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 7 - 8 April 2005, commencing at 09:00 hours.

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

HOURS OF SITTING

Welcome Councillors to the April Divisional Council Meeting being the first for the current 3-year term.

Due to George Best and Renny Eyears not renominating for the current term there are two new faces on Council, those being, Casey Douce and Keryn Staib.

With the advent of the recent AFULE Elections there have also been changes in the Local Branches. I would like to thank those delegates who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Traincrew during the previous term of Office and look forward to working with the current Branch Officers for the next term.

The AFULE's mission of "Traincrew Representing Traincrew" is well and truly alive.

HOWARD's INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION
Whilst the full extent of the changes to Australia's Industrial Relations Systems is not fully known at this point in time, it is known that the Howard Government is planning an all out attack on workers wages and conditions not only for those who work under Federal Awards but also those who are currently under State Awards system such as QR Employees.

The Federal Government's plan will slash workers award conditions and wages by stripping awards of conditions which have been hard fought for and promoting Individual Workplace Agreements in preference to collective agreements.

Other items being pursued by the Howard Government are:

• The abolition of the award minimum wage classification structure and the establishment of a single minimum wage.
• A further reduction of allowable matters in the award safety net.
• The removal of protection against unfair dismissal by watering down the current provisions.
• The further erosion of the powers and independence of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
• Replacing the process currently conducted by the AIRC to determine minimum wages the installation of an "expert" group.
• Increased penalties against workers and their Unions.
• The establishment of a single National Industrial Relations System over riding the State jurisdictions through the extra ordinary use of the corporations power.

With the Howard Government having control of both the Upper and Lower Houses in Parliament in July it is expected that the legislation will be enacted in August.

The ACTU is conducting and co-ordinating a National Campaign in conjunction with the State Labour Councils with an emphasis on providing information and education at a community and workplace level on the threats of the proposed legislation and the affects it will have on working families.

The joint QR Rail Unions are planning a conference titled "Federal Legislation. The Effect on QR Workers and their Families" for 15-16 June 2005. It is expected the executives of those Unions will be attending.

The AFULE will be represented by the Divisional Councillors.

It is hoped that Michael Crosley of the ACTU will facilitate the conference with Greg Combet, Secretary of the ACTU, being one of the speakers.

Along with this, the AFULE is also gaining independent legal advice from Industrial Lawyers of the possible effects and ramifications the proposed legislation will have on workers who are currently under the State IRC such as QR Employees.

It seems that Howard's campaign in the Federal Election not only conned workers in voting away from Labour under the guise of interest rate rises but was also a smoke screen to introduce legislation which will erode the living standards of Australian Workers.

State President, Shayne Ware, wishes to send his apologies for being unable to submit a report for this Council Meeting owing to him being on holidays.

First, I would like to congratulate those who have been re-elected and welcome to the new delegates who have taken on positions within the A.F.U.L.E., I am sure that the calibre of representation will be as strong and united as it has always been within this Union.

Presently I am involved in a number of ongoing projects, including the "Productivity Linked Performance Rewards", which is a part of the Partnership For Change for EA7. This group comprises of representatives from all unions in conjunction with QR managers to hopefully develop a form of reward for employees where both parties share in the benefits of this scheme. At this stage, this has proven to be a very difficult process. It had not been decided whether this reward will be in the form of a monetary amount or conditional gain.

I recently attended a workshop on drug and alcohol testing where QR invited 5 testing companies to give a presentation to the workshop. This was very informative on the different types and methods of testing but unfortunately very little was received on fatigue with most companies having a different and contradicting opinion on methods to gauge fatigue. As well, most providers agreed that there is no way to conduct an impairment test that is clinically reliable. At this stage, nothing has progressed in the form of testing as it is still to be determined by the Union and QR on what form of testing and what is allowable.

The Fatigue Reference Group has not met for some time so there is little to report on this issue only to say that there is differing opinion across the State on what is an acceptable score when dealing with fatigue. To my knowledge, there are national standards being developed at present and when this standard has been finalised QR may progress further with fatigue management. There was a draft for comment being circulated in the Coal and Freight areas dealing with fatigue, but this document is only a draft for comment, and should not be used in any form other than as a discussion paper.

