AFULE State Office
Suite 45 Level 8 'K' Tower
269 Wickham Street
Fortitude Valley

The Divisional Council Meeting meeting of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, Queensland, was held at the AFULE State Office situated at Suite 45 Level 8 'K' Tower 269 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley on 19 and 20 March 2002, commencing at 09:00 hours.

Mr Shayne Ware declared the meeting open at 09:00 hours.

A minutes silence was observed in recognition of the passing of AFULE members Mr Clifton Wagg (Rockhampton), Mrs Cynthia Wolf, wife of member (Beenleigh), Mr Jason Windeatt (Townsville) and Mr Elliot Lloyd (Cairns).

HOURS OF SITTING

SALE OF NATIONAL RAIL and FREIGHT CORP.

On 1 February 2002, the sale of National Rail and Freight Corp was announced. A condition of the sale was that no Government Owned Corporation (QR) was eligible to compete for the parcel, either separately or in partnership with private interests, so much for the so-called "level playing field".

The successful bidder was a consortium involving Lang Corporation and the Tell Groups.

Another condition of the sale was that employees of both Freight Corp and National Rail be given security of employment for a 3 year period. Corrigan who heads the consortium stated in the press that this will not stop or hinder the National Rail Consortium, eliminating duplication or introducing efficiencies during the 3 year period.

One of the most notable aspects of the sale was the absence of any political or public outrage over the sale of the National Rail carrier. Unlike the political and public debate being fuelled by Howard's desire to fully privatise Telstra, the National carrier went on the selling block without even a whimper.

Welcome all to our first sitting of the term and 2002. Firstly I would like to congratulate Shane, Bob, George and Darryl on their victories and extend a warm welcome to the council table.

For those who ran for a position at state or local level and lost I also offer my thanks to you for your enthusiasms and participation, because without you there wouldn't be an Election. And I also ask that you do not loose heart or desire to be apart of this great organization, for with any union movement, sporting team, local organization and a 100 other positions competition breeds competitiveness, hard work and keeps those elected on their toes, makes them work harder and appreciate their positions. Without you the whole movement looses desire and enthusiasm. The next 3years will come and go quickly so stay involved in some capacity and when the next election term comes around throw your hat in the ring and encourage others to do the same for I'm sure the calibre of members we have many would be deserving and capable of doing any position they wish to pursue.

Bob Stewart and myself have recently completed a State Tour of the No3 Division with attendances at these meetings was very pleasing. So to the members in other divisions around the state when your state officials visit your area make the effort to attend these meetings, come along and air your grievances and offer advise, for your involvement and participation is greatly appreciated and gives the state officials more insight into what's happening in your area.

In closing, I would like to offer best wishes and a happy retirement to Mr and Mrs Bob Eisentrager. Bob is our local Secretary in Longreach and on the 17th April 2002 Bob will be 65 amassing an incredible 50 years and 21 days employment in QR. Well done Bob.

Welcome Councillors new and old to the first Divisional Council Meeting of 2002.
Welcome also to our newly appointed President and Vice President. We have a big three years ahead of us, and we must work together for the good of all AFULE members.

It is with much sadness that I note the passing of two of your members in the NO.1 Division, the first being Jason Windeatt from Townsville who passed away under tragic circumstances on January 16th, and then the loss of another, not only a member but also a friend since Hughenden in 1989, and later Cairns, David Lloyd, who passed away on March 5th. Both of these men were great Traincrew, as well as great people and will be sadly missed by all who knew them.

QR management are always going on about how good trainmen get it, maybe the time has come for them to realise the immense pressure that Drivers work under every day of their working lives. This isn't helped by Managements' attitude towards SPAD's; it's always the Drivers who are in the wrong. This Union must bring some pressure to bear on QR and the DOT to get a fairer way of addressing the SPAD investigations, as I am sick of seeing Drivers lives turned around for the worst, while they wait in fear of their future, for a week or more until the investigation is completed.

