Eight freight train drivers from Qube Logistics’ Goulburn depot will be out of permanent work by the end of this week.
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The company forced redundancies on the workers on Friday, secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s loco division Bob Hayden said.
It followed Qube’s call for expressions of interest in voluntary redundancies last week.
But the company has contradicted this version of events, saying eight employees had elected to change their employment from permanent to casual rather than take a formal redundancy.
“The benefit to them and Qube is that they will be available and qualified to be given work if extra shifts become available in the year ahead,” a spokesman said.
“As all of the employees had less than 12 months service they will receive the same entitlement, one of week’s notice, meaning they will not be out of pocket.
“The process has been discussed and agreed with the employees and the rail union representatives… We believe this approach is the best solution in all the circumstances.”
Mr Hayden said the employees were told they would finish up at the end of this week.
”The RTBU is doing everything possible to support the workers during this incredibly difficult time, including assisting in looking for new work with other employers in the area,” he said.
“No matter how much advance notice you have of job loss, it is never an easy process to deal with. This job loss will have a devastating impact on the workers, their families and the wider Goulburn community.”
Qube has blamed a dramatic downturn in the export wheat harvest for the job losses. It is also offloading a 11 drivers at its Sydney depot and one in Newcastle. The spokesman said the company regretted losing staff but had “no choice.”
But light is appearing in other quarters for the redundant employees. Chicago Freight Asia Pacific Group managing director Ian Gibbs said his company was reviewing whether the Goulburn workers were suitable for hire at the local rail hub.
“CFAP Group and Goulburn workshop is looking for multi-skilled staff who have loco driver experience but have another skill such as a workshop loco or wagon maintainer or in-field service experience,” he said.
“This benefits our business and the freight rail business in general in that we are able to offer greater flexibility and services to our rail operator customers.”
Mr Gibbs said having these multi-skilled staff meant they could also be hired out on a casual basis, as “accredited and competent train crews to benefit customers when needed.
“(Having) the same staff work as a maintainer in the workshop or in the field is very attractive to the CFAP Group,” he told The Post.
“We want to build on our skills to offer greater services. We want to make sure the trains keep running.”
Crawford Freight Lines has taken over timber haulage from Qube at the Goulburn rail hub. Business development manager Andrew Ray said the small family-owned company would never turn away workers with “good skills and attitude,” but couldn’t guarantee employment.