Lastly, the Freight 2004 project. This appears now to have taken an enormous back flip in regards to VER. Last year the information being passed around was that VER's would be offered to a large number of drivers on the North Coast. However, at the last meeting in March we were told that now there is little or no VER's on offer, as QR's preference is now to relocate drivers into the coal fields to meet increasing coal tonnages. I feel for those who were looking forward to this and now have to reassess their situations. However, members should also keep in mind that the no forced relocations and no forced redundancies policy is still in place, and that the A.F.U.L.E. will be fighting to keep this policy in EA7.

Yours sincerely

Glen McGaw
State Vice President

Welcome all to the first Divisional Council Meeting of 2005 also welcome to all the new Councillors and those who were re-elected.

Well we are in one of the most crucial periods for both the future of QRN and this Union.

I am sure we will come through as we always have because of the dedication shown by our members and Representatives in all depots.

Remember there will be lots of tall tales and half-truths circulating over the next 6-12 months. Don't listen to them, ask your Local Union rep or Divisional Councillor, if they don't know the full story they will get the details and report back to you.

QR will use this time of unrest to attempt to implement changes they have been trying to get through for years.

Let us all keep level heads and ensure if a change is to occur it isn't just for the sake of change.

It must benefit Traincrew as well as QR.

Having had lots of dealings with Middle Management over the last 6 months we need to stand our ground as a Union, as there definitely appears to be a trend shown by these Managers that they don't care one hoot for Drivers.

They must think that if they can shaft Traincrew they secure their future in the Management ranks of QR.

We must contact senior managers and tell them that in this volatile time we don't need the added disharmony this is causing.

QR must be a united body to stave off all the competitive challenges we face in the next few years.

As everyone is aware the North Coast report back sessions are almost finished, QR are advising all depots that they will be relocating drivers to the Coal Fields and Citytrain before they look at any VER's.

This has upset a lot of drivers and is the reason why this Union put out a letter following the first meeting, advising Traincrew that the VER's was only an expression of interest and not to get their hopes up.

The problem now is how we as the major Traincrew Union ensure that other depots in Qld aren't left without any hope of transfer in the near future.

I will keep this report brief and will be ensuring that all Depots are kept informed by the State Office of all issues that arise out of the NCL meetings and the Coal project.

Remember, we all need to put our hand up and assist our Local Reps to ensure we get the best possible future for this Union's membership.

Let us all work together and show why we are so strong as the leading Traincrew Union.

Welcome Executive Officers and fellow Councillors to the first Divisional Council Meeting for 2005, this council meeting also being my first as the representative for Division 2. Thank you for the support during the election period and for the opportunity to participate in the decision making process of this great Union.

The workforce and the union movement as a whole are facing major challenges from within QR and the Howard Government's Industrial Relations policies. I would encourage all members to attend your local branch meetings to stay informed and offer your opinion on how the Union should deal with these issues. I am confident the Union will with the input of the membership, devise strategies that will provide a positive outcome for AFULE members.

DIVISIONAL DEPOTS
Branch Representatives in the depots are being kept busy dealing with ongoing issues. Diagrams, LOP's, Annual Leave, Locomotives, supply of uniforms and stores and the state of amenities always seem to be problem areas for all branches. QR could quite easily deal with some of these issues but are always unwilling to do anything that may create harmony in the workplace.

All depots in the Division have been kept busy work wise with Mackay commencing to work a coal service from the Macarthur-Morevale mines to Abbot Point and at the time of this report going to print, Rockhampton looked likely to gain additional work from new mines.

FREIGHT 2004
PN is a reality. The result of a third party operator running trains in Queensland is still to be handled. The latest correspondence indicates that QR will be offering relocation before a VR package. The depots affected by this process (Mackay and Rockhampton) are extremely upset that QR has done a complete U turn. Representatives involved were led to believe VR would be an option for those who wanted to leave QR's employment. It seems due to increased coal tonnages that option is now unlikely. I doubt whether QR has the ability, compassion or processes in place to deal with each individual case. Union representation in this process will ensure members are treated fairly.