The next item of interest is that again in the slowest part of the year QR are doing there business reviews in Townsville. The items outlined haven't been discussed with this Union, but I hazard a guess they won't be beneficial to the workers. When the review is completed I will be asking for the support of our State Office to ensure the best result for out members. Why, whenever there is a change of Management do we rehash the same old issues? I realize that changes were required for QR to remain competitive but it's about time that QR tried to regain some moral within the workers. It appears to be one attack on the workers after another. If more time was spent following up on problem issues at all depots and explaining issues to all concerned, then a working report between Union members and QR management may be achieved.

CAIRNS
Recently Cairns had a review done, again no discussion on the outcome but still the loss of a couple of shunts. We must ask what has happened to the consultative process? I will also table some other correspondence from the Cairns Depot. Hopefully the issue of changing trains for road tuition has been successfully worked out, with the same rules re: types of Locos to be used to apply to both depots as it was always supposed too.

PRING
Pring is suffering from work overload at the moment with massive tonnages being moved, this looks to be continuing for some time, some of the work is being absorbed by the Townsville crews working the coal trains to Cabarra. I would also like to thank Jon Wren who as usual is campaigning for the depot to all levels of management and Government on important issues like privatisation and giving Traincrew a level playing field to problems with access in emergencies and poor radio communication making DOO more dangerous than necessary.
Keep up the good work Cliff and Jon.

I will simply include all Western Depots in most of the problems occurring on the corridor as they are the same as before, Rosters, equalisation on hours and reliability on train services. These problems were raised at the RCC on 20-2-02 with promises on meetings being made. These meetings have occurred but there hasn't been any involvement with Traincrew or Union Reps. Again raising the issue of what has happened to consultation with the New Management, they appear to be full of empty promises.

There is a trial planned this month on distributed power utilising two 4000 class loco's, as a change to current work practises. QR should be approached as to what pay increase will be offered. This is supported by a motion from the Cloncurry Branch which will be tabled at Council as this will result in less trains being worked over the entire corridor due to the increase in weight and length. QR have had all levels of Management out looking at the problems over the last few weeks, guess what, they are saying the same thing we have been telling them for 4 years. Following meetings in Mt Isa and Cloncurry last week with R Doyle SDS and me and local members, we may have sorted out some of the ongoing problems. My thanks to all AFULE Reps and Members who attended these meetings in their own time. I will attempt to get more of this sort of meeting occurring as it assists members and makes them realise that they really are not forgotten or being purposefully ignored. It's just hard to get some levels of management to involve them and Unions at all.

In closing some positive results are; we have finally received news on the housing in Cloncurry and promises of further discussions on housing in Mt Isa. All I can ask the AFULE members is to keep submitting all breaches of hours and rostering problems as we will keep working on these problems until we achieve the desired result. No matter how long it takes or what action must be taken. We will also continue to ensure that the equalisation of working on the North Coast remains. I honestly believe that we have spent enough time talking to all levels of Management, now at this Divisional Council is the time for the strongest Traincrew Union to take more positive action whatever this requires.

Welcome councillors to the first council meeting for 2002, and also the first meeting for our new Councillors. There is a lot to discuss at this meeting.
The EA5 has now been voted on, and has been accepted by the members.
Also the way some managers are trying to implement things without any input from the Unions.

SPADS:
We have to discuss about penalties QR want to impose on the second Driver, as there is a case now where a Driver has been involved in Two category 2 SPADS and he was the second Driver both times. Now to my Report:

MACKAY:
This depot has asked if Divisional Council could be held in Mackay sometime so that the members could meet the Councillors.

Also would it be at all possible to get in contact with either QR or the Union Shopper to see if the Union Shopper could be put on QR's intranet, so all members can see what is on offer.

There is problems with getting in contact with the SDS and vice versa about relief for crews, some crews are working over their time.

They would also like to have inter depots meetings with other depots in there working corridors.

Also the lack of consultation with men before QR want's to implement things. The fuelling of locos while they are away, has now come to a head, and they want our support for this matter.

