Unit 28
"Mayne Plaza"
127 Abbotsford Road
MAYNE QLD 4006

The six-monthly meeting of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, Queensland, Union of Employees, was held at the A.F.U.L.E. State Office, Unit 28 "Mayne Plaza" 127 Abbotsford Road Mayne on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 22 to 24 May 2000, commencing at 10:00 hours.

The State President Mr Greg Smith declared the meeting open at 10:00 hours.

Hours of Sitting

Welcome Councillors to the May 2000 Divisional Council Meeting.

State Office Location

As reported at the last Divisional Council Meeting, the Union will have to vacate the present location of the State Office due to the resumption by the Brisbane City Council to build the Fortitude Valley by-pass.

The Brisbane City Council has given until the end of July 2000 to vacate the premises. The State Secretary has been busy negotiating with Real Estate Agents to purchase a new office.

There are two proposals to be put to Councillors for your deliberation and consideration on the relocation of the State Office. For the Historians out there, the A.F.U.L.E. moved to its present address at Mayne in 1988, after moving from Ann Street Brisbane.

Labour Day Celebrations

A.F.U.L.E. members and their families participated in their local Labour Day parade and celebrations throughout the State.

I was pleased to accept an invitation from the Toowoomba Trades and Labour Council to present retired A.F.U.L.E. life member Mr Tom Baker Life Membership of the Toowoomba ACTU, for his continued participation in the Toowoomba Labour Day Committee.

Tom, who is now 79 years young, was given the honour of leading the parade followed by his former Union, the A.F.U.L.E.. A contingent of Metropolitan Freight and Citytrain train crew members from Brisbane travelled to Toowoomba to join with fellow Toowoomba members in congratulating Tom on his achievement. On completion of the parade, Tom was given the honour of hoisting the Eureka Flag, which is a tradition associated with the Toowoomba Labour Day parade.

The response from depots which participated in Labour Day celebrations, is that A.F.U.L.E. numbers are continuing to grow. It is a day where workers and their families can openly show that they are proud to be Unionists. The fight for workers' rights and conditions is just as relevant today as was in the past.

Driver Only Operation Townsville - Mount Isa Corridor

Negotiations on Driver Only Operations on the North West Corridor have been ongoing for the last three (3) years.

QR originally indicated that they intended to commence Driver Only Operation in the latter half of 1999. The A.F.U.L.E. made it clear that we were not prepared to implement Driver Only Operation on the corridor until QR had in place a GPS warning system that would alert a Driver that the train was approaching the limit of authority.

After a number of issues had been addressed by the North West Driver Only Operation Working Party, the Chief Executive Officer of QR corresponded to the A.F.U.L.E. confirming QR's position of the implementation of Driver Only Operation on the Mount Isa corridor on Friday 31 March 2000. He also confirmed that implementation would occur with the following systems in place;

• GPS train location displayed in the Townsville Train Control Centre.
• GPS train location displayed to the Driver of a Driver Only Operation train in the Locomotive Cab
• GPS warning to alert the Driver approaching the limit of authority
• QR would provide a system of Driver Only Operation trains that would require the Driver at breaking distance to acknowledge approaching all block limit boards with speed control to 25 kilometres per hour. Should the system not be acknowledged, then the train brakes would be applied
• An Automatic Train Protection type train stop system to be developed by July 2002

With the impending commencement of Driver Only Operation, a tour was undertaken of Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Charters Towers and Townsville to gain feedback from Drivers. This was done on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 March 2000.

After considering all the issues including operational and job security, the general feedback from A.F.U.L.E. Drivers was that they felt confident in their own abilities and responsibilities to implement Driver Only Operation on the corridor. Another factor was that there would be no Driver redundancies due to the introduction of Driver Only Operation on the corridor.

On Friday 31 March 2000, a meeting was held between the RTBU, A.F.U.L.E. and QR to discuss the outcome of the tour and the pending introduction of Driver Only Operation. After lengthy negotiations, a document was signed by the Chief Executive Officer Mr Vince O'Rourke (QR), Mr Paul Sorensen (A.F.U.L.E.) and Mr Les Crofton (RTBU), which contained the following points to facilitate the trials of Driver Only Operation on the corridor;

• Driver Only Operation trial on the Mount Isa line to commence 31 March through to 30 April 2000
• During the trials eight (8) safety audits to be completed by Friday 14 April 2000
• QR, A.F.U.L.E. and RTBU are to meet in the week commencing 17 April 2000 to discuss outcomes and the progress of the Driver Only Operation trials
• Mr P Sorensen, Mr V O'Rourke and Mr L Crofton also confirmed that train crews participating in the Driver Only Operation trials had the full endorsement of their respective Unions

With all parties signing the agreement, the first Driver Only Operation train ran on Friday 31 March 2000 crewed by two RTBU Drivers (one in the passive role) with the sanction of their Union.

The trials continued for 13 days without any major safety issues arising, when at approximately 2000 hours on Wednesday 12 April 2000, I received a phone call from Mr Les Crofton who advised me that the RTBU had made a decision that their train crew members were withdrawing their labour in two (2) hours time, to commence at 0001 hours on Thursday 13 April 2000. My response was that there was insufficient time for me to contact A.F.U.L.E. Councillors, Branch Officials and members to gauge their opinion on showing "like cause" and therefore would be abiding by the document to trial the Driver Only Operation which had been signed by all parties.

