Queensland Rail will be able to advertise for train drivers to the general public after the rail union’s bid to block the move was dismissed by the Fair Work Commission last month.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union lodged an appeal last year after QR was cleared by the Fair Work Commission to advertise for 200 drivers and 200 guards following the staffing crisis when hundreds of train services were cancelled in October 2016.

QR will be able to employ drivers from the general public after the rail union lost its appeal last month. Credit:Alamy

The crisis, partly caused by lack of train crew, sparked the Strachan inquiry, which recommended external drivers with no prior QR experience. Previously, drivers had to work for the company before they could move into the role.

The RTBU launched an appeal last year, arguing QR had jumped to external recruitment for drivers and guards before offering career pathways for existing employees, under the Queensland Rail Traincrew Enterprise Agreement 2017.