DYSART:
They have now got 6 extra relieving Drivers working in the depot at the moment, and things are going fine.

COPPABELLA:
They want to know why there limitation of hours reports have not been sent in, as there has been a number of crews have worked over there time and nothing has been shown to them, about the investigation into why.
The 3300 class loco cab is still too small to have 3 men on them for 11 hours.

JILALAN:
There is a number of things that this depot wants discussed at this council meeting:

1. That all Traincrew, wrongfully excluded without the process of a formal or informal EMS, be fully renumerated for the period they were excluded.
2. That the practice of QR taking 16 hours sick pay for a single 11 hours shift, that covers 2 days, be examined by council, as to the fairness of such a practice.
3. That the use of EMS to penalise Traincrew for having 6 sick days in six months, be moved against by council, as it is outside any benchmark under the EBA process.
4. That Traincrew, placed on a permanent certificate for sick leave for extended periods, due to the use of the above practice, be examined and outlawed by council, as this process does not give the employee natural justice and may lead to a fatal outcome among another Traincrew trying to avoid such outcomes.
5. That statistical data on hours from work cycles be rejected by council as not representing the true performance of train crew or train operations.
6. That Traincrew acting in a higher grade for more than a year be replaced, by call the position of Driver at that depot once the year is up.
7. That council support Jilalan's claim to have a further 5 Drivers immediately called to fill vacancies created by the promotion or long term sickness of several Drivers in Jilalan.
8. Also the trail of treated water and the issue of 5 litre water bottles to train crew is not on.

ROCKHAMPTON:
The fuelling issue the same as Mackay is about all Rockhampton has, David Mitchell keeps everything under control there.

I wish to welcome all Councillors and Executives to the first council meeting for the 2002 and 3 year elected term. As this is my first visit to the State Office in this position, I am looking forward to the experiences that come with working alongside other Councillors and State position holders. As my role as the new No 3 District Representative, I hope that I can represent the branches in my Division as conscientiously as my predecessor. I am fortunate that the vacating No. 3 representative has decided to promote himself within the Union and now occupies a more senior position, therefore, still being available for advice and guidance.

In February this year, the new State Vice President (Glen McGaw) and I conducted a tour of the depots within the No. 3 Division. These visits were carried out as part of the annual State Tour and also to give me a chance to meet with the members and bring me up to speed with the issues of concern within these depots.

As a State Councillor I am also looking forward to having the opportunity in participating in the debates that help establish state policies for the future. This future will be full of contentious issues as QR pushes their agenda of workplace change, often without adequate consultation or due regard for employees needs.

Although the Unions and QR have made considerable gains in their working relationship, (eg. Traincrew Agreement), it still amazes me the number of management positions that are held by people with the old school attitude of kicking the workers whenever the slightest opportunity arises. These people are in the minority nowadays, but they are still there and such will always make unionism a necessary part of a working mans life.

My visit to the western depots was a reminder for myself of what most Traincrew put up with on a day to day basis. What I am talking about here is the 100 year problem of not knowing when you are going to or coming from work, having diagrams consisting of mainly AVAILABLE days, and having to argue with Train Controllers that you want to sign off before midnight before your day off.

These issues show that although Traincrew have come a long way in having control over their lives, there is still a long way to go.

EMERALD:
We visited Emerald on the Friday afternoon and had a very good roll up of members at the meeting called at the QRI hall. As expected, questions were asked about the EBA, and especially with regards to the closing date of the ballot. The depot had some diagram and working problems, mainly with rostered jobs, that due to continual late running, often impacts on the ability to sign off by midnight before BLP's.

ALPHA:
A meeting with the Alpha men was held on Saturday morning at the station where they gave us a run down on their working and problems. Out of the list of issues that were raised, the most urgent one is the same issue that has been ongoing since Adam was a boy, the camp wagon. QR to their credit has supplied a camp wagon that the men are quite happy with, except the air conditioning problems and the gas stove exploding every now and again. The air conditioner does a good job when it's working. Problem is that when it fails, you are left with a camp wagon with fixed windows and no air circulating at all. This problem continually gets reported, they continually get repaired, and then it continually breaks down again.
Correspondence has been forwarded to the relevant manager for attention.