COAL 2005
This is an ongoing project that grew out of the need for QR to cut $ 80 million out of the coal business operating costs. At this stage of the process we should stop and consider where the Coal Industry is headed. Coal prices are skyrocketing and mines are literally appearing overnight. There can be no argument that coal is the growth area of QR business. Given the above one has to question the validity and necessity of cost cutting in the coal haulage area. It would also be fair to ask QR Management how far they plan ahead and how much longer they expect co-operation in the Coal 2005 Project. There have undoubtedly been great ideas tabled during this project that can be pursued but major workplace reform should not be a part of this process. Perhaps with thought the Dysart Depot could have had a viable future.

COAL 2005 YARDS AND TERMINALS PROJECT
Members were surveyed and Option 4 was the preferred choice. A Steering Committee of Senior Union and Management has been established and a working party formed to progress the yards and terminals project. Members will be kept informed of any progress. I believe this project like many others has merit but lacks direction and leadership. Is that a reflection of QR overall?

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS POLICY
The Coalition Federal Government will shortly gain control of the Senate and will then launch an attack on worker's rights. The Howard Government will attack our right to current conditions and our right to bargain collectively. This action will be portrayed as an attack on "The Unions" when in reality they will be attacking every member's conditions and way of life. Some employers will actively support the Howard Government on the grounds of workplace flexibility and worker choice when the issue will actually be tied to Federal Government funding.

It is important at this time for Unionists and the Union movement as a whole to remain committed and strong in the defence of worker's rights. This Council will assess the threat and determine a course of action to best deal with these issues.

Welcome fellow Office Bearers new and old. It is good to see new Councillors around the table. It is times like these that it is essential to have fresh and enthusiastic representatives around the table. Their input will be invaluable during this next term.

As a continuation of my last report I would like to again comment on how industries view the relationship between management and workers and how QR are handling the changes in the working environment. A comment also on the changing attitudes of traincrew.

Companies all over the world, have, for decades been pursuing the workforce to introduce reforms, efficiencies, flexibilities and have staff, where the companies, were not required to give long-term employment commitment. Well guess what, they got it. The only thing the firms didn't count on was that when employees were introduce to that same lack of commitment and flexibilities, a lot of them could see benefits in it for themselves.

We hear on a daily basis through the media that there is a shortage in skilled labour in the industrial areas where workers traditionally did it tough. Many workers are asking themselves, are the wages and working conditions in these industries worth the sacrifice in quality of life for themselves and their families? It is clear that a lot people believe that it is not.

Large enterprises that require the skilled labour are now spending a lot of time and money trying to secure the staff they require. We are seeing that in the rail industries as well.

The working class people are now a lot more knowledgeable and have internationally recognised skills and have the ability to pick and choose the quality of life that suits them. The idea of starting with a company as a junior and retiring after a life time of loyal service hasn't been a reality for the working class population for a long time. This also has done a complete circle for the companies. They are now having trouble retaining their skilled staff. People are taking those flexibilities when it suits them and not just when it suits the companies.

This brings me back to our situation within QR where we are going through a time of great change for all areas in the organisation. But, QR needs to be well aware that, as apposed to 12 or 18 months ago, where traincrew were very nervous and unsure of the future, they now have had the time to see the other operators start up. In addition, surprise, surprise, the drivers on these locos do not appear to have horns coming out of the top of their heads like QR would have us believe. In actual fact we have all worked along side most of these crews some time in the past.

QR needs to stop using the boogieman (other operators) as their greatest leverage for change.

QR needs to ask the employees through a genuine process what they are looking to get out of the organisation and apply that knowledge to convince them to remain loyal through these uncertain times.

Don't get me wrong I truly believe that for traincrew in general, QR is by far the best option for a stable future and I support QR's efforts in creating a viable operation. What QR needs to do is cut out the day-to-day garbage that traincrew live with from the infinite different levels of management.

