Queensland merger kills off jobs

The upcoming merger of state-owned electricity distributors Ergon and Energex is having an adverse impact on local Queensland electrical businesses. Regional company Gieger Electrical has notified its workforce that one third of staff will be let go in the face of a reduced workload.

According to an ABC news report, management of the company sought meetings with Energy Minister Mark Bailey to discuss the matter but did not succeed.

The merger has been criticised by industry members as it will result in a significant loss of subcontract work availability. The united company intends to internalise resources, meaning that it will compete directly with local electrical contractors in a move that Gieger says leaves them unable to sustain many employee positions.

Gieger apparently reached out to both the state government and the Electrical Trades Union to no avail.