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

The November 2000 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 15, 16 and 17 November 2000, commencing at 11:45 hours.

The Vice President Mr Greg Robertson declared the meeting open at 11:45 hours.

Hours of Sitting

Year 2000

The Year 2000 started with much trepidation, with what was going to be the first year of the new millennium. The world was waiting nervously to see what impact the dreaded Y2K bug would have on our way of life as we know it. Other pundits were predicting the end of the world.

Well, the Year 2000 is nearly consigned to the annals of history and industrial life for the AFULE has been on a par with other years.

January saw negotiations on the Enterprise Agreement stall in relation to the quantum offered by QR. Rallies were held throughout the State involving all Rail Union members to gauge the grass roots feelings on whether industrial action was warranted to further the claim. The feedback was clear that Rail Workers were willing to down tools in order to gain wage justice.

The unknown in the dispute was, what political pressures were being put on QR by the Labor Government. An eleven hour meeting between the rail unions and Premier Beattie to try and resolve the pending dispute ended in failure. To make life interesting, a bi-election was being conducted in Woodridge and Bundamba, which could have decided the balance of power in Government. It is history now that a 48 hour stoppage occurred as from Wednesday 9 February 2000.

As a result of the stoppage and compulsory conferences in the Industrial Relations Commission, a Goods and Services Tax clause was inserted into the Enterprise Agreement. The Clause allows for the unions to negotiate an extra increase if it is proven that inflation, caused by the GST, is over and above the ten concessions.

This clause set a precedent for other unions to pursue a GST clause in their agreements. The waters had barely settled from the dispute, when in March an announcement was made that FreightCorp was awarded "preferred tender" status for Stanwell Power House and two other mines. Contained in the Press Release was that FreightCorp intended to operate trains in DOO mode and introduce push / pull technology.

To combat the announcement by FreightCorp, QR signalled to the AFULE that it needed to introduce DOO in the Blackwater System as a matter of urgency. Subsequently, the AFULE sought a meeting with the Minister for Transport to allay concerns and request from QR, a document that outlines their plans for DOO throughout the State. To date QR has not yet provided the union with the document.

April saw the introduction of DOO between Townsville and Mt Isa. After lengthy negotiations lasting 18 months and with the GPS technology operational, it was agreed to go to trial on the corridor. The second phase of technology is to install APT at braking distance from Station Yards. This is on track for introduction by the end of November 2000.

The GST was introduced from 1 July 2000, which applied a 10% tax to Goods and Services, including for the first time, a tax on Union Fees.

Due to the resumption of the previous property owned by the AFULE, a new location had to be found to house the State Office. Thanks to the State Secretary, Paul Sorensen, a suitable location was found and the move occurred in mid July 2000.

August saw the retirement of a long serving employee Joy Markovic to begin a family and the resignation of Paul Sorensen to pursue a new career. November is now with us and with a blink of an eye, the Year 2000 will have elapsed.

The membership of the AFULE has continued to grow, despite the retirements and members accepting the QR Separation Package. This all goes well for a stronger union to meet the challenges that lay ahead.

The AFULE has been advised that the new legislation to be enacted from March 2001, will further ensure the coal mine companies ability to enforce testing procedures, upon any person entering their premises, (with the exception of the rail corridor).

The legislation referred to is the "Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999". It appears when the law is enacted, it will provide for nominated officers to randomly test anyone who is on the mine property, (With the exception of the rail corridor). This would include Drivers who are not on the Locomotive e.g.; load-outs or Drivers who are required to go through the Mines' gates to relieve another crew. The legislation should be of no concern to Drivers who are already fully aware of the present legislation, which requires them to have a zero blood alcohol and drug level whilst in charge of a train.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the excellent contribution that Paul Sorensen made for the betterment of the AFULE. He created AFULE history as being the first State Secretary elected outside of the Metropolitan area.

The standard had been set at a very high level, through the efforts of previous incumbents of the position and I firmly believe that Paul managed to raise the standard during his 5 ½ year term.

I am looking forward to working with Paul in his new position as Transport Advisor to the Minister for Transport. Having Paul in the position will not only be beneficial to the AFULE, but to all rail unions.

I have filled the position of Vice President and President of the AFULE over the past decade and during which time, I have had the pleasure of working with the 5 previous Secretaries of the Union.

I wish to formally advise Council that with the departure of Paul Sorensen, it is my intention to run for the position of State Secretary when nominations are called.

On behalf of Divisional Council, I would like to extend Seasons Greetings; firstly to AFULE Branch Officials, who have put in the hard yards throughout the year and secondly to all AFULE members and their families.

