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 20 and 21 March 2003, commencing at 09:00 hours.

The State President, Mr Shayne Ware declared the meeting open at 09:00 hours.

A minutes silence was observed in recognition of the passing of AFULE member Mr Brian Ferguson, of Caboolture Depot.

HOURS OF SITTING

Since QR advised the A.F.U.L.E. of the first real threat to its coal haulage business by the advent of third party operators there have been further developments which will need careful consideration by Council.

To go over a bit of old ground, BHP Militon invited selected railways both in Australia and overseas to submit tenders for its coal haulage in Queensland. This business equates to about 30 percent of QR's total coal haulage.

The successful tenderer is expected to be announced in June 2003 to commence in January 2005.

This would give a new operator to the system an eighteen month lead in time to procure locomotives, Rollingstock and set up operations.

A loss of this coal traffic by QR and subsequent loss of revenue will have an immediate impact on its coal operations which would then reverberate throughout the organisation.

The successful tenderer would also be well placed to pick up additional coal haulage as contracts between QR and other coal companies become available between 2005 and 2010.

QR has stated to the A.F.U.L.E. that they believe that it will require major workplace reforms to enable them to submit a competitive tender.

In other words what QR has indicated is without major reforms they will be unable to submit a tender which is commercially viable and would mean a loss of jobs.

There would then be a requirement for workplace reforms for QR to be competitive to be in a position to retain other contracts as they come up for renewal between 2005 and 2010.

I would see the major portion of the next two days sitting of the Divisional Council being taken up with discussion and debate on this issue as the eventual outcomes in the upcoming negotiations will have ramifications throughout the whole of QR.

Although it might initially seem that A.F.U.L.E. members in the coal depots will be the only ones affected, I believe the outcomes achieved will have the potential to flow on to the freight depots.

Workplace reforms, workplace restructuring or whatever buzz word used at the time means one of two things:
It is either taking on additional work with the same workplace numbers or in most cases it is performing the present task with reduced workforce numbers. This is usually achieved in breaking down demarcation barriers and amalgamating several junctions into fewer classifications.

Make no mistake at the end of the day there are fewer employees required to perform the task.

It is not good enough for QR to say that the employees on the ground need to participate in workplace change to help it remain competitive when its corporate overheads are amongst the highest in the business sector.

I believe that the A.F.U.L.E. and its members are well placed to enter into the forthcoming negotiations and the number one priority will be job security for the members.

Members would be aware that the RTBU had made a written approach to amalgamate with the A.F.U.L.E.

This was subsequently rejected by the Divisional Council of the A.F.U.L.E. mainly because it is times like these that was the very reason why the union was conceived.

In 1861 a group of Drivers banded together to form a specialist Traincrew Union to represent their interest.

It is equally important today that Traincrew have a voice and real input in the upcoming negotiations which will mould their future and not get lost in a one glove fits all union.

Since the RTBU circularised their request to amalgamate with the A.F.U.L.E., the State Office has been inundated with phone calls and e-mails from Drivers, mainly in New South Wales and Victoria to join the A.F.U.L.E.

There is even a two hundred signature petition circulating in New South Wales signed by Drivers who feel that the RTBU has lost touch with them.

To add salt into their wounds they have been told that as from 1 July 2003, their union fees will increase by five dollars per fortnight.

This will mean that Traincrew in the New South Wales Locomotive Division of the RTBU will be paying $18.70 per fortnight or $486.70 per annum.

They are not impressed that their complaints about the hike in fees are falling on deaf ears and are referred to a union communiqué which states that the new fee is 30% lower than what RTBU Drivers in some other States are paying.

I can sympathise with the RTBU that the various reviews being undertaken in QR together with the 2005 Coal Project will have a major impact on its membership numbers but present demands dictate the A.F.U.L.E. remain as its own entity until such times the A.F.U.L.E. members decide otherwise.

Welcome Councillors.

At the end of the last year, George Best and myself conducted a Tour of No. 4 Division.

GAYNDAH
The first depot of our tour was to Gayndah, where the attendance was 100% and a fine show of Solidarity. The main issue that concerned Gayndah Traincrew was the introduction of the High Visibility Uniform (orange shirts) and this issue is still ongoing.

Thanks to Ted Neumann and the boys for their interest and attendance.

MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough was the next leg of our Tour. We had a very good attendance once again one of the main issues concerning traincrew was the orange shirts, the other issues George will address in his Council Report.

Maryborough members are very passionate about their unionism and their A.F.U.L.E.

Thanks to Keryn Staib and John Pedersen for their hospitality.