I have always respected workers' rights to withdraw their labour in industrial disputes, but sadly the RTBU attempted to put RTBU members against A.F.U.L.E. members in this dispute.

The RTBU set up picket lines, supposedly to inform their train crew members that they were on strike. Instead the real motive was to try and entice A.F.U.L.E. train crew not to report for duty, due to the action taken by the RTBU.

This was rather odd, as RTBU members such as Rail Operators, Administration Officers, Shunters , Station Staff, etc were openly welcomed to cross the 'Claytons' picket line and report for duty, but A.F.U.L.E. members were frowned upon.

In my books, it is a very low act for one Union to put workers against workers in a dispute such as this. This is even more so when Drivers and Guards live in the same communities and work with each other on a daily basis.

The unity shown by train crew from both unions in the recent Enterprise Agreement 4 dispute has had a huge wedge driven through it by these actions. It makes one wonder what the real reason for the strike was.

Welcome Councillors to the first of the bi annual Divisional Council Meetings for the new Millennium.

As you are aware, there has been a number of issues which will have an impact on the A.F.U.L.E. over the next 6 months.

Earlier this year, a number of State and Local positions were open for election and I would like to congratulate those who were successful in filling those vacancies. In particular Byron Davidson who now sits at the Council table as the No. 2 District Representative.

Locomotives

Locomotive serviceability still continues to be an issue for train crew across the State.

In 1999 after a three (3) year process, the A.F.U.L.E. achieved a breakthrough in gaining a written agreement between operations (CMF and MARS), Rollingstock Maintenance and the Union.

This agreement specifies a minimum standard for all Locomotives entering traffic from a servicing point. If this minimum is not met, the Locomotive does not go into traffic. Whilst there has been some confusion and misunderstanding over minor issues, the bottom line is, the agreement is in place and agreed by QR.

Unfortunately some Locomotives are entering traffic without the necessary equipment checks being carried out. What this means is that fellow train crew then have to work in substandard conditions.

I believe it is an issue that requires the Union to promote the serviceability agreement and ensure that all drivers work in a reasonable environment.

May Day

Thank you to all members who participated in the May Day 2000 celebrations of Trade Unions across Queensland.

Each year more depots have become involved in the May Day celebrations in their local area.

Office Relocation

The Union has a new office under contract at present. The resumption of the Mayne Plaza by the Brisbane City Council for the 'Inner City By-Pass' has necessitated this change.

It is hoped that the relocation will occur in July, with some disruption expected by the move.

Joy Markovic

When I first took office in 1995, I was introduced to an employee named Joy Smith. In June 1996 I subsequently attended the wedding between Joy and Peter Markovic. Joy has now chosen a new and far more important career - that being motherhood.

Joy has advised that she will be resigning from the Union as of Monday 31 July 2000. I am sure that I speak for all at this table and for those who have been associated with Joy as our Membership Officer, that the Union will lose a fine employee. Joy has been with the A.F.U.L.E. for over ten (10) years.

I wish Joy and Peter and their new addition much happiness and prosperity now and into the future.

In Closing

In conclusion I must reinforce to the officers and rank and file of this Union that the continued push for reforms will continue. QR will seek to progress many difficult issues all under their guise of 'competition'.

Train crew will continue to have management pushing for change and not because it improves the operation, but just to have change for changes sake. It has been made clear to this Union that while QR will pursue a number of reforms over the next 12 - 18 months, it will be the role of the Union to ensure that train crew are able to manage the changes. I am even more sceptical of the future of QR operations when the changes being sought by management usually involve staff reductions as the first option.

Operation numbers are now stretched to cover current work loads and contracts, without any thought of maintaining existing levels of employment. I am sure many would have anecdotal evidence of dissatisfied customers caused by staff level deficiency. It seems a case now where we have to many chiefs and not enough Indians.

The A.F.U.L.E. is committed to ensuring that the best outcomes are achieved for members and also for the long term job security of train crew.

I would like to welcome everybody to our first Divisional Council Meeting for the new Millennium and indeed, the first Divisional Council Meeting under the new format.

I have been made aware of the opinions from a number of Branch Officials and members about the new format for Divisional Council Meetings. That's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, a decision needed to be made that reflected direction for the future and I believe the decision we made is the right one - of course only time will tell. In saying this, I also have no doubts that this decision making body will address any future changes to the current format and the correct decision based upon evaluated information will be made.

What is important, regardless of the format in place, is that we maintain a focus upon the functions of this body which is to plan the direction of our Union, set into place objectives and strategies, make informed decisions that benefit the organisation as a whole, provide to the members an organisation which is professional and committed to their well being and be prepared to examine and evaluate our direction and implement any changes which meets our objectives.

Since our last Divisional Council Meeting in November 1999, a number of issues have risen, firstly the activities surrounding the final outcome of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4 negotiations and secondly, the emergence of third party operators in direct competition to QR.

The dispute that was generated out of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4 negotiation process I believe, has caused some irreversible damage to the working relationship between this Union and QR. However, in saying this, the dispute needed to happen and I believe both organisations had nowhere else to go. We all know the outcome, neither party achieved their desired result, but that's the way things happen. One thing is for certain, a 'yes' vote was the best result, having to rely upon the Industrial Relations Commission for an arbitrated decision that favoured our cause would have left this Union and members high and dry.

