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

The tri-monthly meeting of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, Queensland, Union of Employees, was held at the A.F.U.L.E. State Office, Unit 28, "Mayne Plaza", 127 Abbotsford Road, Mayne on Tuesday and Wednesday 9 and 10 February 1999, commencing at 09:00 hours.

The State President Mr Greg Smith declared the meeting open at 09:00 hours.

Welcome Councillors to the February 1999 Divisional Council Meeting. This meeting is the first for the current 3 year term. Besides having 3 new Councillors Glen McGaw (Gladstone), Ray Stafford (Brisbane Citytrain), Renny Eyears (Brisbane BNF), Byron Davidson the Proxy No. 2 Councillor is standing in for Dennis Paidley.

Whilst I had the opportunity to farewell Bill Malcolm at the November 1998 Divisional Council Meeting, I would like to now take this opportunity to offer a belated farewell from the council table to Sid Moore and Col English. Both Sid and Col worked tirelessly for their respective districts and on behalf of the members of the A.F.U.L.E., I would like to congratulate them on their part in the history of the A.F.U.L.E..

In view of the number of new Councillors and to give members an insight on how council meetings are conducted, I have set out the procedures that are used to conduct the meetings.

The role of the President or any other elected Chairperson presiding over the Divisional Council Meeting, is to ensure that the meeting is conducted within the rules of the Union and ensure that Councillors have the opportunity to put their point of view forward. To help meet the above objectives, the following procedures are set down for Councillors' guidance.

Resolutions

All resolutions and amendments must be moved and seconded before being debated. Seconding should take place immediately after the mover has made the resolution and before the mover speaks in support of it. Resolutions may be handed to the President without being seconded, for the President to call for a seconded from the floor.

A motion can be seconded 'pro forma' that is, where the seconder wishes to hear the movers arguments in favour, while being unsure that the resolution is a satisfactory response to a problem. Having heard the arguments, the seconder may withdraw their support. If no one else re-seconds the motion, it lapses automatically.

Any Councillor speaking for or against a resolution must stand before the council table. The President will ensure that Councillors who are standing before the table can conduct their debate without interruption. The president will call on speakers either for or against the resolution intermittently. Speakers may only speak once on the resolution, except for the mover of the resolution who shall have the right of reply after which time, all debate shall be concluded.

The President shall have a deliberate vote as per the Union Rules and if the vote of the resolution is evenly split, the resolution will be deemed to be lost.

Amendments

Amendments may only be made if they are relevant to the original resolution and are serious and do not distort the resolutions intent. For the business of the Divisional Council Meeting, there will be only one amendment allowed per resolution for debate.

When an amendment has been moved and seconded, the debate will centre on the amendment only, which will then be decided by way of vote of the Councillors. If the amendment is carried the resolution as amended is put to a vote. If the amendment is lost, the original resolution is put to a vote.

Suspending Standing Orders

Stand by orders are the rules of the way a debate is to be conducted. Standing orders can be suspended for the purpose of discussing matters more informally, it may be decided to go 'into committee'. Meetings 'in committee' are confidential. Persons not entitled to be in attendance (e.g. visitors) should leave the meeting. Resolutions arising out of committee may be fully debated when standing orders have been resumed.

Dissent From Presidents Ruling

If a Councillor thinks a decision of the President presiding over the meeting is wrong and should be reversed, he or she should stand and say, "I challenge your ruling".

If after hearing the Presidents reason for the ruling the Councillor is still not satisfied, the President must vacate the chair. The Vice President will take the chair and ask the dissenter to state the reasons for the challenge.

The Vice President will then ask the President to outline the reason for the ruling, after the dissenter has spoken. No others may speak. The Vice President then puts the resolution "that the President's ruling be upheld". It should be made clear that the vote has nothing to do with the meetings confidence in the chair and is only about whether or not the ruling is correct. If the motion is carried, then the President returns and carries on from the point of the ruling. If lost the President returns to the chair and proceeds from the point prior to the ruling.

Rescinding of Resolutions

The Divisional Council Meeting is scheduled for 2 days and is divided into 4 sessions. Resolutions which have been carried at a session can only be rescinded at a later session if a Councillor moves a 'notice of motion' that he or she intends to move a resolution to rescind the resolution at a later session. If the notice of motion is seconded at the later session and voted in favour, the resolution shall be deemed to be rescinded.