BUNDABERG
Bundaberg was the last leg, where the attendance was good. The main issue here was the rejection of their Category rise. Since the tour, QR have met with local delegates to discuss the matter further, other issues which concerned the members were the quality of uniforms (trousers, white shirts), long distance running to Mackay, insufficient BLP's and toilets, which is currently under review and of course orange shirts.

Thank you to Jim Waters, Ryan Mort and the members of Bundaberg.

I would also like to thank George and Nelly for their kind hospitality.

SOUTH WEST TOUR
Prior to this Council meeting, Kevin Voll and I conducted a Tour of the South-West No. 7 Division.

TOOWOOMBA
The issues that concern the state were pathways or lack of at Acland and Macalister Coal facilities, it seems no thought or input from Traincrew or Safety Representatives went into the design of these areas.

The local branch has approached the Manager on several occasions, but its advice has fallen on deaf ears, so intention of industrial action will have to be considered.

Another item which was brought to my attention was, Acland Coal trains descending Toowoomba Range, without the Traincrew knowing what weight is on their train (weight blank), because the weigh bridge has not worked for several months.

The A.F.U.L.E is currently in dispute with QR about the over loaded trains in the Goonyella System. There is no difference with the Toowoomba issue. Strangely, the coal in the wagons seems to have increased in level, according to the Toowoomba Traincrew.

Other issues include toilets in the South-West and noisy 2300 Class Locomotives and orange shirts.

Thanks to Steve Scott, Kevin Voll and the members in Toowoomba for their attendance.

ROMA AND CHARLEVILLE
These two depots had a common problems, High Visibility Shirts, with the Manager of the moment and Shunting on arrival at their home depot, after spending 24 hours away from home, whilst RO's are on duty.

Tutoring and assessing on 1700-1720 Class Locomotives will be banned in the South-West until these locomotives are modified to our satisfaction.

Thanks to Phil Dwyer, Scott Johnstone and Viv Jones for your attendance.

CONCLUSION
All of the Coal and Freight Depots I have visited have one thing in common, Managers not listening and dictating terms. I understand they are trying to do a job, but they will not listen to the opinions of the local branches to make things workable.

The question of how to resolve disagreements or conflicts which may arise much depends on one's approach to industrial relations. If conflict is regarded as abnormal, then disagreements will be seen as the outcome of inadequate communication, OR POOR MANAGEMENT.

Maintenance of a conflict-free workplace is therefore achieved through effective communication with Union and sound Management practices.

On the other hand, if conflict dispute is inevitable, the issue becomes one of resolution and regulation of the dispute. The A.F.U.L.E will be there to get the best result.

Yours in Solidarity.

I would like to centre my report at this Council Meeting on the role of Traincrew, the position they hold in the network and the community, whether they are driving passenger, coal or freight trains.

As Traincrew, we have many similarities to that of a sports team or even an army as a collective group of individuals that combine to achieve an outcome. Our outcomes are to provide stability in our jobs and a service to the public and QR's customers.

I have heard it said that there are no great men - only great challenges which occasionally men are forced by circumstances to meet, and I feel in the near future this statement will become relevant.

General Robert E Lee once said "if I don't give the men below me the respect and admiration they deserve, how may I possibly perform and be victorious in battle, for they are me and what I stand for".

This is also relevant in our position as traincrew within QR.

I do not believe that as traincrew, we receive the respect and recognition we command by anyone within the QR, its easy to brand us wingers and this comment is common through out the network but it manly comes from those outside the ranks of traincrew. Is it a sin to thrive for better working conditions, for better pay or more stability in our lives, so this I put to you the stone throwers, you spent time with the average person in train crew and see if you would swap jobs? We are in control of multi million-dollar equipment and have the responsibility of the safety of thousands of passengers in delivering them to their destinations or the transferring of vast amounts of freight throughout the state. There is also the danger of fatalities, irate passengers, derailments and road accidents. When you consider all this; believe me its not all peaches and cream.

The overall position of traincrew in a nutshell is irregular shift patterns, tucker boxes (time spent away from home with little money remuneration), inadequate working comforts, and long hours and if QR has their way these hours would be longer, and to top it off the pressure of continual perfection combined with harsh penalties for so called lapses in performances.

QR in its wisdom continues to attack conditions and so the time has come to stop this ongoing assault. I find it hard to fathom the difficulties we face on a daily basis, the constant gripe with management about basic issues pertaining to traincrew conditions. These people are such an integral part of this organisation why is it we face a constant barrage for change and obstacles put in our path. We are supposed to perform at such a high standard for QR's benefit and with no notable advantages for train crew. Don't the powers to be realise that we have the desire to perform to the best of our ability and sometimes mistakes are made. We have the utmost respect for the position, but when there is a continual push from management, whether it be for SPADS, orange shirts, the changing of roster's or BLP's only to name a few. This weighs heavily on all involved as dedicated workers and will eventually reflect on moral and work performances, and I believe in some sectors this is already happening.

