerns about safety without an automatic train-stop system.
The state-wide stoppage sparked calls from the National Party opposition and business groups for a tightening of state industrial laws, including large fines for unions engaging in wildcat strikes without giving notice.
However, Labor Premier Peter Beattie said on April 14 that business groups should be thankful his government's industrial legislation facilitated the quick resolution of strikes, rather than sparking industrial warfare like the federal Coalition's laws.
Beattie said he would review the state's industrial laws, but would not impose fines on wildcat strikes.