Our next hurdle will be the negotiations surrounding the Train Crew Agreement 2000. The entire process will not be easy and we would be fooling ourselves if we believe it will be. However, what is important is that we need to keep focussed on an outcome that will benefit this organisation and members for the long term.

The emergence of FreightCorp on the scene I believe, took quite a few members by surprise. Not so much in the fact that another company was preparing to compete in Queensland for coal haulage, it was more the enormity of the proposed operational plan being devised by FreightCorp. By October 2001, QR could be in direct competition with another rail operator. An operator with vast experience in coal haulage and with a tremendous amount of strategic support and vision. We will be seeing FreightCorp Locomotives hauling trains in central Queensland on corridors and into ports, side by side with QR trains.

We can all be assured that the enormity of the situation will hit home and hit home hard. More importantly to note here, is not so much the entry of this operator, it is more the 'foot in the door' scenario, which has the capabilities of threatening our entire existence.

Our industry is indeed changing and at an extremely fast past, this organisation needs to adopt the approach of flexibility to move with the changes. QR will be preparing to compete and maintain market share, this will no doubt mean reform in how their operations are carried out and some of this reform will impact upon our members.

How we as an organisation face this challenge will be reliant upon the course of action we take. What I mean by the organisation is, every one of us who pay membership fees. This body will be directed by the membership. What needs to happen is that the membership needs to be fully aware of the issues and consequences and they need to make a decision and direct us. Lets not fool ourselves, we will be asked to make some important decisions and we all need to look deep inside ourselves and be prepared to ask some very demanding questions. Questions which will require answers that come from looking outside the square, looking beyond the norm and viewing the issue as a make or break situation. I am firmly of the opinion that we are fast approaching our crossroads and the direction we take will impact upon this organisation and its members for some time to come.

We need to forget the rhetoric, learn from the past, tend to the present and to the future and concentrate on representing our members and be able to provide them with an avenue to improve their long-term prospects.

The future is now upon us.

Welcome Councillors to the first Divisional Council Meeting of the Millennium. The A.F.U.L.E. has already been at the forefront of some very hot issues this year, with the renewal of the Enterprise Agreement and Driver Only Operations in Dark Territory.

Enterprise Agreement 4

I believe our State Officials have once again gained for us a more than acceptable deal. I would like to remind people that on the issue of payment, we were not only dealing with QR, but also the State Government. The fact that we had our payments backdated and a Goods and Service Tax clause inserted is definitely in my books - a win.

Driver Only Operation in Dark Territory

I am still mystified by the stance taken by the RTBU two weeks into the trials. The trials are continuing with the proposal of an implementation on 27 May 2000. There are still several issues that I want fully discussed at this Council before we accept an implementation.

I would like to thank all A.F.U.L.E. Representatives for their assistance on this very delicate issue. I believe we have gained the best possible outcome, on what could have very easily been, a 'no-win' situation for all Drivers if the A.F.U.L.E.'s cool heads had not prevailed.

Cairns

This depot is undergoing major changes with more to come as the year progresses.

A Private Operator is due to start running a steam hauled tourist service to Kuranda and QRX are looking at relocating a lot of their services from Woree. We are still unsure of the exact impact this will have, as there are still several options being discussed.

As a Union we must attempt to maintain as much local work as possible. I will be asking our State Officials for assistance on this as it progresses further.

Townsville

The motel in Cairns is up for renewal of its contract at the end of May 2000 and expressions of interest will be called. With any luck we may find a Motel where the management are more inclined to treat train crew as human beings and not say; "But the bill is paid by QR".

We will be giving all train crew who work into Cairns a vote on this issue once we receive offers from other Motels. Please use your vote wisely, as we will be locked into the contract for three (3) years. After six years in the same Motel, the old saying; "A change is as good as a holiday" may apply. I personally would like to move to a more central location.

The only other issue besides Driver Only Operation that concerns Townsville is that the Employee Management System is being used, I believe incorrectly for issues that do not warrant it. I was always told that the process was to ascertain the reasons for the problems and rectify these, not look to blame people, which is what is occurring. If this continues, we will be left with no option but to ask for assistance from outside organisations.

QR often tell us that the best way to fix problems is not with an aggressive attitude, but to try and work our way through our problems, maybe they should train some of their lower level managers to practice what they preach.

Trials are again being undertaken at Cobarra to attempt to leave the Locomotives on the trains, this is becoming a practise that someone new must find every few years in an attempt to climb the ladder. The same problems are raised every time, so with the University doing tests on the amount of pressure through Whiplash etc placed on the Drivers, we may be able to put this issue to rest once and for all.

Pring

The Minutes of the Pring Driver Only Operation meetings etc; are being sent to our State Officials and this appears to be doing well. The local issues are being handled through the OCC's etc and recently they received further training by undergoing an Employee Management System course.

One issue that Cliff Sexton (Secretary Pring) is monitoring, is train handling with the removal of the "B" brakes from the consists. This means that Drivers will have to retrain themselves in train handling. QR have also been advised that with the removal of the "B" brakes and if Driver Only Operation comes into Abbotts Point, Drivers will not be leaving the Locomotives.

The issue of an increase in payment will also need to be discussed prior to commencement of Driver Only Operation.