Too many decisions are made about, and for traincrew without proper consultation from the ranks and unions. I know they say this is not happening, but generally this process occurs after the fact, instead of involving us from the onset its usually attempted to be introduced without proper procedures and then the arguments begin. Why is it a never-ending battle?

This unions promise has always been and always will be to protect and preserve as well enhance the working conditions and overall rights of traincrew, and to always be there to represent and defend to the best of our ability all members of this great Union, the AFULE.

In closing, this article is in no way meant to devalue or demean any other position within QR, as I believe every employee has a role to play in achieving the ultimate outcome. My position is to enhance the role that traincrew have and the responsibility they face in their day-to-day routine.

Welcome fellow Councillors and State Officials to our first DCM of 2003.

Well, we get sick of hearing it but this year is going to be a very big year for all A.F.U.L.E Drivers.

QR have been telling us that Third Party has been coming for over 4 years now and this is the reason Drivers have had to make all of these changes to work practises.

It is a bit like the boy-crying wolf, now that it is a reality; it is hard to get Drivers to believe the seriousness of the threat.

I believe this is why we must ensure all Drivers in the state gain such things as a minimum number of days off per cycle, correct staffing levels and recognition of time spent in quarters. All these issues were to be discussed early this year with Mr J Keogh, but he has been given another role in QR. With the continual changes to management, it is very hard to gain anything, as gentlemen's agreements etc. have to all be redone every time there is a change.

This may require either the reopening of the current TCA or some sort of amendment.

MT ISA
Following a corridor meeting in Townsville for the North West on the 12th March, some amendments have been agreed to. These will give the Mt Isa Drivers time at home not in quarters.

The LOP's are to be redone in the next month to 6 weeks, while there will be several issues that we will agree only to disagree on. I am sure Troy Webber will get the best for the Depot.

When Branch Meetings are called, please attempt to attend, as this is where the members get the chance to voice their opinions on all proposed changes. If you do not inform the Officials of your views, they are left in the no win situation of having to make a decision.

I received a call on Saturday night the 15th March from Grant, QR were attempting to send a train out of Mt. Isa without a working DTC computer. Go on forms they said, what all the way to Townsville. Again, a locomotive must have a working DTC computer before leaving a Depot. They wonder why it is so hard to form a working relationship between Unions and some sections of QR; they know the rules yet are encouraging Drivers to break them.

CLONCURRY
I was in Cloncurry for 3 days at the end of February, early March. The meetings that were to take place with QR over the trials were cancelled due to the flooding.

I attempted to see as many members as possible, and am grateful for the support shown by the Drivers I did see. The problems being encountered are the same as they have been for the last 3 years. No working Diagram, continual alterations and unable to plan a family life, even when given a time they are due home.

We all realise there is not an easy fix for any of these problems, but a thank you for your help occasionally to the Drivers and families would be nice, instead of the continual arguments about what SDS and the Roster can make them do.

QR have to realise they have an obligation to these Drivers and their families to allow for some stability in their lives, and to be able to plane a life outside of QR. The way they are being treated is a disgrace.

To all of the Local Officials who have assisted in the past few months thanks, people do not realise what a thankless job it is until they have done it.

It is with people like you that carry this Union forward. To the new representatives, good luck. Jody and Ray will need more people to assist them with all of the changes that QR are proposing.

HUGHENDEN
The same problem, no reliable roster and continual alterations to times due home are affecting this depot. Drivers have a right to a life outside of QR with their families, and this needs to be addressed.

Again, a word of thanks to the Drivers and their families would go a long way.

The situation over the whole Western Corridor is set to explode, as nearly every shift the Drivers have to argue with Control or SDS to obtain relief in their Limitation of Hours, or they are being deferred for hours, resulting in long layoffs in Quarters.

This Union realises that the Drivers job is to run trains, but they must also enjoy some quality of life. QR has told us that this problem is not going to improve greatly in the next 3-5 years.

A way must be obtained of informing all Drivers and their families that their efforts are being appreciated.

CHARTERS TOWERS
Firstly I would like to thank Neville Bush (Bushy) for all of the time and effort he has put into this Depot for this Union over the years.

Bushy has decided to step down as Branch Secretary for personal reasons.

Again thanks for all the work you have done and the assistance and advice you have given me over the last 7 years as District Representative.

