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Upon regionalisation (dividing the stations etc into self managed units in preparation for privatisation), a local power station went from 1,200 employees to 400 overnight.
When I enquired as to how this could be possible, I was told that the local power station was considered an adjunct to the local CES. So rather than pay someone to be unemployed at home, they paid them to push a broom (etc) around a power station. That kept dole payments down and employment up. Not to mention maintenance was always spot on (if not overkill).
Now we have profitable Public Trading Enterprises, that look more attractive to a potential private buyer, higher power bills, and higher unemployment. And until sold, sending higher dividend and tax payments to the Government (shareholder). And, some would say, less maintenance to vital infrastructure assets.
I know what I would have preferred.
Re: OHS: YES, The safety of staff used to be a joke, now it is paramount.
This is a winner for all. Dads get to go home. Workers compensation suits are minimised.
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