Greens support Townsville unions

The Queensland Greens have accused the Bligh state government of acting unethically in using the Howard government's WorkChoices legislation in its negotiations with the Queensland Rail work force.

Greens MP Ronan Lee has called on the State Government to acknowledge that the federal government's Forward with Fairness Bill is in the process of replacing WorkChoices and the Premier should instruct QR to conduct its negotiations in line with the direction of the new legislation.

"The most obnoxious demand by QR is that workers accept a one-off payment of $10,000 in return for employers being able to enforce redundancy," Mr Lee said.

"This is clearly a prelude to many forced redundancies in QR and is outrageous given that the entire cost of this would be $120 million at a time when the Queensland rail system needs all the infrastructure and skilled workforce it can get."

Mr Lee said the support of the union movement would be a big help to the Greens in Townsville and could result in an increased Green vote in seats like Townsville and Mundingburra.

"Workers fear job losses and a drop in services under Labor and are arguing with their union leaders to support the Greens rather than Labor in this next election," Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee said he thought other unions in the state should consider supporting the Greens given the Labor Party's lukewarm approach to industrial relations.

For further information:   Drew Hutton 0428 487 110