Welcome Councillors. A special welcome to Glen McGaw No. 3, Ray Stafford No. 5 and Renny Eyears No. 6 to the council table. I am sure this organisation will benefit from your input and opinions over the next 3 years. Also welcome to Byron Davidson the No. 2 Proxy Councillor.

The input and guidance that you each provide, will be invaluable to this Union over the next 12 months or so, as further workplace changes is pursed by Queensland Rail. The issue of DOO in dark territory, fatigue management and rosters, all have the ability and potential to become industrial disputes if negotiation and discussion with Queensland Rail is unsuccessful.

The role of Councillors in this area becomes invaluable, as district representatives it is your input and feedback from the 30 odd depots throughout the state that guides this Union during negotiations.

Fatigue Management

The Union is very aware of the possible and far reaching ramifications of the implementation of any fatigue management program on our current rosters. Some areas of Queensland Rail management are of the belief that this may be a vehicle, not for improving our current rosters etc; but as a back door means of delivering a Queensland Rail agenda of extending working hours and reducing employer conditions.

It is this view by some of Queensland Rail management which will lead to the members of the A.F.U.L.E. rejecting fatigue management. Again we must take an active approach to this issue to ensure the needs of the employees does not go unrepresented.

Train Crew Agreement

Queensland Rail have indicated that they wish to begin discussion on this industrial agreement at a reasonably early stage of this year, keeping in mind a draft document is to be ready by September 1999 for members' perusal.

Again no doubt, there will be a number of managers who see this as a means of reducing conditions and wages of train crew and A.F.U.L.E. members. As the negotiations develop, input from Councillors and the rank and file becomes an invaluable asset. The new Queensland Rail structure is setting in with the concerns raised by the Union in 1998 now being realised.

On a regular basis we are experiencing problems with new supervisors - managers and their interpretation of the Train Crew Agreement and the conditions train crew work under. This must be nipped in the bud before it gets out of hand.

In closing I look forward to working with our new council and hope to make the 1999 year ever better than 1998.

Fatigue at Issue

Working hours are also being debated in North America. On 16 September 1998, the National Transportation Safety Board's Research Director Vernon Ellingstad told Congress that railway staff and truck drivers were being forced to work dangerously long hours. Speaking to a Senate Commerce Subcommittee, he said he was disappointed with government efforts to deal with fatigue. "The Department of Transportation has failed to address one of the most important safety issues facing our society today", he remarked, noting that in every rail accident investigated by his agency involving fatigue, there had been full compliance with hours-of-service laws. He compared airline pilots permitted to be at the controls for 100 hours a month, with train drivers who could be on duty up to 432 hours: "allowing any transportation worker in a safety-sensitive position to work more than 400 hours a month is excessive, if not downright unconscionable".

Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene Molitoris said a directive was being developed requiring railways to submit fatigue management plans, "We don't think a one-size-fits-all approach is appropriate in this industry." What the government has in mind to control truck drivers' hours is less certain. Charles E Detmann, AAR Executive Vice President, Safety and Operations, warned "work-rest regulations would stifle needed innovation", pointing out that numerous pilot studies on fatigue were in hand.

There is little doubt that driver fatigue is a genuine problem and some interesting initiatives are being developed to tackle it. but heavy-handed regulations forcing up costs for railways competing against road haulage where safety is treated in a completely different way is hardly fair. Suffice it to say that the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies predicts that road accidents will be the world's third biggest cause of death and disability by 2020, up from ninth in 1990.

Editorial Comment Railway Gazette International - November 1998

Welcome Councillors to the first Divisional Council Meeting for 1999 and indeed, the first meeting for this new term. I would like to congratulate Councillors on their appointments, especially to the new faces around the table Renny Eyears, Glen McGaw and Ray Stafford.

As an Industrial Organisation, we will face some extremely difficult challenges during the next (3) years. Two issues immediately spring to mind, firstly negotiations toward the possible implementation of another Train Crew Agreement and secondly, the development of strategies for a Fatigue Management Program.