Charters Towers

This depot is experiencing problems with attempting to get quality leisure time. Twelve (12) days off in eight weeks is not enough, especially when your working Driver Only Operation with under eight hours off. This Union must address this issue.

Whenever we get a diagram worked out that has quality hours in it on the day, a Controller changes the workings and you lose hours. Once a roster is posted, it should not be altered at the whim and fancy of a Controller. A letter from the State Office to QR to that affect is required. The proposal to work back under eight (8) hours off that was done by myself appears to be okay to this depot.

Hughenden

At recent meetings the quality of accommodation available to both families and single persons was raised. This is an issue that affects all western depots. QR says; "Why not include the coastal towns as well?", Fine by me! The bottom line is, QR must offer some sort of incentive to people to start a new life in an isolated town. Good quality cheap accommodation goes a long way towards achieving this. This issue has been discussed, along with other western incentive packages for 18 months now and it's time for action.

Another item is life membership for Pat Hawkins Senior. There were some other issues, but Ashley Tolcher and myself met with Mr C Grant, Mr M Lindenberg and Mr C Kelly on Monday 15 May 2000 and hopefully resolved these. I would like to thank Ashley for giving up his time off to do this. This is the sort of thing that makes this Union special, the people who are willing to sacrifice their time to assist the Union's cause. They deserve more credit and respect from members than they get.

Cloncurry

This depot has come up with some suggestions that warrant discussion, one of these is the possibility of having the option to bank BLP's in lieu of payment. The issue of Superannuation was raised, with many insurance companies considering train crew to be high risk for salary protection schemes. This is another reason why we must ensure we get the best possible Superannuation scheme for our members.

Cloncurry has a requirement for the standard of accommodation to be upgraded, with a new influx of Drivers due soon.

Another issue for discussion is that with the new houses, QR are also paying for telephone connection, whilst this is greatly appreciated - as it can be quite expensive, the question has been asked; "Could QR reimburse train crew who have paid for their own connections in the last 3 - 4 years?".

The lack of local crews being booked on in this depot is creating problems. QR must realise that they require crews on, even if at times they only do a few hours work on some shifts. Maybe we should be exerting more pressure on QR through the Industrial Relations Commission for any breaches of shift length.

Mount Isa

This depot is in a 'no-win' situation with regards to working back from Cloncurry under eight (8) hours. I have represented this depot previously on excessive lay off's in Cloncurry. It is the way the trains run that makes it so difficult.

I have discussed with both Troy Webber (Secretary) and Gavin Masters (Chairperson), the options available and we have come up with what we believe is the best solution, which I will table at Council for further discussion.

Conclusion

In closing I wish to say that unless something foreseen occurs, Driver Only Operation in Dark Territory will be implemented. We must ensure that QR adhere to the timeframes they have given us on the implementation of the train stop technology etc.

The State Office should enforce the 'Don't leave the Locomotive on Driver Only Operation trains, until all sleepers, railway line and grass etc; have been cleared and maintained'.

I would also like to see the whole western corridor covered by the one set of rules when it comes to working back under eight hours off, this makes it harder for QR to manipulate rostering.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to this Council meeting and also to thank every member who voted for me in the No. 2 district.

We are coming to the end of the financial year and the old tax system that we thought we knew and a new tax system called the GST, which nobody knows anything about will be in its place. We as Union delegates will have to monitor this new system very carefully, so our members will not be worse off than they are.

There are a lot of people within QR who have applied for Voluntary Early Retirement that has been offered and are still waiting to be told if they were successful or not so they can plan their future.

The members from my area also want to know if the position of Proxy No. 2 will be called and voted on.

Moranbah

QR is trying again to get these people to relocate so they can close down another depot. Some want to move, but others don't because they have already been shifted once before.

Dysart

This depot has concerns about average shift lengths coming down, because they are changing with Coppabella crews who are running a shuttle service in the whole system.

Coppabella

They have been told by their managers that they will work 11 hours then book a meal. They want Councillors advice on this matter.

Rockhampton

Dave Mitchell tells me everything in his depot is going alright, they try and fix everything at local level.

Jilalan

This depot also has concerns regarding their average cycle times being brought down by what the Coppabella shuttle service is doing.

Since rail operators have taken over the job of Examiners, there is now a lot of bad air leaks in their trains. A reaccreditation every 12 months should be done on these staff members, as they are not performing these duties continuously and very little training was given to these staff members before they started performing the tasks.

Casey Douce and Gary Brickwood are working with the General Manager, Operations, Mr John Keogh to try and develop yet another diagram for this depot.

There are big concerns regarding Driver Only Operation, if more is introduced into the Goonyella system a lot of crews will lose their jobs.

Mark Lalor would like to thank the State Secretary, Paul Sorensen for sending up shirts and caps for the Labour Day March. The Jilalan branch meeting called for a Committee to organise a larger A.F.U.L.E. presence next year.

I would also like to give my condolences to Casey Douce on the sudden loss of his mother.

Welcome to our first Divisional Council Meeting for 2000. As we progress into the next century, we as the elected heads of our respective divisions must ensure that we keep the Union movement alive and strong and strive to meet the needs of the people we represent, to stem the ever growing changes that are being forced upon us.

Third Party Access

I'm sure everyone is aware of the threat that third party access poses, but we must not be pushed into making rash decisions to justify the bad business management that has allowed the situation to be where it is today.

