Queensland Rail staffing changes spark union backlash

Queensland Rail staffing changes are at the centre of a dispute. The operator rejected what it described as “false claims”. As reported by Rail Express, the criticism came from the Queensland branch of the RTBU. The changes are due to begin in May.

Queensland Rail staffing changes draw RTBU criticism

The RTBU Queensland branch recently criticised what it called “reckless cuts”. They are set to come into effect in May. According to the union, some stations will lose on-the-ground assistance after 1pm on weekdays. Also, there will be no staff presence at all on weekends.

Peter Allen is Branch Secretary. Meanwhile, he said the changes would put vulnerable members of the community at risk. “This is a devastating blow to our sector but also the community as a whole,” he said. “People who rely on staff for ramp access and navigation will effectively be locked out of the network on afternoons and weekends, while students and young people travelling after school will have no staff to turn to if something goes wrong.

“Reducing service by removing staff is a disregard of the core obligation of public transport, which is to serve the entire community, not just peak-hour commuters.

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“This decision isolates people with disabilities, elderly passengers and those with low digital literacy who rely on staff to navigate the network.”

Labor party response

Separately, Labor party politicians also said jobs would be lost. They said the changes would cost 700 Queensland Rail workers their jobs. Mark Bailey, Labor MP for Miller, said: “These are callous and reckless cuts to an essential service and to local jobs in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,”

Revised station customer service model and frontline jobs

In response, Queensland Rail said all frontline jobs are secure. It also said those changes were based on patronage statistics.

At the same time, the organisation pointed to consultation with employees and unions. “A revised station customer service model has been developed, in consultation with employees and unions, including the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), which will see station staff rostered where and when our customers need them most,”

“The model follows extensive consultation with employees and unions, including the RTBU, since 2024.

“The unions ultimately agreed to the changes and withdrew their case with the Fair Work Commission in February 2026.”

Safety, accessibility assistance and unstaffed stations

Security measures

Also, the operator said the strength of its Authorised Officer unit would increase by 35. In addition, it referred to work with the Queensland Police Service Railway Squad. “We will continue to work in close partnership with the more than 90-strong Queensland Police Service Railway Squad officers ensuring safety and security remains a priority,” they added.

Passenger assistance and monitoring

Rob Hill is Executive General Manager of South East Queensland Operations. Still, he said Queensland Rail is committed to delivering transport for all passengers. He described that transport as safe, reliable and inclusive. “Queensland Rail is simply putting staff where and when they are needed to service the needs of our customers.

“Every train service will continue to meet the accessibility needs of customers – either a station staff member or onboard staff member will continue to provide assistance with boarding requirements.

“We will also continue to support our employees through the changes.”

For example, Hill said all Queensland Rail platforms and trains have emergency help phones. They connect customers to trained operators. Those operators can view live CCTV. They can also contact onboard staff if required.

Meanwhile, he also said the network has 24-hour security monitoring. That includes more than 12,000 CCTV cameras. It also includes mobile security dog teams. In addition, it includes Translink Senior Network Officers. It also includes private security officers conducting targeted patrols.

Separately, Queensland Rail said more details will be released later. They will cover which stations will be unstaffed after the changes are implemented.

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