Times have definitely changed. Many of our drivers now days did not start their careers as a porter or cleaner in the operations grades. A lot of them have trades and all sorts of skills behind them. These Drivers will remain in the driving grade while the pays and conditions suit their requirements. These people also have the experience that tells them there is life before and life after Train driving.

Historically one of the greatest benefits employees have received from QR was a considerable level of compassion in times of need. Sadly, to say QR does appear to be moving away from this position.

I have been involved in a situation where a Driver, through ill heath, was denied the grant of the special sick leave after he had exhausted all sick, annual, and long service leave. The special sick leave was denied due to one minor incident in a 22-year career. With these attitudes coming from QR on a more regular basis, QR can feel comfortable that they will match other operators in those areas. Will QR be able to match other operators in the rewards and job satisfaction side of things?

LONGREACH
Even in Longreach, the future mainline problems are having effects. Traincrew that are transferring out of Longreach are not being replaced in the near future until the total effect of the main line problems is known. This causes continual problems with not having enough traincrew to cover the standard services. Emerald traincrew are being used as a suedo relief pool to cover the jobs. This is causing other problems between the two depots. These positions need to be filled as soon as possible.

ALPHA
Not a great deal to report from Alpha. Like the rest of the State, the crews are concerned at what effects the third party operations will have on them.

EMERALD
It appears that Emerald will be receiving a fair amount of extra work in the form of the Minerva Coal traffic. This is a 2.4 million tonne mine that is due to commence in June-July. Emerald crews will work the trains and load just outside of Springsure. This starts with three trains per week building up to 15 within 12 months. The problem here is that it is planned that this depot will only work the traffic until the coal depot numbers are increased enough to work the traffic.

BLUFF
Bluff is currently looking at the ramifications for the new working concepts that are included under the 2005 project. The crews have submitted a number of ideas to improve diagramming in the depot.

GLADSTONE
Gladstone has nothing to report. All traincrew are happy and everything is quiet.

Now back to reality.

Gladstone representatives are now finding themselves battling on two fronts:

1. The Coal 2005 project
2. The operational stream of management

Both sections of QR are chasing the same issues but are hitting the traincrew up from two different directions. QR definitely knows how to get a couple of hundred Traincrew's back up.

With QR's attitude, it is very hard to see the depot not having numerous visits to the commission in the coming year.

QR needs to stand up and make a decision. Is Gladstone going to be a coal depot or not? QR cannot get a full coal depot for partial freight depot rates.

Ongoing.

Welcome Councillors, yes it is the first Council Meeting of a new term, and yes we are still battling the issues of last year. The North Coast Freight Depots are starting to feel the effects of our rival "Pacific National" running their trains in our corridor.

We have attended the Train Crew Workshops and discussed all the issues concerning the Depots, due to the downsizing in driver numbers to compensate for the loss of shifts in our Depots. But after all the number crunching, we came up with a different equations on staffing requirements to what QR say is the number needed to run the Depot.

The VER and relocation applications have all been processed and the number received in Maryborough exceeds what QR deems surplus in our Depot.

The idea of relocation does not appeal to many drivers, so the question being asked, is will QR give all the applicants the VER? Alternatively, if not, how do they decide which drivers will receive the VER.

If they release all the applied, our depot numbers will be below what we estimate is needed to work our allocated shifts over the corridor.

So then the obvious solution would be for Rockhampton to work extra shifts south, as they would have surplus drivers, because their depot VER and Relocation requests were fewer than the proposed number required.

If this happens it could be to the detriment of the Maryborough Depot. As we are not about reducing depot staffing levels just because one depot will retain more drivers after this shake up.

The EBA affirms there will be no forced relocations or redundancies, so one could hope that after June when we finally know what trains are running north and south, and depot driver numbers can be properly determined, we could be requiring extra drivers in Maryborough. But will QR do this, or utilise the surplus Drivers in Rockhampton.

DEPOT REPORTS

MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough Depot is still having problems with Diagram workings due to the changes brought about by PNQ running their own trains, and will be continually disrupted until after June. But with consultation I hope these issues can be overcome.