Trials will again commence in the near future with Charters Towers Crews to work 9257 unload, 9E56, Charters Towers crew to work to Hughenden so relief can be provided on the Townsville end if needed. This service is to be powered by multi 4000 Class Locomotives.

Tuition will be given to all concerned as required.

PRING
I attended an OCC in Pring on the 21st January, 2003, I believe this was beneficial to all concerned as some positive ideas were discussed and will be taken further through local consultation.

It doesn't hurt for both QR Management and our Local Representatives to have the District Representatives present, as this often gives everyone a new look at what may have been considered unsolvable problems. This also shows QR Management that this Union totally supports the decisions made by our Local Representatives.

TOWNSVILLE
The biggest problem that this depot will encounter is how we do a diagram with the Tilt included and not penalise the Driver's in Townsville, who exercised their right not to apply.

Separate diagrams create animosity so a meeting is being held on Monday the 17th April to try and work out some of the issues and provide some options.

I wish Richard all the best on this.

A letter will again be given to the Depot, saying that hours for cycle 42 will not be taken into account, when considering the number of days off we are entitled to.

This is because of the amount of work we are doing West and the Tilt Train Tuition to Mackay, both of which result in a loss of hours worked.

QR were the ones who decided Townsville would work the Tilt Train and only a certain number of Drivers, so it is only fair that the Depot is not penalised for this.

A problem that will arise is that Cairns and Mackay believe that as Townsville has the Tilt Train, they should get all of the other passenger services. This is not even open for discussion, as only some of the Depot will be working the Tilt.

As District Representative, this places me between a rock and a hard place. But the last thing we need is animosity between Depots over something we as a Depot had no control over. Equalise the remaining Passenger Services is, I believe the only fair way to go.

CAIRNS
With the recent sale of the Savanerlander Railmotor, this is more work that this Depot will lose.

If and when the Steam Train to Kuranda starts to run, we will need to closely monitor the affect this has on Cairns Depot.

I attended a meeting in Cairns at the end of January with the Driver In Charge and Area Supervisor Traincrew. Many unresolved issues were discussed, like whose job it is to make up Multi Units etc. Greg has a copy of the minutes, and I feel confident that with more meetings a favourable outcome can be achieved for all concerned.

If members have anything they need discussed please submit them in writing to Greg Glennon and he can raise them at the next meeting.

With the reduction of Drivers over the last 6-8 months we will need to see how the Depot handles the Sugar Season. Again Drivers should not be sent on holidays if they have applied a couple of times during the year and been rejected due to a shortage of staff in the busy season.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the Branch Officials and ask our members in all depots to get behind them in what will be a very trying year.

Welcome Councillors to this the first Council Meeting for 2003. There is a lot to discuss at this meeting. Mainly Third Party Access, and what QR want from the unions, and we have to make sure it is not a one-way street.

SPADS
We have to discuss about penalties QR want to impose on the Drivers, as there is a case now where Drivers in one depot have had a SPAD. They have to ride with a Tutor Driver for 10 days, Drivers in another depot have the same sort of SPAD, and they have to ride with a Tutor for 1 month. The silly thing is both depots are in the Goonyella System.

MACKAY
There is still problems with getting in contact with the SDS and vice versa about relief for crews, some crews are working over their time. They had one DOO Driver work 9 hours then home spare, all up he worked 11 hours. The SDS stated that he was not DOO but two Driver. He must have had a ghost riding with him.

The MSR Radio System is a failure, and every time there is a complaint put in, QR make up another excuse.

There is a lot of rostering problems in Mackay, in their diagram there is a lot of night work. They would like to meet with other depots in their working corridor to see if some of this night work could be shared around.

They would also like to have inter depot meetings with other depots in their working corridors. This was asked for at a previous Council meeting, and still has not happened. They would like to meet with Townsville, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

EMS
They would like it verified that if a Union Representative is called in as a witness to an EMS on his day off, would he get paid. In addition, if the interview interferes with his next working what happens?

They would also like to have training in EMS procedures, as they missed out last time.

SINGLE DRIVING STATION LOCOS
Work Trains and normal Shunt Trains cannot be worked long end leading because the Drivers can not turn the seat around, because the ATP box is in the road. They would like at least two locomotives held captive with 2 driving stations, especially in the sugar season.

Also they would like to ask the Cab Committee where is the mock up of the modification for these diesels.

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

They would like rewards given to SPAD free depots, and if a SPAD occurs the Drivers could be sent to a Situational Awareness Training.

Also they would like to know of what modification if any will be done to their locomotives.

COPPABELLA
This depot wants Council to advise them on the Two Driver setting back trial document.

