Qld: Contingency plans in place ahead of SE Qld rail strikes

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2009
Qld: Contingency plans in place ahead of SE Qld rail strikes

BRISBANE, Feb 11 AAP - Contingency plans are in place for rail strikes planned for
southeast Queensland next week.

If the planned strikes, for next Monday and Wednesday go ahead, the transport system
will be stretched to its limit meaning lengthy delays for commuters.

State Transport Minister John Mickel said he remained hopeful an agreement between
Queensland Rail and the rail unions would be reached on Wednesday afternoon.

He is urging passengers to catch off-peak services where possible.

"Even though we will be putting detailed contingency plans in place, including making
maximum use of buses and the busways, people need to be aware that there if these stoppages
proceed there will be serious disruption," Mr Mickel said.

"I don't want to sugar-coat the situation."

The planned strike will affect train services in southeast Queensland including Brisbane
and surrounding areas such as the Bayside, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and
Sunshine Coast.

Unions and QR are set to meet on Wednesday afternoon.

The Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees has strike action planned for Monday.

Train crews currently work a minimum of 26 Saturdays and 18 Sundays a year but the
union is fighting moves to increase the Sunday rosters to 26 as well.

For more information visit www.translink.com.au. Commuters can also phone 13 12 30,
24 hours a day, seven days a week, although as many people as possible are urged to access
information from the website.

AAP ahe/cdh

KEYWORD: TRAIN

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