It is with these (2) documents in mind that I believe we must be clear about the direction and the role they will play in the workplace. While either may play an integral role in the operation of the other, we must ensure however, that they are kept separate in such a way, that they are capable of producing the desired outcomes they have been designed to do.

The Train Crew Agreement is a document agreed to by all parties designed towards change in the workplace for some form of remuneration. A document which sets out guidelines to improve performance and increase productivity through consultation, agreement and implementation.

A Fatigue Management Program is a document consisting of a number of factors designed to abate fatigue. Goals of a fatigue program needs to address safety by reducing fatigue related risks, well being and improving the quality of life and the increasing awareness.

Fatigue Management Programs are a comprehensive and integrated collection of projects drawing upon the most recent scientific work into the physiological factors that cause fatigue and utilises strategies that can minimise the negative effects of fatigue and promote performance and alertness on the job.

Development of an alertness program will need to be directed more towards the quality of output and the reduction of accidents, rather than the rate of production. Increasing the rate of production needs to be addressed through a registered Industrial Agreement and regardless of the finished product - a Fatigue Management Program needs to be a recognition of our work environment and conditions.

Just a couple of final words about a Fatigue Management Program, such a program is fast becoming important during these changing times in Australia's Industrial Relations scene. The continuing pressure for deregulation, competition and market reform upon private and public corporations will tend to place pressure upon safety. This is why a Fatigue Management Program needs to be developed, if only to abate any possible dilution of safety issues in favour of improving the operational efficiency to compete.

Welcome to the first Divisional Council Meeting for 1999. A special welcome to all of our newly elected Councillors, I look forward to working with you all over the next 3 years.

State Tour

Once again the State Tour of the No. 1 Division was a great success, with even a larger number of members present. All we have to do is teach Paul how to read a map and work out the shortest route.

Pring

We had most of the local issues from Pring addressed at our last Divisional Council Meeting, so I will follow up on these things at the Council.

Townsville

Townsville along with most other depots have problems with rostering. Hopefully this will lessen with a new system that we are trying in Townsville starting on 1 February 1999, where we fill out an application to be worked to our diagram. If this does work, it could be utilised state wide. I would also like to see the Co-ordinator's job called in Townsville, this has been promised for a while but no one seems to want to call it.

Locomotive Serviceability

Another problem encountered by all depots is faults on locomotives being continually booked. The sooner this Union can get an acceptable standard for locomotive serviceability agreed to by Queensland Rail the better off everyone will be. Until that is done, I believe we should be looking at other ways of ensuring that repairs are done. There are problems with the headlights on the 2800, 2802 and 2837 No.1 end are two that come to mind. I realise Queensland Rail said they have done tests and everything is okay, but the people who work these locomotives are having problems with the lighting, so we want tests done in the areas where these locomotives are being worked.

Train Crew Accommodation

All western depots expressed the same concerns and that is the shortage of affordable accommodation available in these towns. I know Paul was to have discussions with Queensland Rail over this, so I will get some feedback at this Council.

Queensland Rail Management

Being able to have meetings with people who have the authority to make decisions is still ongoing from last year. All depots are in the same boat, with issues continually ongoing because no one has the authority to rectify their problems. We are all fed up with this and will be asking for assistance at a state level.

Charters Towers

The problems with accommodation in Charters Towers is still ongoing, with acceptable accommodation seldom available. I know this issue was raised at the last Council, so maybe Paul will have more information for us. I am aware that a letter was sent to Queensland Rail and a reply saying that the issue will be investigated, but I am not aware of any further developments. Surely these sorts of issues should be important to Queensland Rail and addressed as soon as possible.

Drinking Water

Another issue of concern is the supply of water on locomotives. Those that have water tanks won't be supplied with bottled water. If this is to be accepted by this Union, I believe we should be insisting that Queensland Rail clean these water tanks on a regular basis.

Meals

I would like to see in our new negotiations an upgrade in the quality of meals supplied on the DOO passenger trains. A stale sandwich and a piece of cake does not count as a meal to me. A cold meat or chicken salad platter or a re-heatable meal should be available. I would also like to see meals supplied to all passenger services, maybe we can investigate this.