Also why are SPAD's treated differently in other depots in the same system.

JILALAN
These men would like to know if locomotives are safe to work if they have gone over their 12-week service.

Medicals, Management are hell bent on rostering the men on medicals after their long weekends or BLPs; this is not on!

They would also still like to know when the TMIO position will be called, as there have been Tutors acting in these positions for over THREE YEARS.

Jilalan would like to have a combined meeting with all Coal Depots and the State Executive concerning Third Party, and what QR wants. All depots should be working together on this issue.

MICROWAVES
The members are sick and tired of waiting. They want the microwaves installed straight away. The quote that QR gave to install these things is ridicules. QR wants more productivity out of the men, but will not give anything back.

They would like to have an inter depot meeting with all depots in their corridor concerning their workings, as well as the problems they are having with the SDS and the MSR Radio System.

Welcome everyone to the first sitting of State Council for 2003. Within this report, I would like to make comment on the topic that is of most importance for the future of QR and traincrew alike. At this stage QR are saying that the issues that are likely to be covered are for the coal area. Many of the topics that will be on the table for debate will have the potential to flow onto other areas of traincrewing.

As QR's plans for reforms unfold and traincrew become aware of what is expected of them within these plans, it is worth raising, what I see, as our biggest challenge as Union Representatives. Trust in management's integrity and intent.

The trust I am talking about here is the trust that the traincrew will need to have in QR, when any final negotiated package is presented to them for consideration.

In 1996 the TCA was presented as a combined QR/Union sponsored deal, and traincrew were basically asked to trust the negotiating team that traincrew's lives will improve overall with the package. I believe that in 1996 the TCA kicked off with all the good will that it set out to achieve. It was as the years rolled on when different teams of managers took over, that traincrew's attitude of mistrust was once again reinforced.

In the near future Train Drivers will be asked once again to trust QR Management and Union teams with their futures. This requirement of trust is going to be the hardest sell that the union movement will be faced with. QR's negotiating teams over recent times does nothing to give anyone reason to feel confident that an amicable working relationship can be created in the short time we have to secure QR's and our careers.

At a recent RCC meeting, the unions were advised that we need a better working relationship and that we need to leave behind old conflicts and personal differences so that we can all move forward.

I totally agree with this inspiring statement and hope that QR's negotiating team can leave behind their dated attitudes towards industrial relations. I do feel confident that all sides will kick off QR's new world with all the good intentions that are required. Whether this can be sustained into the future, only the future knows.

Some of the big ticket items QR has made known, e.g. DOO, have been in the pipeline for a long time. The biggest effect here on traincrew's lives is safety. The SPAD rates in some of these areas support my personal opinion, that whether you have one driver or ten drivers on the locomotive, a train stop system is necessary in this day and age of train tonnages and train speeds.

For many years we have continually heard about Third Party and worlds best practises and that we need to meet and exceed the levels of efficiencies that these operators have in order to remain competitive.

I agree that this is just a fact of life.

The other fact of life is that our job in representing traincrew is to point out to QR that these efficient companies that we are to compete against have also a set of conditions and privileges that their employees enjoy. A lot of the conditions, QR, in the past have denied to traincrew, e.g. subsidised Private Health Cover, coverage of the gap for family operations, subsided family education benefits, company costed salary sacrifice systems. These are commonplace benefits offered to employees in the world of, world's best practise.

The message here to QR and our members is that change is inevitable and manageable, but there is no reason why this change cannot be a step forward for both parties.

NO. 3 DIVISIONAL TOUR
Greg Smith and I conducted the Annual Tour of the No. 3 Division in late February.

Overall, the meetings were well attended, and gave the membership the opportunity to approach Greg on a personal basis. The introduction of DTC Emerald West was probably the thing that created much of the comments and enquiries for the meetings.

LONGREACH
Noel Hart informed us that Longreach does not have any problems of an industrial nature at the moment and everything is pretty quiet. This would be expected as it is out of stock season. The recent cyclone in the north created a bit of work for the Longreach traincrew, in the form of running ballast trains repairing washouts. There is currently some work for the Tutor Drivers teaching Trainee Drivers the road west of Alpha to Emerald.

The crews welcomed the news that a standard for trackside toilets have been agreed upon. This may fix their continuing problems of in operable toilet facilities in the field.

Longreach traincrew are involved in the setting up of the standards for the DTC in their area.

ALPHA
We had a good role up to the meeting for the Alpha Branch. The Alpha crews aired what they see as the pros and cons of the introduction of the DTC.

They had a couple of ongoing camp wagon problems. Understandably, they are still not happy with the unreliable air conditioning system that QR insists on persevering with.