Medicals

A number of issues have been forwarded to me by members which have, I feel great merit, that being Faecal Haemoglobin Test being included in our medicals. I am told that other major employee groups in the industry at Gladstone, have this test and to date, have been successful in detecting colon polyps that left undetected, could turn cancerous. I feel that due to our differing work attendance times, irregular meals and lack of available toilet facilities, that this test could prove to be of great advantages to train crew and could be introduced on choice basis.

Bank Fees and Charges

The fees and charges that are imposed on us by almost all banking institutions have reached a stage where they are making a considerable dent in our take home pay - which at a cost-saving to QR, is electronically banked. I feel that at a State level, we should lobby management to share this saving and to include an allowance to cover the ever increasing fees and charges.

Train Crew Agreement

To date the new Train Crew Agreement is obviously still in limbo, so when negotiations restart, these items that have been mentioned should be given every consideration. The current policy regarding no forced transfers or redundancies may not be extended after the end of this year. We may well have to address the position of our health failures and drivers that may be affected with the fast approaching Driver Only Operation in dark territory.

As a Union we can not budge on our stand of extended hours and keep QR to their commitment not to run Driver Only Operation in CTC areas, without a proper 'train stop' as stated in 8.3.7 in the QR Train Crew Industrial Agreement.

Gladstone

There has been a lot of changes in Gladstone since our last Council. After a lot of discussion and meetings, Gladstone received a category increase, this did not come without a price tag, but after a lot of negotiations I feel that the final outcome was a win in sort to train crew in Gladstone.

The 4000 Class Locomotives are being introduced into our Locomotive fleet, in all after the bugs are ironed out, these should prove to be very good Locomotives.

A Driver Only Operation trial was to run on coal trains in the Blackwater system, but after a negative response and lack of State support, this trial has been put on the back burner. The main concerns in the depot was the absence of a proper train stop and job security.

Another provisioning shed, the commencement of a balloon loop at Barney Point and a new diagram. The Driver In Charge has asked for representation for obtaining a motor vehicle that can be utilised for himself and train crew priorities outside spare travel and the issue of footwear to be provided back at a local level.

Bluff

Bluff as usual is a depot that goes about its every day chores with little problems. A push pull trial with two Locomotives front and rear at one of mines without a loop has proven to be a success, this trial was originally to be Driver Only Operation, but through protests it was manned with two drivers.

The depot is still waiting for a new diagram, this has been put on hold until it is known what impact the separation package will have on the depot. I was also informed that the Labour Day March in Blackwater was a success.

Emerald

Danny Murphy has resigned for personal reasons as Secretary of the Emerald branch. I personally would like to thank Danny for all the help and guidance he has given me in matters concerning Emerald and would like to see him stay active in the Union movement.

There seems to be some concerns regarding resignations from local positions and the procedures for electing new office bearers.

A couple of changes have occurred in Emerald, with the introduction on a smaller scale of self driving and provisioning of Locomotives.

Alpha

The shunt tractor in Blackall was removed and there was some concern that it was not to be replaced, but due to extra shunting one has been placed there and at this stage, it is not clear if it will be temporary or permanent.

A new timetable has been produced with shorter hours, but this also has been met with an unfavourable outcome, with a big wool season predicted, both of the above may have an impact on train crew working in Alpha.

Through consultation with the roster co-ordinator for the Alpha depot, success has been achieved while increasing their BLP's in the 8 week cycle, which has made social life a lot more acceptable for the Alpha train crew.

Longreach

After the floods at Longreach they tell me the country has never looked better.

On the railway side of things all has been quiet, with work on the Winton quarters finally underway and Noel Hart has attended a health and safety course, so now we have a representative from the running men's grade.

Stock seems to be running so lets hope this brings some extra work to Longreach.

Welcome Councillors to the first Divisional Council Meeting for the year 2000. The year began with all the fireworks befitting a new century. But it didn't take long for us to realise that once the fanfare was over, all the frustrating issues from last year were still very real. Job security, workplace reform, low morale in the workplace (demonstrated by the number of applicants for the latest VER's package) to name a few. Also the continual lack of cooperation between train crew and middle management, who persist in their endeavours to erode train crews' conditions. This indicates that the next 12 months will see many issues confronting this Union and our members.

Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4

The new EBA has been signed off and shall remain in force until 31 December 2001. This agreement represented a combined Union effort, resulting in a State Wide stoppage for Union members in QR. We were not only battling QR, but also the State Government who apparently had set a benchmark for Union wage increases in the public workforce.

Whether we think we achieved adequate compensation for the increase in inflation and what we will most probably experience during the life of this agreement is debatable. But we did make it quite clear to QR that a united Union movement can still mount a successful industrial campaign.

Train Crew Agreement

Negotiations on our new agreement are at a standstill. We have been disappointed with what has transpired so far, as it has been some time since all parties have convened. It appears that QR's emphasis is still on increasing productivity, operational performance and the extended working hours for all train crew, offering little in the way of compensation. Members will be kept up to date on further developments.

Cab Committee Report

The latest report from the Cab Committee has not been encouraging to our members on the North Coast. With budget constraints effecting the upgrade of the 3900 and 1720 Class Locomotives. These Locomotives have had next to nothing spent on them for years, so to see them possibly overlooked for an upgrade is not acceptable.