BUNDABERG
The issues they have with the commissioning of the ATP on the Tilt Train are progressing ok, with testing and speed boards alterations taking place.

Both the Tilt Drivers are coping well who were involved in the accident and are extremely grateful that no one was seriously hurt in the incident. They are also thankful for the support that they received from everyone.

Mick Tipman is improving slowly from his illness, so we send our well wishes to these mates and hope to see them back on the job soon.

The usual diagram problems with doubling up seems to be sorted out and will definitely not occur when working ex Mackay.

GAYNDAH
The depot was recently visited by Steve Kim and Michael Murphy and everything seems to be going alright.

They talked on depot issues and Time Table Running of their trains ex Maryborough West. They would like to depart earlier which enables the train to arrive earlier in Monto, allowing for all day unloading.

Well wishes to Ted Neumann who is on extended sick leave.

Keryn Staib

Hello and welcome Councillors and State Officials to the first DCM of a new term in A.F.U.L.E. history. A special welcome to the new Councillors, Messrs Douce, Staib, and Robeck, as I am sure you all will continue the good work of your predecessors.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those elected to positions within this great Union. I also extend a thank you to all those that either did not attain a position or chose not to run again. It is heartening to see new faces putting their hands up to run for positions, which shows that the A.F.U.L.E. is alive and well.

DIAGRAMS
Late last year Airtrain reduced services which entailed changes to the workings and diagrams. Unfortunately, Citytrain Roster Committees only had one month to adjust workings and compile diagrams, which, due the complexity of the task, was never going be enough time. The A.F.U.L.E. even went to the extent of toying with the idea of rejecting the proposal, but this action would have caused more trouble than what it was worth i.e. a lottery regarding sign on and workings. The Roster Committees did the best they could within the limited amount of time, with a written guarantee from management that the workings and diagrams can be altered on an ongoing basis.

ON TIME PERFORMANCE
Management is concerned with their on time performance, which is currently averaging 95%, which is well below their contractual obligations. They are also concerned with the lost time frequency rate. They devised a strategy that they believe would provide more appropriate and suitable duties that are aligned with normal link workings for Traincrew who are on rehabilitation. These duties consist of:

1. Measuring sectional running
2. Measuring average station dwell times
3. Measuring the impact of speed restrictions
4. Identifying real issues affecting on time performance
5. Passenger Counts

The A.F.U.L.E. had major concerns with QR's initial proposal. The main concerns were that QR wanted the injured worker to collect this data from a working cab, whilst not being responsible for the safeworking of the train. Collecting data on three car sets, which would impede on the working crews duties. QR did not deem it necessary to issue the relevant cab authority as per their policies. They wanted injured workers to collect data from carriages, whilst in uniform among the public.

The A.F.U.L.E. rejected these proposals because of concerns with safety issues, distraction issues, safeworking issues and cab seat configuration. We agreed that the injured worker may be able to perform these tasks from a spare cab only. He-she must not collect data from a three car set, not from within the confines of any coach and must in possession of a cab pass.

Of course, all of the above is subject to the nature of the injury and doctors' certificate. As most injuries are physical in nature, I would find it difficult to perform these tasks under the proposed circumstances and being subject to the movement of the train.

SPECIAL EVENTS
More meetings have been conducted on this ongoing issue. The RTBU submitted a proposal on the basis that when 320 hours are achieved, that all subsequent hours are paid at Category 6. The A.F.U.L.E. had reservations with this proposal, as we believe it could create competition and a greed mentality for overtime. We also are of the opinion that the current available overtime opportunities could be reduced, with the advent of some twenty odd drivers currently in training, and a possible pool of surplus drivers.

After realizing the folly of their proposal, including a backlash from traincrew, the RTBU threw in a half category increase across the board. The A.F.U.L.E. has always maintained that all traincrew should benefit from working these extra services. Citytrain Management has recognized and admitted they need to offer an incentive for traincrew to work their Special Event trains. The A.F.U.L.E. conveyed to all that we would be considering a range of proposals. At the time of writing, we have arranged a meeting with RTBU Delegates to outline the need for a joint union submission to target category increases, as we have had Andrew Lye and Craig Ludwigsen working on and gathering data to submit to Management.