LONGREACH:
We visited the Longreach men on Saturday afternoon in the foreign men's quarters, another good roll up. One again after the overview on the EBA, we moved onto depot specific items. The general working in Longreach don't appear to create any major problems. One issue that was raised were the toilet facilities at Morella. The water pump for the toilet keeps getting stolen. We were told the last new water pump wasn't even wired up before it disappeared. Longreach has a couple of new Trainee Drivers appointed to replace men that are retiring or transferring out. These men come from far and wide and appeared to have settled well into Longreach.

BLUFF:
The meeting for Bluff was held at the Bluff QRI hall. Numbers were down, but that was to be expected on a Sunday afternoon as those who were not working generally travel away on their days off. Not surprisingly the predominant issue was SPADS. As Bluff has been unfortunate of late in having a couple of category 2 spads within the membership the depot feels they are being more severely dealt with compared to others. After a long discussion on the issues, I hope that the men in Bluff are left with the confidence that the AFULE will do everything in its power to represent it's membership to the fullest, especially if it is felt that any particular members are targeted. Bluff depot have been trialling a program where both Traincrew remain on the locomotive and mine load out staff carry out weighbridge procedures. Results of the trail are still being analysed.

GLADSTONE:
We didn't arrange a specific meeting for Gladstone members, as normal monthly branch meeting gives plenty of opportunity to approach State Representatives. The predominant issue in Gladstone over the last 6-8 months has again bee diagram and working guidelines. After the 6-8 months of meetings, arguing, correspondence, threats, and then a QR scheduled IRC hearing; commonsense prevailed with another meeting being called to iron out the issues. The results of this meeting were quite reasonable at this stage. A new diagram has been planned for construction in the near future working around 10 hour operation requirement shift length and 8 hour 45 local shift length with a targeted extra attendance per cycle. Gladstone has had a trial running to reduce train turn around times at load outs. This is the same as has happened in Bluff. Both Traincrew remain on the loco, mine staff perform all weighbridge and con note responsibilities. QR are also in the process of introducing train speed indicators at the unloading pits. An IRC hearing including and inspection of the Jilalan unloading system has resulted. Dates have been set for QR to address the issues raised with a report back meeting on the 15-4-02.

Welcome Councillors to the first sitting of State Council for 2002. The next three years will be quite intense for this Union.

THIRD PARTY ACCESS:
Trains being run by a third party could become a reality in the near future. One of the frightening aspects of Third Party is the possibility of running their trains without certain safe working systems in place. (ATC - ATP)

TOILET FACILITIES:
Provision of adequate toilet facilities is still ongoing. I believe a set time frame has to be given to QR to provide these facilities or other options will have to be looked at.

TRAIN CREW ADVISE SYSTEM:
The introduction of a Train Crew Advise System has for me one function in it that cannot be accepted. This function requires Traincrew who receive a wake up call in the middle of the night to put a four digit pin number into their phone. We have enough pin numbers to remember like Bank Car, Security Codes, Door Codes, let alone remembering a certain number when you have been just woken up still half asleep.

Inter Depot fighting is being seen in certain Depots throughout the State. We have to put our differences aside and work together as a Union. I realise every Depot wants to do what is best for his depot, but we have to look at the impacts this causes to other Depots.

MARYBOROUGH:
Rockhampton Quarters:
A letter was sent to QR Management concerning these Quarters. A list of problems given and if these items were not fixed by 31st March 2002, alternative accommodation would have to be found. A few of the problems have been fixed but time is running out for the other items to be finalised.

Sanding Loco's at Maryborough West:
Both Unions and Management have agreed on a number of issues about sanding Locomotives at Maryborough West and these have been written down and circulated. However, certain Yard Co-ordinators are still asking our members to sand outside of the agreed times. If this harassment does not stop, we will have to take the matter further.