Committee

I would also like to discuss the proposed changes to the Cab Committee at this Council. I have concerns that the new structure may do more harm than good, by having people on the Committee who have never worked on all classes of locomotives making the decisions. I would also like to discuss the structure of the Roster Code of Practice Committee. I believe we should have a representative from North West Queensland on this Committee.

In closing I would also like to submit some correspondence for Cairns, Hughenden and Townsville depot for discussion at this Council.

I would like to welcome everyone to the first Divisional Council Meeting for 1999. I can see a lot of challenges ahead of us for this term. Congratulations goes to all the new members of this Council on the success of the election.

I must also thank Dennis Paidley for giving me this opportunity to attend this meeting. I have spoken to most of the depots in our division and my report is reflective of the feedback I received.

Mackay

Regarding the new remote control signalling that Queensland Rail wants to introduce on 15 February 1999, some members have not received all of their books. They have requested that the introduction date be deferred and proper training be provided by Queensland Rail as it is a major change in safe working.

When travelling spare in cars, a maximum of 4 people should be in the car at the one time. E.g.; Falcon or Magna wagon, in the local area 5 may be permitted.

Jilalan

Jilalan crew would also like to receive training for the new Remote Control Signalling.

The Two Driver Operation quarters in Coppabella only has one cleaning lady and she has to look after four (4) sets of quarters plus the ones in Moranbah. There will be twenty (20) crew alone full time in the Two Driver Operation quarters, they have been asked to vacuum their own rooms and empty the rubbish bins, because the cleaning lady has not enough time. A second cleaner should be employed so all the work can be done. Each crew member pays $55 a day out of their expenses to live there.

Jilalan crew would also like to know the maximum shift for DOO Drivers. The electric locomotives still have not been fitted with electric windscreen wipers. The trial started in May 1997 and was a success, all the parts are there but none have been fitted.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton crew have grave concerns with Emerald working through their depot to Gladstone. Also they are of the same opinion regarding training with the new structure of the Remote Control Signalling.

Dysart and Moranbah

The main concern of these depots is the Remote Control Signalling and concern has been raised regarding the fact that there has been little or no training of the new 2000 radios.

Moranbah wants five (5) minutes sign on and sign off when they do self sign on and off, because they have to unlock the station, get the appropriate paperwork, peruse the notices, get their drinking water, find out from Control where the train is and then lock everything back up.

The majority of crews that I have spoken to, do not want to wear orange shirts, they want to keep their normal uniforms and still wear the vests.

Gladstone

A meeting was held with management and local representatives on 3 February 1999, regarding inefficiency hump control for loading and unloading of QCL limestone trains. It was put to management that these eleven (11) hour jobs revert to eight (8) hours, until such a time that updated equipment was fitted to the locomotives used on these trains. All proposals were rejected, but I have been informed that new equipment has been fitted.

Queensland Rail Meetings

Concerns have also been raised regarding departmental meetings. Local Chairperson Barry McLeod was rostered on an eight (8) hour local job to attend meetings and on completion to return to work for the remainder of the shift. Management claim that they will not pay local representatives eight (8) hours for a 2 to 4 hour meeting. I have been asked to request a ruling on this matter.

Bluff

I am waiting for confirmation on the issue of air conditioning on some locomotives and also confirmation following an inquiry into an extra BLP for the Bluff depots.

Emerald

After a lengthy conversation with local representative Danny Murphy, there seems to be some confusion about when Emerald crew will start road tuition to Gladstone. This tuition was to start on 15 February 1999, but Driver Murphy has been informed that this may be deferred for another month. His concern to me was that it may be being blocked. Emerald crew are eager to start the tuition as soon as possible.

Longreach

I have been informed by the local representative Bob Eisentrager that they have had a visit from Errol Goiack reassuring them of their positions.

Alpha

After numerous attempts I was not able to contact the local representative Wally Timms. I will endeavour to make contact on my return home.

Welcome gentlemen to the first Divisional Council Meeting of 1999.

I would like to welcome the table the newly elected Councillors Glen McGaw No. 3 Division, Ray Stafford No. 5 Division, Renny Eyears No. 6 Division and I also welcome Byron Davidson the No. 2 Proxy Councillor to the table for this Divisional Council Meeting.