Problems associated with these Locomotives are old seats, VHF radio, hot plates and leaky and noisy windows and fridges. These Locomotives need improvements now, not when a manager thinks they do. Once again Drivers' working conditions come a poor second in QR.

Gympie

31 March 2000 saw the closure of Gympie as a train crewing depot. A send off was held for all employees and was attended by friends from far and wide. Some crews chose to take VER, while some relocated to other depots. The stability of the Gympie depot had been an unresolved issue for some years, with QR unable to advise crews of their future.

But this is now another chapter in QR's history. Over the past 25 years, I have worked into the depot and worked with most of these workmates and in the later years, served as their Divisional Councillor. I thank them for their experience and enjoyment on the footplate. I wish those mates who took the VER a long and healthy retirement and for those who relocated, a happy and secure future.

Maryborough

Archie Bissett our past Vice President, life member and Branch Official retired on 23 March 2000. Archie had over 50 years service in QR and was a member of the A.F.U.L.E. for 47 years. His fellow workmates past and present attended a morning tea send off and a social gathering for drinks, which was heartedly enjoyed by everyone.

We wish Arch as much enjoyment in his retirement as he found during his railway career.

QR recently conducted a review of the Maryborough depot to point out inefficiencies in the workplace and the possible implementation of DOO shunt. This review coincided with the latest VER's package being offered, which a large percentage of station staff have applied for. If the outcome shows that all these applicants are accepted, then QR's sole purpose was DOO shunt by stealth, if so the review should have been carried out by Coal and Mainline Freight, not Metropolitan Freight and Regional Services.

It will be interesting to see if the result is contradictory to the report complied by Percy Hanlon in 1995/96.

Quarters

QR plan to build new quarters at Fisherman's Island to accommodate train crew from Bundaberg, Maryborough and Toowoomba.

Whilst the plans presented by the architect are acceptable after consultation over a few issues, the idea of housing train crew at Fisherman's Island is totally unacceptable. There are no facilities where crews can purchase food and vegies or any other necessities they may require and they would feel incarcerated being confined in this inhospitable place.

Perhaps MARS' middle management are too small minded to embrace these everyday needs that normal people take for granted. Again what can one expect when these people have never had to use quarters as a second home.

A simple solution would be to erect new quarters at Wynnum on railway land, where we would be close to shops and a railway station. It would then only take 10 minutes in a car to Fisherman's Island to pick up the train.

Bundaberg

With QR preparing to utilise 2800 Class Locomotives on the North Coast from Rockhampton to Fisherman's Island, Bundaberg branch would like a 2800 Class Locomotive to be placed in Bundaberg, so the depot can have hands-on tuition before these Locomotives start working trains on the main line.

The depot would like to know when QR intends to close the Mayne quarters, with the dispute over Fisherman's Island quarters far from being resolved. If they have to vacate these quarters nothing has been done about suitable temporary accommodation.

With the recent fall-out from the Tilt Train derailment at Baffle, one issue that was prominent in the depots was the disregard by QR to the extended hours worked by train crew. Whether this was caused by a lack of manpower, or control clerks not concerned about the long hours, they made futile attempts to provide relief staff. I think these issues should be answered by QR. They appear to throw train crew conditions out the window when the word 'emergency' is mentioned.

Gayndah

As always this depot is working along quiet and steady. They are disappointed that QR seems likely to put a hold on the upgrade of the 1720 Class Locomotives. Once again the management that make these discussions never have to work on these run down, noisy Locomotives.

The branch line is expecting a major track upgrade this year, with approximately 30,000 sleepers to be replaced between Mungar and Monto, which will also require ballast trains to finish off.

Finally I would like to congratulate Byron Davidson and Allan Roebig on their success in the recent election.

Welcome Councillors and welcome Byron Davidson who has become the No. 2 Divisional Councillor and congratulations to Allan Roebig for attaining the No. 2 Proxy Divisional Councillor position.

BNF

BNF drivers who have been appointed to Citytrain have received a date to take up. It seems strange that QR, who desperately wanted to close the depot, have taken so long to release these drivers. In addition Citytrain managers have let Citytrain drivers take VER's, with the end result of the Roster Officers struggling to fill the sheet. They tell me there is a lot of cutting and pasting going on to fill the rostered jobs.

Ipswich

Citytrain managers have had two meetings at this depot to explain the loss of work out of the depots. Ipswich will be reduced from 40 down to 36 sets, with a commitment not to reduce further sets. No amount of talk seems to be able to change the minds of management to listen to the concerns of the crews in regard to job loses.

At the meetings train crew would like to see AR sets stationed at Ipswich during the two peak periods. Managers flatly refused, we will continue to push for these crews.

Shorncliffe

Our commitment remains to return Shorncliffe back to eight sets, with the capacity to once again stow units. At present we have a petition doing the rounds and after walking the beat on Saturday 20 May 2000, I can tell you there is a lot of support for this depot within the Sandgate and Shorncliffe community. Numerous people tapped us on the back and wished us all the best with our fight.

We have three letters on the Transport Ministers desk waiting to be answered on this matter. As I keep telling everyone at the Shorncliffe depot, this fight will be sustained and prolonged until we get the desired result.