Fuelling Locomotives Rockhampton:
A few months ago, the Maryborough Branch of both Unions agreed to a one month trial of fuelling Loco's at Rockhampton. Since then, QR Management conducted a ballot of Traincrew with fuelling at Rockhampton one of the issues. The ballot was returned as a definite no. QR Management now say that they will not honour that ballot. Because of these Big Brother tactics in this matter, we are now in dispute with QR.

Fisherman Islands Quarters:
The noise factor is still an ongoing problem and it is now a State issue. We are having a real problem getting our members putting noise problems in the book provided at the Quarters.

Gayndah:
The Macarthur mine near Monto looks set to commence shortly and a problem with the amount of Traincrew from Maryborough that know the road to Monto is a concern to Ed. There is only three or four men that know past Gayndah and we need more men taught the road.

Bundaberg:
The state of the quarters in Rockhampton is one of the main issues for Bundaberg. They have taken the same stance on this as Maryborough. The Train Crew Advise System and Toilet Facilities on the North Coast are also of concern. Congratulations to Banjo Patterson and wife on the arrival of their new born. This is the reason for only a few issues from Bundaberg.

Hello and welcome all to the March 2002 council meeting. In opening I'm honoured to be at this table representing Citytrain and feel privileged to be in such esteemed company. I would also like to congratulate all returning and newly elected Officials, Councillor's and Branch Officer's to a new term in AFULE history. I would also like to thank all past officers' for their guts, fervour and time in representing our members across the state. As the AFULE has demonstrated throughout its 141 year history, we have been represented by energetic and capable officials, as we are a confident and democratic organization, we have the utmost faith in electing new officers without compunction.

CAB CLEANING:
This issue has been festering for quite a period of time. At this point in time cabs are being cleaned, but not up to the standard. We have issued this union's acceptable standards to management. It appears no one to put their hand up to do the task, ie, Electric Shed cleaners don't think it's their job and don't seem too interested in saving their jobs or obtaining more staff. Therefore, we have requested Traincrew clean their cabs as per the Train Crew Agreement, and also suggested our health failure/rehab's to be able to assist with the above. A meeting with all concerned is to be convened within the next couple of weeks to resolve this issue and implement and comply with an acceptable standard.

CAB HEATERS:
This is another on-going issue, after a lot of arguing, fist banging and threats we have finally got a commitment from management to install heaters in cabs. They're a rectangular box to be mounted in the top right hand corner beneath the console. The heat is to be directed towards the floor, we have asked for a three way switch to regulate the flow (HIGH - LOW - OFF). The prototype has been acceptable, the fleet is to be fitted accordingly, as far as this Union is concerned as quickly as possible.

SECURITY:
This is a major problem for Citytrain and seems to be getting worse. The problem lies squarely with the law makers and do-gooders as they have created a society that protects the criminal and vilifies the innocent. There's no deterrent, respect or punishment. We have asked management to issue procedures and do's and don'ts, to Traincrew. Suggestion from members include:

• Advising control the train will not stop at the station where the trouble is, and to arrange alternate transport for passengers who wish to get off at that particular station, and proceed to next attended station.
• Stop the train if trouble has been reported in advance, and for everyone's safety, only move when it has been confirmed the situation is under control.

A recent incident involved a driver and guard having an altercation on a platform with a pack of Australia's bravest youths. Turns out a newly appointed level four (4) Manager was cowering behind a seat talking on a mobile phone to control, that they had knives. In the interim I urge all Traincrew not to get involved, if the situation is not safe.

CONDITION OF YARDS:
We have compiled a standard on the condition of stabling yards. This standard includes drainage, walkways, lighting, security, rubbish, yard maintenance, trip hazards, clearance between units / units and fencing, mainline and yard change points and the reporting of non compliance to yard standard. We shall be fighting doggedly for the implementation and compliance of this standard to create a safe working environment for Traincrew.