I must also mention the resignation of Bill Malcolm our former Vice President. Bill did not contest the recent election and I am sure that Councillors will agree with me that his presence will be missed at this table.

The agenda for 1999 will be just as busy as the past year with the;

1. Renegotiation of the Train Crew Agreement,
2. Roster Code of Practice to complete,
3. Enterprise Agreement to negotiate,
4. Driver Only Operation in dark territory,
5. Driver Only Operation in coal depots to the ports.

All the issues are to have an effect on the members of our Union.

Communication Packages

Queensland Rail in their wisdom are replacing the rule book with a series of manuals. These manuals become effective as at the 15th February 1999. We have asked Queensland Rail to run information classes so that all train crew will be familiar with the rule changes by the introduction date. Train crew thought the state would benefit greatly from this tuition on the new rules and safety issues. But no, Queensland Rail feel that every train crew should receive fatigue management information on how to pack a tucker-box, when to sleep and what to eat. I would have thought that safety on the job was more important.

Shunting North Yards

Representatives from the Union and Queensland Rail management inspected a number of shunt yards between Caboolture and Gladstone over issues concerning train crew. We considered safety issues during shunting operations, the condition of walking surfaces, rubbish to be cleaned up and grass to be mowed. The current maintenance program does not appear adequate to prevent these recurring problems. On a safety issue, train crew will not shunt Beerwah at night until the yard is suitable upgraded and if further progress is not made regarding the other yards by the end of February 1999, refusal to shunt these yards will be our only option.

Gympie

Gympie crew are being fully utilised with their passenger trains. The Murgon meat train should start running once the meat works gets into full swing.

Maryborough

Maryborough is waiting for Queensland Rail to call for Tutor Drivers and Trainees as this will ease the workload on the present train crew. The first 3 car set of a ninety car order of SMU from walkers are presently undergoing testing at Maryborough West, this is a tedious process of trail and error until the engineering staff produce the software that enables the unit to respond to the drivers control.

Bundaberg

Bundaberg crew will soon all be qualified on the Tilt Train as the depot continues with the training schools. Once these drivers are qualified some uniformity may be achieved in their diagram. The Bundaberg Tilt Train will now come on line in May 1999.

Gayndah

The branch line to Gayndah is working at an unchanging pace, thanks to the effort put in by the Gayndah depot. As always these train crew make it possible to run a service in a neglected area. Welcome to Darren Faulkner to the Driver's ranks.

As the year progresses members within the number 4 district will be confronted by further workplace change.

Firstly I would like to thank all the members who voted in the recent Union election. A special thanks to all those members who voted for me, over the next three years I will be out to prove that your choice was the correct one. I am looking forward to working with the Divisional Councillors.

I also wish to thank Col English for his hard work over the last few years.

Union Meetings

I would love to see more members attending branch meetings. If you have never attended a meeting, please come along. If you do occasionally attend meetings, try and get to more meetings. Remember, the Union needs the backing of it's members to be a success, by attending meetings you will be achieving two things;

1. Showing support for your Union and
2. Making elected officials more accountable to the membership.

Reaccreditation

The Reaccreditation trial has been completed. I am cautiously optimistic that if the Reaccreditation process runs as per the trial, then there should be limited problems with the actual implication of Reaccreditation.

There are 8 stages in the Reaccreditation of a Citytrain Driver.

• Stages 1 to 3 are preparation of EMU, SMU and IMU Rollingstock.
• Stage 4 is shunting the electric shed.
• Stage 5 is fault finding and problem solving.
• Stage 6 is the amalgamation and division of EMU, SMU and IMU.
• Stage 7 is driving awareness.
• Stage 8 is the actual driving of the units.

Route competence does not have to be undertaken during Reaccreditation, all present drivers have been deemed competent on routes. The only time a present Driver will have to be Re-accredited on route knowledge is when the Driver has not travelled over a specific route for 12 months or longer. The Driver will then only have to be Re-accredited on that specific route.

Stores

In my first month as a Councillor, I have quickly discovered that the whole Citytrain network has been neglected where stores are concerned, there just are not enough stores to go around. Depots are even running out of Time Sheets, Station and Roster Office staff have had to photocopy Time Sheets for train crew, this situation will not continue. The Union has approached Citytrain management regarding this issue and I will keep everyone informed.