There were a couple of local issues that are currently being dealt with at the Divisional level.

EMERALD
We made two visits to Emerald. One on the way out and a quick stop over on the way back.

Mick Plant arranged for the meetings to be at the QRI and between the two meetings, we had a good turn out.

Greg Wilson has put his hand up as the new Branch Chairperson to help Mick out representing traincrew there. I think Greg and Mick will make a good team.

Emerald is currently in negotiations over suitable quarters in Gladstone. Apparently, the current quarters are not up to fire standards and so, other facilities are being looked at. Longreach quarters have been raised as an issue now that QR has chopped down the only shade trees in the areas. Some sort of pergola will have to be looked at for sun protection.

Other topics of concern appear to be suitably dealt with locally.

BLUFF
The visit to Bluff coincided with the monthly QRI raffles and free dinner night. No worries about a good role up here. We met some of the new Drivers in the depot as well as the regulars. Vic Cumner advised that he would be having a break from the Secretary's position in Bluff due to family commitments. I would like to thank Vic for his time and efforts over the years. Tim Cumming has taken the position on now and I am sure Tim will do a great job.

One of Bluff's main gripes now is the maintenance of the housing. By all reports, it does not sound adequate. Both Vic and Eddy Slatter ensured us that they have a few avenues to exhaust before this issue is handed to a State level. One enquiry that was made was for the people who live in the quarters and where they stand in relation to the proposed ambulance levy. This would affect many people around the state and a response would be sought from this Council seating.

GLADSTONE
Gladstone has just completed the trial of a reduced shift length system that had negotiations bogged down for almost 18 months. Mostly because of QR's stubbornness in their demands. I hope that will change over the next couple of years, otherwise, we are all in trouble.

The trial has been finished and reviews have been carried out, (because of yet another Commission Hearing) and traincrew are reasonable happy with the new shift length system. The diagram that goes along with the working system has been totally rejected by the traincrew in this depot. The whole diagram will be looked at for improvements or to construct a completely new link (again because of a Commission Hearing). The next step is to improve on the rejected diagram for Gladstone Traincrew. This could well be the first test of the "working together" management style that we are told we require for the future.

The local negotiating team advised QR over a year ago to introduce the working system under the old diagram to give the roster committees time to build an acceptable diagram; this was refused. Now a year later we are still in the same position as offered by this Union.

Seems to me that 12 months of arguing, and Commission Hearings and massive amount of resources have been burnt up for nothing. Once again, for everyone's sake lets hope QR has a serious look at themselves.

Longreach, Alpha, Bluff and Gladstone: - good rain. Emerald:- not so good.

Welcome Councillors to the first sittings of State Council for 2003. It promises to be an eventful year.

The RTBU with Owen Doogan has completely puzzled me in relation to amalgamation of the Unions. The RTBU approached us and Owen says it is an olive branch. We say no but offer his members to join the A.F.U.L.E and he says it is an act of war. It doesn't matter which way you look at it, the A.F.U.L.E.Q. is the only Union that represents Traincrew and Traincrew only.

QR is not addressing the ongoing issue of radio reception on the North Coast line urgently enough. I had first hand experience of no radio reception at Netherby a few weeks ago. Control and RDC know how bad it is. I even put an OFI in concerning this and to date I have had no response to it. In saying this I will be asking this Council to back me in getting QR to do something about radio reception on the Corridor. Radio Technicians must ride on trains with Union Officials to find a solution to this safety issue.

MARYBOROUGH
Radio reception and the installing and positioning of toilets along the corridor is causing a lot of headaches. Tony Devery has advised me that there does not appear to be enough room on 2300 Class Locomotives for toilets, so we have to get the roadside ones put in place.

When traincrew have trouble with the ATP and are advised to cut it out, there have been instances where agreement on what time it was cut out becomes and issue. Traincrew and RDC should work in together and common sense should prevail, but when it is totally a failure, 1 hour 30 minutes after ATP is cut out a second person must be provided.

BUNDABERG - J WATERS
The major point of concern at Bundaberg is the continued exploitation of LOP's and blatant bastardisation of the TCA and RCOP agreements in relation to 11 hour TDO shifts for the Cairns Tilt Tuition programmes to Mackay and Brisbane.

Toilets on the North Coast line has had little progress in recent months with the pressure for Bundaberg being eased with the reversal of the decision to reduce Electric Locomotives on the corridor, as well as loosing the majority of Freight working to Rockhampton and Maryborough for Cairns Tilt trials and Tuition.