UNIFORMS:
A change of uniform for Citytrain has been raised and discussed at various Union and LCC meetings. The idea at this stage is in it's infancy, but we are keen to pursue this issue, we feel the current uniform has gone past it's used by date. A change or redesign would reflect our professionalism. Traveltrain Drivers and Ticket Inspectors have their own distinctive uniforms. QR administration personnel have very up to date uniforms. We are seeking a change maybe in style and or in colour and also to be issued with shoes. Some ideas, are a polo type shirt in the current corporate colours or a blue with white flecked shirt and black pants.

TRAIN SAFETY, NORTH COAST CORRIDOR:
This issue has been raised again, the problem is that EMU'S, SMU's and IMU'S are being used north of Caboolture in ATC / ATP territory without the appropriate train safety. These units have no train stop or back up system for the driver. They're running through sections with no protection. We have impressed upon high level management the consequences of a tin can full of people running into the side of a freight train. We have suggested that AWS magnets be installed between Caboolture and Gympie or furnish the above units with a Vigilance and or Station protection.

SAFE WORKING ACCREDITATION:
Finally common sense has prevailed, Citytrain hierarchy have buckled to our pressure on this subject (with aide from Department of Transport and Law). Classes started 11-3-02, about a dozen per class. Of interest will be how they roster the out depots, already the rostering of the above is a shambles eg; Mayne has twenty (20) AFD weeks in a 248 week diagram, yet crews are being taken off their diagram to attend the above training sessions.

In closing, I would like to thank my committeemen and branch officials for their effort and time they have given to the above issues in such a short period of time. The AFULE has been instrumental in pursuing the above issues and will not yield in our endeavour to ensure better conditions for Traincrew. I would also like to wish all member and their families a safe and happy Easter.

I would like to welcome all to the first Council for 2002. This is also a new term and there are a few new faces. I would like to congratulate all those that were elected into positions and better luck next time to those who lost.

TRAIN CREW ADVICE SYSTEM:
I attended a meeting on this TCAS and I rotated a circular to all depots an the depots rejected it. The procedure about having to enter a pin number when acknowledging a wake up call between the hours of 2000 and 0600 was why the system is rejected. I informed QR that the AFULE will not be trailing the TCAS unless this procedure is removed. QR's response was that it will be the responsibility of the Traincrew to report for duty without acknowledging the call, which is what Traincrew do now. This issue has not been resolved as yet. More meetings are to be arranged.

DERAILMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Not much to report after last meeting. QR formed a smaller committee to investigate derailments on the Mt Isa to Townsville line, 1 in 3 derailments accrue on this line.

SERVICEABILITY CERTIFICATE:
QR introduced a new serviceability certificate that has to be placed on locos. This idea might be OK in depots outside of Brisbane. But in Brisbane there is only 1 place were locos can be serviced and that is at Redbank. Locos then go through the Whyte Island fuel point. Drivers are to finish the preparations at Fisherman Islands, which creates problems because of the amount of locos that need to be prepared. The locos should come out of Redbank serviced, prepared and ready to go. It was brought to our attention by a LMD maintainer that Drivers are taking the head rests off the seats and throwing them out the windows. I find this hard to believe so if anyone knows of this happening let me know.

OPERATIONAL TRIALS:
There is a trend going through QR at the moment that some QR Managers think they can just introduced new work changes without consulting unions. This is happening more and more because of QR's turn over of Managers. The outcome is we are getting managers that do not have anything to do with the Train Crew Agreement and it's getting to a stage were you don't know who to write to anymore.

ACACIA RIDGE:
At last QR have put more Drivers into this depot and with the arrival of the next batch of Drivers in December Acacia Ridge will have its full quota of Drivers. They are having trouble getting the right trains for road tuition.

FISHERMAN ISLANDS:
The branch would like to thank the State President, Shayne Ware for attending their February meeting. The trailing of 41 wagon coal trains has begun. A road methodology has been written and has raised concerns amongst some Drivers. A recent collision in the yard involving the use of Stops boards has highlighted a safety issues. The Stop Boards allow the AM or the Shunter to give authority to pass these boards. These boards need to be changed as soon as possible but in QR's wisdom the boards are still in place waiting for another accident.