Amenities

Amenities are in the same sorry state as the stores. To touch the surface;
a) Mayne train crew have not had lockers since November 1998
b) Nambour train crew have to share the station amenities with the station staff
c) The 'fridge' in the Shorncliffe amenities room broke in 1996 and is yet to be repaired

These are just some of the problems associated with the train crew amenities. Where amenities are provided, these are in a disgraceful condition. Once again the Union is aware of these problems and we will be applying pressure to Citytrain management to rectify this deplorable situation.

The above are prime examples of management's ability to achieve best practice and work within a team environment. I can only see one problem with management, their egos will not allow them to work within a team environment and they say 'ego' is a dirty word.

That is all I have to report on for now, don't forget while you are all out there on the track be careful. If you can not be careful, see your Union delegate.

This is my first Divisional Council Meeting and I hope I can perform as well as previous Councillors. There is a lot of history that the A.F.U.L.E. has built up over the years and there is a need to have this documented before it is too late. It would be to our advantage to have someone interview and document the past Council members' achievements, there would be some interesting stories.

I would like to congratulate those who won elections in their respective positions. I am looking forward to being part of hopefully a very successful Council over the next three (3) year term. There will be a lot of issues to confront in the future.

Train Crew Agreement

One issue which is fast approaching is the next negotiation for the Train Crew Agreement. An item that will be put forward by Queensland Rail is AFD's, this is a problem that has been ongoing for a while. Train crew are expected to sit by the phone to be made available at Queensland Rail's beck and call. We are not allowed to have a home life. Another problem is providing drinking water on locomotives, Queensland Rail can not find a solution for this.

Queensland Rail are finding that equalising time between Metropolitan Freight depots is hard to achieve particularly between two depots. Which brings me to something that I don't understand. When are train crew going to wake up to the way they are being rostered. It happens just about every cycle, if train crew have worked their BLP's and have got some hours up at the last three weeks of the cycle, they are being rostered AFD and losing their extra time. The best thing to do is have your BLP's off. I would like to see all the depots put in for their BLP's off, particularly when the depots are busy. I remember attending a meeting before the Train Crew Agreement was introduced and it was stated there that if you worked extra time, you would not be disadvantaged.

Employee Management System

Employee Management System's are running riot in the metropolitan freight depots. Train crew do not have to do much to get a formal or informal interview. It appears to me that Queensland Rail are trying to have at least one interview on everyone's record in the Metropolitan Freight & Regional Services group. This is only directed at train crew. If someone else is involved the only one to get a disciplinary interview is the train crew.

George Duetz Consultants

George Duetz Consultants have been hired by Queensland Rail to investigate the running of trains in the metropolitan area. Why doesn't Queensland Rail use internal consultants, maybe they don't have faith in them. Everyone is waiting with bated breath for their findings.

Acacia Ridge

Acacia Ridge depot is having trouble with their shunt engines. H Class Locomotives are not suitable for shunt locomotives. The console on the Fireman's side is too high and blocks the vision in the mirror when reversing. H Class Locomotives should not be rostered on these shunts.

Brisbane North Freight

Drivers are losing knowledge on road and traction on the north coast line. There should be one train in the BNF roster so Brisbane freight depots can keep this knowledge and tuition. It will be interesting when the diesel shed is relocated to Redbank in June - July and the work that this depot will do.

Fisherman Islands

I am still waiting for them to have their first Union meeting for 1999. Maybe it will snow in Brisbane by then. Train crew are still well down in time. There last cycle was a bit better it was still well under the 320 mark. Fisherman Islands depot should be allowed to learn the road to Ebenezer to be able to work trains when the coal gets busy.

Ipswich

Everything is going along smoothly at the coal depot. The last cycle was very good to them but this cycle is a lot slower.

May Day

The May Day March Hundred Club has kicked off with two draws on Monday 8 February 1999, results will be sent out by Union mail, all depots have bought tickets. Last year the A.F.U.L.E. were well represented and all who attended had a good time.