Radio reception is still as poor in the same areas as they have ever been with Netherby Yard a virtual "blackout" as well as a black spot, with most Drivers hoping they do not get into trouble in that area, because there is no help within earshot.

The orange shirt debacle has left a couple of Drivers shirtless, literally, by not being allowed to order the old shirts and yet not receiving new shirts even if they had been OK for use. Therefore, I assume this in another example of "world's best practice" in action.

With regret Ryan Mort has had to resign as Chairperson of the Bundaberg Branch, I would like to thank him for the huge effort in relation to the aggregate review proposal currently under consideration and his assistance to myself and those requiring it at all hours, without complaint.

GAYNDAH
No complaints from Ted and the gang in Gayndah, everything is going according to plan.

Hello and welcome State Officials and Councillors to the first council meeting for 2003. I believe that this Union and it's members have some big challenges in the future, and we must prepare for those challenges, by coming up with ideas to ensure that traincrew and the A.F.U.L.E become the integral part in any future rail operations within Queensland and maybe Australia.

A country the size of Australia should be criss-crossed with railway tracks. Thereby making rail transport the main haulage of freight, minerals and people from one end of the country to the other. This could also create job opportunities in country areas and maybe bring the people back to the country.

With national standards and TDT, traincrewing has become a trade. Therefore, we should look at making traincrewing a multi skilled career. Everyone else in QR seems to be making empires around us, I feel, considering the possibility of future rail operations within our industry, it's time for traincrew to make their empire and ensure that our job is the most important part of the rail industry.

The first thing we should look at is define the carer path for traincrew, e.g.; start by making traincrew like an apprenticeship, incorporating cleaning locomotives, shunting and examining, and even unloading trains all the while becoming qualified as a Driver. Once qualified to Driver, for those who wish to do so, could go onto Tutor Driver, then onto Inspector, then into training areas, or even into administration (Supervisor Roles) or Rostering. Diagram working could reflect the above.

We the A.F.U.L.E should therefore strive to become the only union to negotiate with any future Rail Operators, as we represent traincrew wholly and solely. We can negotiate WORK PLACE AGREEMENTS with rail companies to hire our professional and multi-skilled members. Maybe with future agreements we should, instead of asking for pay increases, we should look at negotiating for conditions e.g.;

• Seven (7) weeks Annual Leave per year, with discounted or free air travel to anywhere in the State.
• Company sponsored Health Schemes, or Gym Memberships
• Paid Maternal/Paternal Leave
• Uncapped Personal Leave in lieu of Sick and Family Leave
• Bonuses or profit sharing going into Superannuation

Of course, some of this would more than likely be subject to certain legislation changes and maybe we might have to wait for a Federal Government that is more worker friendly. But in saying that I feel we as the only true Traincrew Union, should discuss the future with our members and obtain their ideas and input, to ensure that our career and job security is established for the times ahead.

CABOOLTURE AMENITIES
Every depot in Citytrain now has access to computers for 48 hours Rosters, Leave, QR Intranet etc except Caboolture. At the Safety and Improvement meeting held 25-2-03 management stated that the new humpy and LAN line will not be done until late 2003, due to money being budgeted for this financial year. But all of a sudden money has appeared for the upgrading of the Caboolture Station in readiness for the Diesel Tilt Train. This is unacceptable, as Caboolture Traincrew is the only Depot without access to computers within Citytrain. They feel they are being discriminated against and being lied to, as original quotes started at $17,000 and every time the issue is raised, the quote enlarges, currently being told around $40,000. Yet all of a sudden, money has been found to upgrade the Station.

Welcome all to the first Council for 2003. In this Council, we have some very important issues to discuss, particularly the Coal 2005 Project.

ORANGE SAFETY SHIRTS
After reading an email from Rob McAlpine about how we are to wear these shirts and then cover them up with a grey vest when driving a train. We should not be putting a grey vest on when you are not supplied with one. We do not wear someone else's shirt after they have worn it. How can the National Safety Council recommend allowing the wearing of a garment that someone else has worn? Besides that the vests will go missing from the Cab of locomotives and if I did wish to wear the vest it would not be there. The uniform should stay the same or be redesigned regardless of how many orange shirts QR have in containers. QR should have involved the Unions when the uniform contract came up for renewal, not after the horse has bolted.

TRAIN CREW ADVICE SYSTEM (TCAS)
This system has been introduced to just about every depot in the State. There are some hiccups with the way the system says some words. The Roster Clerks are going to have to show the whole workings on the sheet so that TCAS can repeat it to the traincrew. The next step with this system is the wake up call part, which is going to be introduced shortly.