IPSWICH:
Ipswich depot is pleased with which the way things are going at the present. Also the new methodology is being introduced on the handling of the 41 wagon coal trains.

I would like to welcome all the new Divisional Councillors and the new State President to our first meeting of the new term. During this term I hope that we can all work together to achieve positive results for train crew throughout the state.

CHARLEVILLE:
As usual Viv Jones is continuing to look after the needs of this depot. Until recently it has been quite but the stock movements are just starting. This depot depends on this freight plus the subsidised freight business to survive. Recently rural publications have QR closing down the loading of stock trains at Quilpie. Any loss of this traffic would place pressure on this depot for reduction or closure. Agforce has come out in support of movement of stock by rail and we should seek government assurance that this freight will not be lost from QR. Besides this, the freight rates for stock have increased, according to the media, and Local Government are seeking increases in funding for roads due to the road train traffic.

This depot has been some work trains replacing light gauge rail with heavier used rail. The crews have access to the QR intranet, but are experiencing problems with the time it takes for the computers to "kick in".

The train crew in this depot has also requested guidance on the issue of three crew trying to fit into a 1720 class loco. As this is an extremely confined space and a health and safety risk, THEY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO. Does one of the drivers go home, what are the repercussions, can this be sorted out before someone gets into trouble.

ROMA:
Like Charleville, Roma are down a couple of train crew due to illness. They are awaiting the filling of the vacancies in this depot. They have also lost a regular stock train from the region. The reason I have been told was the customers weren't happy with the sub contractors who loaded the train for QR. Roma are also having problems with slow computers. Work in the depot will increase with any movements of stack trains. The local branch is discussing accommodation issues with the manager in Toowoomba.

GOONDIWINDI:
Work in this depot has been seasonal. Grain movements increased in February allowing for more work. They have been discussing with the manager in Toowoomba, the use of mobile phones for wake up calls at Dirranbandi or the installation of a bell on the telephone in the quarters. They have also mentioned to the roster Officers the issue of relief in the Thallon depot. The majority of train crew stationed in Goondiwindi are prepared to perform this duty, rather than have Toowoomba supply the crews.

TOOWOOMBA:
A new diagram has just begun in Toowoomba. It was changed due to changed of times in the coal trains and the need for re-accreditation. It will also be trailed there for one week, a Tutor Driver will perform re-accreditation and another will perform office duties (partially the role of the DIC). This will be circulated through all the Tutor Drivers. I suppose we will have to wait and see if it works.

During the next several months there is to be a large infrastructure programme east of Toowoomba and we will wait to see what effect it has on the workings in the depot. At times during the last couple of months there have been many heat restrictions placed on trains. One has to wonder about this when at a magical time the speed of trains can suddenly increase. Crews have been complaining about the condition of the track, sidings, etc, but they have to lodge the complaints so that they are recorded. The same goes for the fisherman Islands Quarters. Many people complain about the noise but don't put the complaint in the book supplied.

Recently there have been several changes in the way some of the grain depots have been loading trains. I believe that the super depot concept is being brought in, which may see a quicker turn around of wagons but also loos of traffic due to farmers sending more grain by road.

A computer has been installed at the sign on point, (on a trial basis) that allows the Traincrew to check their rostered working, BLP's, approved leave, cycle hours, etc. I am not real sure of the purpose for this, but it may become clearer in the future.

Toowoomba is also getting the odd loco come through that is not equipped with DTC. The cab committee has informed me that all the locos should have a blind fitted to the rear door to stop glare onto the screen. I have sent an e-mail to the relevant QR manager as to date I haven't seen one of these in the region and I asked that they all be checked when they enter the workshops.