I will try to get to at least one meeting at all depots before the next Divisional Council Meeting.

Remember, it's not "What can the Union do for me, it's what can I do for the Union".

Since the last Divisional Council Meeting, things have been fairly quiet work wise throughout the district. The Port has shut down for an overhaul, so there has been very little grain movement. Roma, Charleville and Goondiwindi crews are only working a couple of shifts a week.

Toowoomba has only been slightly busier, but it is quite astounding that some people are well ahead in their progressive times.

Rostering

There has been constant complaints regarding rostering and all depots have contacted the roster officers and their supervisors with it seems little or no effect. The complaints range from being booked on their BLP's whilst there are crews booked AFD, the difference in cycle times and non observance of the Roster Code of Practice. Some of the above complaints have led to some people saying that if things with rostering do not improve shortly, they will be informing the CJC as they believe that some of the goings' on may be corrupt.

Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi has been fairly quiet on the work front, with mainly working the Q Link train to Dirranbandi and work trains on the line upgrade to Thallon. The last I heard, it was hoped that this line upgrade may be finished by March 1999, but with the recent heavy rains, I think that it may be pushed back further.

The Goondiwindi crews perform a very good job on the Q Link service to Dirranbandi, but it is a pity that the loading in the wagons is sometimes stacked and organised poorly. To their credit often times they have to re-stack wagons and I hope that Queensland Rail appreciate their work. This service (6H14) could easily be developed into a service similar to the Savannalander.

It is amazing to watch all the people turn up for the arrival of the train in Dirranbandi. With the expansion of the cotton industry in this area, I hope that Queensland Rail is out there seeking business and looking at line upgrades.

Roma

Very little to report from the Roma depot. Work has been minimal. They recently had a meeting with Queensland Rail management and were asked to send an agenda for the meeting in a couple of hours, but Queensland Rail did not forward an agenda to them. With this depot being a driver down, they have asked whether the position will be filled or if there is an intent to use Toowoomba relief drivers to fill the vacancy. They have received no official word that DTC introduced and when schools are to be held.

Charleville

Like the other depots very little on the work front and like Roma received little time for preparation of an agenda for a meeting with Queensland Rail management. There is hope that there may be some more stock movements form the Quilpie line and there has been stories that the line to Cunnamulla is to close. Apparently very little has been done on this line since 1990. The line only has two services per week and would mean a reduction in crews at this depot.

Toowoomba

There was a good roll up for the first branch meeting. The Branch Chairperson has again raised the problem with the DIC and Operations Manager about lack of stores, shunting time in sign off, rostering, condition of sidings and communication. It seems amazing that they went to cut out the 15 minutes shunting paid during sign off to save money, but pay little attention to other ways the Toowoomba branch have suggested will save time and money. We asked for this proposal in writing so it could be properly discussed by the Toowoomba branch, but we did not receive a reply.

The communication has become a concern when Queensland Rail management turned up for a meeting recently and the Toowoomba branch officials had not been informed and were working. The same happened when the Brake Engineer turned up for a test on a train for DOO and the RTBU representative was the person booked on to work the job. If there is going to be a personality problem, I hope that this can be worked out shortly as it is to the detriment of Queensland Rail.

To date there has been no official word that DTC is to commence, but the DIC has selected two personnel to carry out this training. The Toowoomba branch has expressed a concern that an expression of interest was not called for these positions as some members may have had suitable qualifications and desires to fill these positions.

The Toowoomba branch would like a clarification on the 'grainpool' and 'reliefpool' and how they intend to use these crews. LOP's will have to be set up for the use of the 'reliefpool'. Another matter requiring attention is the area of guards to drivers. Now that the health requirements for a driver have changed should a guard have to carry out all the aptitude tests etc, when the only thing that precluded them from becoming a driver previously was their health.

The Toowoomba depot would like to see a change with the cancelled tucker-box provisions, with the time frame being 18 hours and not 12. This is occurring now due to the longer hours worked and the return trips home taking longer.

General

I hope that during this next term, the A.F.U.L.E. will be able to achieve much for the train crew in this state. It is also possibly a good time to remembers that during the next three years, our branch and state officials should perform with honesty and integrity to do their best for all train crew and not just their specific depot or grade.