OBSERVING DRIVERS
Management have come up with another strategy, this time to monitor Drivers based on Threat and Error Management. Its aim is to collect information on crew behaviour and situational factors that may impact on operational safety. Management called for an expression of interest from Drivers to conduct confidential (?) observations during normal operations. These observers record data on Threats to Safety, how threats or hazards are managed, human error, how errors are managed and recovered, and other crew behaviours known to impact on the safety system. Those who volunteer to collect this data are to make contact and explain the process to the crew involved. The crew has the right to accept or deny access to the person conducting the data. There were about twenty volunteers, who were subject to a selection process and as more information is coming to light to these volunteers, there seems to be a trend of withdrawing from the program.

ELP SHED
This facility was earmarked for closure for meal purposes. The alternative was to extend and cover the outdoor area at the Bowen Hills amenities. Management has confirmed that the quotes received were prohibitive. Therefore, this facility has been refurnished and restored so as Traincrew can meal at this venue.

TOILETS ON UNITS
Recently the A.F.U.L.E. was compelled to ban an ICE Unit from traffic until the toilet was repaired.

Due to health issues, and a plea from the plumbers, we asked traincrew to monitor and report to us any defective toilets on ICE and or IMU's. The plumbers have been stymied by Management, by saying that they can only check toilets on trains every 120,000 kms. QR has an obligation to provide their customers with a fully operational toilet, so therefore, they are also obligated to fix them when the occasion arises. Since this event, the toilets on these units have been properly maintained.

TRAUMA LEAVE
The A.F.U.L.E. has been successful in negotiating a change in the taking of Trauma Leave after a fatality, when block or single leisure periods intervene. This means that trauma leave will commence after the leisure period.

Welcome fellow Councillors both new, old and recycled to the next three year term.

It has being said numerous times before but this time I'm sure it is especially true that the next couple of years will be the hardest and most difficult for the union movement as a whole and especially this Union.

With the Howard Government due to take control of the Senate in a few short months you can be rest assured there will be attacks on the Union movement like never before. We can only hope that the State Labour Governments put up some resistance and aren't silenced by the GST tax pie. Yes Mister Beattie the political arm of the Labour Movement has to now more than ever before stand up and be counted. On this same subject members must remember that the Union is not the State Executive or the Branch Officials, they are merely servants of you the members because you the member are the Union.

Due to the commencement of PNQ the field of players has changed in Qld for ever and whilst there will initially be some concern from members, the longer term picture for the Rail Industry in this country is looking up. Having said that, it is disappointing that QR has once again got it so wrong with their staffing levels.

Three short months ago VER's in the North Coast Depots was looking likely with some possibility that VER's would be offered in other locations as well to facilitate relocations now it appears that all surplus traincrew on the North Coast will be absorbed with relocation and VER's will not be offered. I have often joked that while most big corporations have a 5 year plan QR has a 5 minute plan. It may not be a joke after all. If QR's intelligence is so wrong on this issue can their numbers be trusted on the coal 2005 and Freight 2004 Projects. Maybe we need to seriously look at withdrawing from these two projects until QR can prove they can be trusted.

On the local front all depots in my Division with the exception of Redbank Workshops recently voted on Motel accommodation in Toowoomba, with the initial vote being a one Depot one vote system, the vote was tied 2 all. After the Manager responsible talked to our State Officials another vote was taken with the outcome to be a simple majority, this resulted in the existing Motel retaining the contract for a further 2 years with a one year option.

With both Fisherman Islands and Acacia Ridge Depots only having limited drivers with Road Knowledge on the North Coast the fallout from PNQ will be mostly felt in Acacia Ridge with the loss of the Moolabin Shunt Jobs and the Inter Yard Work associated it. While Acacia Ridge will not have any surplus staff due to the increase in the downs coal traffic, the workings in the depot will change with less local jobs and more tucker box jobs.