Petrie

Petrie will be down to two Drivers and three Guards after September 2000, which leads for an interesting roster. Once again we have been in touch with the local member there and we will see how good she is.

The A.F.U.L.E. has been pushing to run extra out of peak services in a bid to increase jobs and to enhance the public transport system, but management continue to re-sit - I thought it was supposed to be the other way around.

Beenleigh

Amenities have been costed at $100,000 and are waiting for approval. The Train Crew Manager is positive about getting approval for them. There is a meeting regarding the Amenities set down for 25 June 2000.

Rosters

On the subject of rosters, it is in the Train Crew Agreement that new rosters should be posted four weeks prior to implementation. This has never happened in Citytrain one would hope with a new roster out in September 2000, the planning is well advanced for an August showing.

A.F.U.L.E. Committees

Everyone seems to like the new cab seats, so I would like to say good work to the Cab Committee. Also I would like to thank Dennis Woodman for his work on the Health and Safety Committee. Dennis has decided to pass the role on to someone else. Danny McClurg has also resigned form the Mayne Holiday Roster Committee due to his move to Manly. Thanks for your work Dan.

New Members

More Drivers and Guards have joined the A.F.U.L.E., so the RTBU should be putting the normal rubbish out and complaining about Guards joining the 'Best Train Crew Union in Australia'. Also there has been some concerns raised by new members regarding bills being sent by the RTBU, seems the 'comrades' just can't let go. It is concerning to the people who receive the bills totalling some hundreds of dollars.

Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer tells us we all should pull together to grow the business and we find buses running the extra services between Caboolture and Nambour. Buses will replace the off peak service Corinda and Yerongpilly. The extra service we have been proposing for Gympie looks like a goer, but guess what it will be? …. A bus. I thought we were running a railway.

Labour Government

Some members have expressed concerns at the comments made by the Premier in relation to the strike on the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. After his comments and the subsequent politicians pay rise, members have asked the question whether our affiliation fees to the ALP can be better utilised in the service of the members.

Bank Fees and Charges

Some members are becoming disgruntled at the amount of fees incurred by banks when depositing our pays, maybe it is time we ask; 'Are we entitled to be paid in cash if desired?

I would like to welcome everyone to the first Divisional Council Meeting for the year.

Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4 Dispute

What a night it was when it was announced that the rail unions were having a 48 hour stoppage. I'm sure everyone has a story to tell. The personnel that were on hand to answer the phones at the office deserve a good pat on the back. The phone was running hot for hours and I'm sure every call was answered.

There are people saying that the strike was a waste of time because we didn't gain anything. This is not true. We gained back pay from January 2000, a GST clause and the other 3% was brought forward to January 2001. I certainly hope that the people who didn't go on strike, think of the strikers when they acquire the pay rises that were gained.

The one thing that was learnt from the stoppage was not to return to work early, even if you are ordered back, because QR will only penalise you for doing the right thing by not paying you for all the hours that you worked. I hope train crew have long memories if there is ever another stoppage.

Driver Only Operation between Ipswich and Toowoomba

This has been ongoing for some time and it will be introduced some time in the future. There are still problems with Automatic Train Protection and items that unions put forward eg; signals to be altered, mileage pegs upgraded and emergency procedures.

These things will have to be done before Driver Only Operation can be introduced. The longer QR 'pussy foot' around with these issues, the longer it will take to introduce. I can't help but feel there is something QR hasn't come out with yet. I think it has something to do with putting depots up a category. They could take some depots off this corridor so they don't have to pay the higher category and work the corridor with one depot.

Labour Day March

We had another successful day, plenty to eat and drink and I think everyone went home happy with the day. A very special thanks to the cook, helpers and to the float builders - without their help, the day wouldn't have been such a big success.

This year we had a float, it was a utility truck done up to look like a Locomotive, which was towing a trailer for the kids to sit in. It didn't win the trophy for the best float, but by all accounts it should have better luck next year. A special thanks to Dale Langley for allowing us to use his utility truck for the Labour Day float.

Acacia Ridge

This depot has big problems with their new fuelling point and provisioning area. It has taken a lot of pushing and shoving to just get a mini sand spider, which hasn't been installed to date. QR has only got to 29 May 2000 to install this spider or train crew will be withdrawing from the present sanding agreement.

The branch asked if the State President or State Secretary could visit Acacia Ridge to inspect the present fuelling point and provisioning area. An inspection and Union Branch meeting is to be held on 4 June 2000.

BNF

17 July 2000 is the date that this depot will be closing. The remaining train crew will be released to take up at Citytrain on this date at last.

Fisherman's Island

Congratulations to Allan Roebig for being elected to the position of Branch Secretary and the No. 6 Proxy District Councillor. Fisherman's Island has held a very successful branch meeting, I am sure it is the first of many. Keep up the good work.

I can see trouble brewing with the new train crew quarters QR are intending to build at Fisherman's Island.

Ipswich

This depot has the same problems as the other depots with keeping the stores up to date and getting grass cut in areas. They are still hoping to get a call car to run the crews around.

Enterprise Agreement Tour

I have previously sent a summary of my observations of the tours to the State Office, but I think it may be appropriate for us all to consider the outcomes from this tour.

During the tour, only a minimal number of train crew were available to attend, so any future agreement tours will have to maximise train crew attendants. I was able to notify all branches throughout my division of the industrial action to be taken and after some hasty arrangements, all members were able to be returned home.

