Hundreds of Rail Jobs Shed

QUEENSLAND Rail will cut 700 workers in the "first phase" of efforts to downsize its 13,500-strong workforce and become more competitive in a national freight market.QR chief executive officer Bob Scheuber said yesterday the government-owned corporation had already lost a key contract that would cut its container haulage on Queensland's main north-south line in half.
From early next year, QRX – Queensland's largest general freight provider, owned by the Toll Group – will switch its rail services to rival rail freight company Pacific National, costing QR about $32 million in lost revenue.
"It is no use trying to pretend that the current situation at QR can continue without significant issues being addressed," Mr Scheuber said.
"These issues include management of costs and workforce planning, as well as efficiency of operations and business capability.

"QR currently has about 13,500 on staff, and this is too many for its requirements."

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