The Toowoomba depot have had a problem with their LOP regarding under 8 hours off at Miles. The depot agreed to this due to only working approximately 6 hours on both of these journeys, however the branch has a problem when a crew is rostered to Roma, return spare to Miles and cam, the work home. Crews are working up to 11 hours on the forward journey and would like 8 hours off before working home. It would be cheaper for accommodation at Roma, but this would then require the rostering of a rail operator to drive the crew to Miles. The branch would like councils' guidance on this matter.

TUTOR DRIVERS:
The Tutor Driver throughout this district have now met twice to discuss issues. I haven't attended these meetings due to being on leave, but I also wasn't advised that they were on. To date I haven't seen what was discussed at these meetings so I can't comment too much, but a couple of the comments I have received is that the role of the Tutor is changing and therefore many believe that they should be compensated for this change.
They are still unsure of any reporting structure etc, but this may become clearer in the near future.

SPAD:
Recently the State President attended a meeting with one of our members who reduced himself nearly two years ago. I will ask that he inform this council about the interview as this matter has bee discussed several times before.

FURTHER ISSUES:
After I initially prepared this report, the Toowoomba Branch has come forward with some more issues that they would resolved. They are unsure of any safety validation for two extra wagons being placed on the Macalister coal trains. I worked the initial trial of this train and submitted a report to the State Union and Local Branch. They would like to see the validation. The loading of the Dalby stock train has changed. I was rostered to work this service with another Tutor Driver who expressed a desire to change the way the train was loaded.
On this return he submitted this practice to the Local Manager who has since adopted this procedure. They hear that one of the Tutor Drivers in Toowoomba will be travelling around the state for safe driving techniques and if this is so they want to know why an expression of interest was not called.

They also wish to know the outcome of why there are still drivers on Toowoomba relief when this is the only depot in the state where this position has not been removed. If the position is to stay, will they be allocated transfer points and what happens when they are at locations. They have expressed a concern that drivers from another depot worked a 12 hour 15 minute shift.

Returning to the Macalister coal trains when the trail of 2 extra wagons on the consist they want to know why a Tutor Driver is to be rostered on each service and why a Union official is rostered on these. They have seen an authority to take the overload. They are also concerned about a proposal to have the load operator check door, release hand brakes, conduct train testing and the second Driver have a meal whilst the first Driver loads and then change over.

There is a complaint from the branch of equalisation of time. This is not the usual complaint but equalisation for train crew who have a Y for their BLP.

CONCLUSION:
This will be my last report as the No. 7 Divisional Councillor. I sincerely apologise to all my fellow councillors as the majority of you know my opinion of people pulling out of a job early and not seeing it through. I have not taken this decision lightly, but it has been forced on me following criticism from members regarding my ethics. I believe that I have also represented all depots equally and when attending to business as a representative of this union also acted properly and with the union interests at heart. Having said this I can no longer represent the vocal minority who constantly question my credibility.
Having spent in excess of the last 7 years serving in various positions including the DOO representative, I am extremely annoyed and not prepared to take the criticism any longer.

SPADS

VACANCIES IN JILALAN

RELIEVING IN HIGHER GRADES

TUTOR DRIVER - AGGREGATE WAGE

CONSULTATION

JULY DIVISIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

REVIEW CORRIDOR MEETINGS

PLACE CHANGES

BOTTLED WATER

CAB RADIOS

TOILET FACILITIES

INTRODUCTION OF AWS MAGNETS

LIMITATION OF HOURS

TOOWOOMBA LOP MILES

TOOWOOMBA BRANCH ISSUES

TOOWOOMBA BRANCH ISSUES

EXCLUSION FROM DUTY

STATISTICAL DATA

WORKPLACE CHANGE

MACALISTER COAL

UNION DUES

AMALGAMATION OF NO. 6 AND NO. 7 DIVISIONS

QR LEGAL SECTION

NEXT DIVISIONAL COUNCIL MEETING DATE

SAFETY

PILOT PROGRAMS

TUTOR DRIVER POSITIONS

BOTTLED WATER

CAB COMMITTEE

DONATION - ROCKHAMPTON MEAT WORKERS

TMIO JOBS IN JILALAN

TRAINING UNION OFFICALS