SPAD COMMITTEE
The next SPAD meeting is on Thursday 27th March. Finally, I obtained the reports on the Kali and Petrie incidents. I hope that I can get responses on the SPAD reviews that have been on going for a couple of meetings now. At the last meeting, I put up that these SPAD reviews should be put to the Appeals Board so they can be processed faster than the present system. Presently the same groups that make the decisions in the first place are reinvestigating the reviews. There was some discussion on creating special SPAD investigators positions. Nothing came of this discussion and nothing was agreed on at this stage.

TOOWOOMBA COAL TRAFFIC
There was a meeting held on the 10th March 2003, for QR to inform us on how these coal trains are to be worked. QR has altered the trains paths and has submitted this to Network Access and are waiting for their decision. The Operations Manager from Toowoomba has been put on this project and he has been given until the end of May to have it completed. So hopefully the Depots can redo their diagrams then.

QR will do their costing with these trains based on manning the trains as Driver Only Operation (DOO). The next step will be to open up discussions on DOO between Toowoomba and Brisbane. I hope QR has enough APT equipped locomotives that work to some sort of agreeable standard.

IPSWICH
Ipswich Depot is in a solitary position because it now comes under the operations of the Operations Manager in Toowoomba but the depot is still in the A.F.U.L.E No. 6 District and is still run by the DIC in Brisbane. Congratulations to Steve Colebourne for becoming the new Branch Secretary, I know Steve will do his best for the Ipswich Depot. Still waiting on QR to work out how the Coal Trains are to be worked from Toowoomba. QR is going to come up with their plan by the end of May.

FISHERMAN ISLANDS
There have also been some new faces in the Secretary and Chairperson positions. Congratulations go to Col Jenkins (Secretary), and Earl Wallace (Chairperson) for being elected to these positions. Col and Earl have everything going smoothly at Fisherman Islands Depot. They are also waiting for QR to come up with the plan to run the coal traffic from Toowoomba.

ACACIA RIDGE
I will also congratulate Michael Thornes, who is the new Chairperson at Acacia Ridge. Bob Page informs me that QR have taken away one of the Shunt Engines from Moolabin. This caused some problems with the way Drivers are being rostered. With the extra work load the one shunt engine has to do, now Drivers are to be relieved in the yard. This is causing down time at the wrong period.

Acacia Ridge was told at the last Coal Meeting that they are not included in QR's plans for the coal traffic from Toowoomba. How are these Drivers supposed to keep up their skills when they are needed for these trains?

Welcome to Officers and Councillors for the March 2003 Divisional Council Meeting.

NO. 7 DISTRICT TOUR
State President, Shayne Ware and myself conducted a tour of the No. 7 District. Our first meeting was in Toowoomba on 15th March 2003, and then we headed to Goondiwindi for a meeting on Sunday 16th, then to Roma for a meeting the same afternoon, stayed overnight, then on to Charleville for a meeting, returning to Roma for a second meeting, overnight stay then back to Toowoomba for me and onto Brisbane for Shayne.

There seems to be a general consensus in the outer depots for some sort of lockable cabinet/cupboard to house traincrew stores, accessible only by traincrew. It is no good having station staff controlling stores if they are not on duty when traincrew are.

The major issue at Charleville is the use of 1720 Class Locomotives for training purposes, as this requires three (3) persons on the locomotive at one time and having two (2) driving stations, those locomotives are too cramped in the cab for crew members without adding a trainee. Under the current cab layout 1720 class are unsuitable for more than two (2) crewmembers, this needs to be addressed at state level.

All the depots are quiet now with no grain to carry. No rain - no work. I hope that as the weather improves we may get a good winter crop, and only then will things pick up.

Toowoomba is currently under a Business Review, and although not directly involving Traincrew, there will be some flow on to traincrew as staff adjustments are made and work practices change this must have some affect on us.

The coal loading facility at Jondaran for the Acland Coal Project has become a sore point with crews as no walkway along the side of the train is provided, and this makes testing a train a joke, especially when walking in a culvert. I think it is time to start putting industrial pressure on management to get some of these issues sorted out. They cannot keep fobbing everyone off forever.

The new traincrew uniforms received the response it deserved from all depots. A resounding NO, and I urge all traincrew to stick with the status quo until some sense comes of this.

In closing, I wish to thank all Branch Officers for their input and company whilst touring these depots.

BRISBANE TO CAIRNS

COMPUTER ACCESS

MICROWAVES ON 3100 CLASS

SETTING BACK OF MINES - COPPABELLA

LACK OF PATHWAYS AT ACLAND AND MACALISTER

WEIGHBRIDGES OPERATIONAL

HUGHENDEN QUARTERS

NORMAL MEDICALS