Also published on saveourpublicassets.org.
Unions will stage a protest against privatisation outside the office of Rachel Nolan, the Queensland Minister for Transport.
Where: Booval Professional Centre, 125 Brisbane St Ipswich
When: From 2PM, Friday 31 July.
This is part of the Queensland Unions campaign to stop the fire sale of Queensland's Railways, ports, forest and roads, that is being ramped up today.
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) Executive today endorsed the escalation of the existing campaign to highlight the risk that privatisation presents for jobs and vital public services, particularly in regional Queensland.
QCU General Secretary Ron Monaghan said the Executive had endorsed the ramping-up of the campaign following the already widespread opposition from the community to the government's decision.
"We are in the last week of a five week long tour of regional Queensland and the public is extremely angry about the government's decision to sell-off these public assets.
"Unions have been visiting towns and cities across the state and the response is the same wherever we go - people are worried for their jobs and the future of their communities.
"Regional Queensland faces a particularly difficult future with Queensland Rail providing stable employment in many regional towns for thousands of workers.
"Who knows what may happen when private industry needs to reduce services and cut jobs to maintain profits and shareholder returns?
"The government needs to get the message that this is not the answer to its budgetary woes and we'll continue to campaign until this message gets through."
Mr Monaghan said the next phase of the campaign would involve more strategic campaigning in addition to ongoing union activities and would include:
- research and focus groups;
- TV, radio and newspapers ads planned in Brisbane and regional Queensland over the next 12 months; and
- an interactive campaign website.
"We are committed to changing the government's mind on this decision and we anticipate spending around $400,000 on this phase of the campaign over the coming 12 months."
**A major rally against the sell-off will be held in Ipswich this Friday, 31 July outside Minister Rachel Nolan's office (Booval Professional Centre, 125 Brisbane St) from 2:00pm**
More info: Tania Reeves (QCU Media/Comms Officer) 0418 700 419
Comments
Vivienne (not verified)
Thu, 2009-07-30 11:02
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Privatisation means less jobs for those in trades
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