Other grades and other unions expressed serious concerns about the lack of notice and information on the stoppage. Therefore, many worked. I noticed throughout the tour that there were areas of many non Union workers, which was noticeable especially in the infrastructure crew and many questioned the value of belonging to a Union.

Most meetings supported the idea of a flat dollar increase as opposed to percentage increases and questioned the value of the consortium membership. During the tour, I came across information on a 'sick leave bank' conducted by the Queensland Police. This idea may be worthwhile for QR unions to follow up.

GST

Very few throughout the No. 7 district are looking forward to the GST or can see anything in the Federal budget that will be of significant benefit to them. Money is being thrown at roads to take B-Doubles and road trains. In the future they will have to throw barrel loads of money at road safety and road repairs.

DTC Training

Around the depots things have been reasonably quiet. Charleville, Roma and Goondiwindi have been undergoing re accreditations and ATP training. Roma depot is soon to start DTC training. DTC should commence in Toowoomba and Roma in the next couple of months.

Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi is still wondering as to whether they will be given a category increase and they are awaiting the appointment of several trainee drivers. I don't know what happened to the district meetings that were to be held, but agenda items submitted are being slowly dealt with.

Toowoomba

We are experiencing communication problems in Toowoomba with a lack of notice of meetings or extremely short notice. I have been told it is only a breakdown in communication, but if it continues, we will be forced to take some extreme actions.

Discussion is continuing on DOO Toowoomba - Ipswich with standing on the 'auto' brake, ATP, communication, emergency procedures and risk assessments of driver leaving the Locomotive still to be discussed.

I would also like to thank the State President and other A.F.U.L.E. members who attended the Toowoomba Labour Day celebrations.

Quarters at Fisherman's Island

At a recent meeting, the topic of quarters at Fisherman's Island was discussed, where QR noted the isolation to facility and stated that they will discuss some ideas and inform us of the outcome.

Fuel Truck

In Toowoomba in the past few weeks, QR have instigated a Fuel Truck, (Roma now has a mainline fuel point) and has been investigating trains entering the Toowoomba Marshalling Yard. The results of this are to come.

Two Driver Operation

Toowoomba has requested that the topic of lack of Locomotives fitted with DTC and non TDO Locomotive working trains be addressed. Problems continue with being able to obtain route tuition for drivers and I hope that things will improve, as it benefits everybody if all drivers were route competent in all routes.

Problems have arisen in Meandarra recently where relief pool were residing in the quarters and we hope to resolve this shortly.

A recent newspaper article has a coal mine being established at Acland, with the coal being trucked to Oakey and railed from there. I suppose only the future will tell if this goes ahead.

Depot Morale

I think that it is time a Circular regarding Rule, 18 (3) be circulated to all branches. At this point in time, all depots are somewhat fearful of what their future holds, but I believe any speculation of depot closure will only harm all depots and create disharmony. If disharmony is unproductive, my district must be unproductive as many people are unhappy in the job. My opinion of this is lack of direction, uncertain future and poor management.

Workplace Representatives

Merv Winwood

There seems to be a lot of misconception amongst train crew, that if an issue is raised at a Cab Committee meeting, then it will automatically be approved by QR. This also seems to apply to local Cab Committee Representatives and Branch Committees. As you are only too well aware, the attitude of QR at the moment is Cut, Cut, Cut.

At the meeting to be held on 24 May 2000, we expect to be told that there will be a significant curtailment in the modification program. Another issue that is to raise it's head again, is the bottle water for train crews. Russell Young has been told that QR would like to trial a 5 litre bladder type arrangement for cabs. This is stupid as there would not be enough room in the fridge for crews to place their food. This issue we feel would better handled by the State Office as an industrial issue, as past objections have not been treated seriously by QR.

The Cab Committee has reached a point where more depot specific issues are being handled through 'modification meetings' eg; 3900 at Rockhampton, 2800 at Townsville and the more recent 2300's at Redbank. The MARS group was a bit reluctant to become involved, but after assurances that any modification that was discussed had to be presented to the full Cab Committee for approval they agreed. I believe the 2300 meeting was informative for both parties.

I would like to ask Divisional Councillors to stress to Drivers the importance of completing the Serviceability Certificate. Especially the faults area and forward this to the RDC or ring him. The area in which to log faults is on the Serviceability Certificate and Drivers must make an effort to log faults and report them to the RDC. This record through RDC goes some way to making our job easier when arguing about delays to repairs.

Trials are currently under way to choose an alternative to the current Bremshey seat. This will not replace the Bremshey, but simply be an alternative in the event of a lack of supply. We need train crews to complete the form supplied and forward them to the fax number contained on the form. QR's preferred seat is the KAB seat, primarily because of the financial offer. KAB have offered a lease program that will see a new seat replace an existing KAB seat every 12 to 18 months, whichever is agreed to. So if we do not complete the forms, we will almost certainly get this seat.

In the last 12 months that I have been a member of the Cab Committee, I have only been contacted by one Branch Cab Committee Representative in Hughenden. There has been many complaints doing the rounds about the performance of the Committee. The old saying really is true, "you are only as good as your members". We gladly accept constructive criticism, but some form of input is also required that has a realistic chance of achieving some success for us all because we all have to work in this industry together.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this today.