All depots in my Division are being pressured into accepting more weekend work in their diagrams, a situation that is causing some concerns with all Depots currently saying no.

An issue has arisen in Acacia Ridge with the Interail and or QR National? Shunt Loco being not air-conditioned or even fitted with a fan. When the Branch approached Interail's Management they were told that was all they had to offer. After talking to the State Office I discovered that the branch had agreed to work this loco in this condition to facilitate gaining the work, however, it was only to be for short periods of time.

The work load on this shunt is picking up and there are persistent rumours that QR crews either Fisherman Islands or Acacia Ridge based or both may be working interstate trains in the not too distant future. This raises a very important issue, we as QR Drivers have a cab standard; will this be applied on Interstate Loco's.

Ipswich Freight are pushing hard for more change jobs or continuous workings to and from Toowoomba as their diagram consists of virtually all tucker box workings.

With the increasing coal traffic from the Downs, I think it is time to for QR to sit down with Depot Diagram Committees to review the entire timetabling of the coal traffic to facilitate more change jobs.

Hello and welcome to all to the first Council of 2005 and the first of a 3-year term. It looks like shaping up to be a very interesting time.

WESTERN, SOUTH WESTERN DEPOTS
Things seem to be going ok in these depots, although, they are down on times.

GOONDIWINDI
This depot is moving a bit of grain, but not many grain trains are running now. Some drivers have taken on First Aid Training on a volunteer basis to gain a First Aid Certificate. I commend them for doing this, but I believe QR should offer this training to all Traincrew, especially due to the remoteness of our job and the locations that we work. This is now more appropriate as we carry an issue first aid kit.

UNIFORMS
Traincrew are still going crook about the style and quality of the current uniform.

We now hear gossip that a new issue is on its way for QR National (not again). If so, maybe a bit of Traincrew input would be good and not a management decision of "this is what you'll wear" and like it.

1720 CLASS LOCOS
It seems QR has decided to use the Maxi Cab Upgraded 1720's locos as the second loco of a multi on mails in the north.

This will free up bigger loco's for other uses, which is good but, QR should be using non Maxi Cab locos and leave the maxi cab locos for use in the western depots. Tuition can then be accomplished using maxi cab locos. This needs to be addressed.

ROSTER AND OR DIAGRAM
The three (3) month trial with our diagram is all but over and what a resounding failure it was. We now need to get back to a more sensible diagram. Crews were only being stuffed around unnecessarily during this trial.

This also brings to mind the lack of equalisation of time. It is almost non existent. Drivers with an (A) beside their names are continually ignored for catch jobs, roster opting for the usual favourites to fill jobs. These drivers put an (A) beside their name in good faith hoping to get extra, but soon get peeved off when they never get approached.

In the next breath roster says they have no men to work trains. This then leaves crews with an (N) beside their name to lag behind, and then get flogged in the last fortnight of the cycle to catch them up with their time. "Nothing Changes".

TILT TRAIN
I am continually amazed that the RTBU is still claiming credit for the legislation change to the Transport Infrastructure Act 1999.

The AFULE fought and succeeded in changes to this and I applaud the efforts of the State Secretary and Industrial Office for their efforts. The unfortunate part of all this is that the grass roots people of the RTBU, Trackworks, Operators etc in non city areas of the State, are none the wiser of what is actually happening, they only read and believe what propaganda is put out by their State Secretary.

A good example is the crap they put out about the visit to Sydney to meet disgruntled traincrew of the RTBU.

SDS
SDS met with Tutor and Management on the 4th April to explain and or discuss SDS's role and to answer questions about that role. It is a pity that the Union was not represented at this meeting as the complaints come to us not the Tutors of the Depot.

RETIREMENT
George Cogill retired after a lengthy service with QR. George was a staunch Union man, very vocal and had acted very admirably in Union Positions throughout the State during his career and his guidance and vision on issues was greatly appreciated.

Best wishes to George and his wife in his retirement.

Kevin Voll