Welcome Councillors to the final Divisional Council Meeting of the new millennium.

As issues being raised are the same across the board, I will not be providing a separate report for each depot.

The Divisional Tour was well attended by all depots, which was undertaken by myself, the State President Mr Greg Smith and Mr Wayne Robeck, who was kind enough to give up his own leisure time to accompany us.

As usual the same problems were being raised at each depot we visited, which were; roster inconsistencies, even amongst Drivers who wish to make themselves available for work.

In the western depots especially, the Diagram isn't worth the paper it's printed on. For the sake of train crew across the State, we must, after all these years, get a system that works. This may require QR to ask for outside assistance, but we will not tolerate their feeble excuses for too long.

We should also take into account factors such as fatigue when doing the diagrams. The life of train crew is hard enough, without having the inconvenience of not knowing what you will be working for the next week.

Another big issue that must be discussed at this Council in depth is the Survey that was sent out to all members, for the purpose of canvassing their thoughts as to whether or not we should hold any further discussions with QR, regarding a new Train Crew Agreement. I wish to thank all the people who took the time to read and fill out the forms, as some of the proposals suggested by QR would have huge ramifications on many grades with QR, should we decide to sit down and discuss them.

The resignation of Paul Sorensen as our State Secretary has left a vacancy and the most beneficial way to operate this Union must be taken into account, prior to any decisions being made. I wish to thank Paul for all of his help over the years. Paul and I did our Fireman and Driver exams together, as well as starting our State Union roles at the same time.

I saw the hours of work that Paul had put into the Union and unfortunately because of a series of issues, the job was having an adverse affect on the once happy smiling face. I have spoken with Paul on a regular basis, as well as having had several visits with him and he is the same person that I respected when he was our State Secretary. My family and myself wish Paul and his family all the best. I hope our friendship continues for years to come.

I have received a fair amount of correspondence from our Cab Committee, regarding 2600 Class Locomotives and I will be moving at the Divisional Council Meeting that; until QR rectify all outstanding problems to the Cab Committees satisfaction, that this Union will not work these Locomotives. This again shows why so many problems are still encountered when working on what should be basic tasks.

The fact that our representatives were shown plans then denied access when these Locomotives were being built defies logic. This is why we must get through to lower management that the consultation process works much better than forcing unions into the position where they are left with no alternative but to take the defensive role. Any further depot specific issues that have been sent to me will be tabled in General Business.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Staff and Members of the AFULE a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

I would like to welcome everyone to this Divisional Council Meeting, the last for the year 2000. We have seen a lot happen this year, the introduction of the GST, the resignation of our State Secretary Mr Paul Sorensen and a lot of members taking Voluntary Early Retirement.

A lot of members in my division think that Council should try to negotiate the salary sacrifice scheme with QR regarding Superannuation and the leasing of cars, just like BHP offer their employees.

Since the last Divisional Council Meeting the Rockhampton Branch Secretary Hugh Quirk retired, which is a big loss to the Rockhampton branch.

Moranbah
Some Members have started to move to their new depots and others will move when family commitments allow.

Dysart
This depot has concerns about the use of Area Coordinators as train crew when they have a relief pool for the Goonyella system in Jilalan. Some of the crew in this pool have not been taught any of the roads.

Coppabella
There is concern in this depot, as well as the other depots, in regard to a trial that QR want to do, which is to load a train at Blair Athol mine with both Drivers staying on the locomotive while the train is loaded. They believe that this is the first step for Driver Only Operation. Coppabella members have drawn up some of their own rules for the trial.

Members have asked if they could receive free freight for goods brought into the town, because there are no facilities in the station.

Rockhampton
This branch has several items on the go, such as the yard review, condition of the Bluff quarters and lights in the Bajool yard for shunting, but they are trying to negotiate them at a local level.

The branch has also nominated their former Branch Chairman Mr Hugh Quirk for life membership of the AFULE.

Jilalan
The Jilalan branch has now introduced a new working called 'line of work', which means when a crew signs on, nine hours later, another crew signs on and relieves the first crew.

The Diagram Committee are still trying to fix up the new diagram. Gary Brickwood has put a lot of work into drawing up diagrams and has come up with a formula that he thinks will help all depots in different areas. I will give each Councillor a copy to review.

At long last QR have started to fit the new windscreen wipers on the 3100 Class Locomotives, but they want to conduct another trial to see if they work. A trial has already been done in Gladstone and proven successful.

A dust problem still exists in cabs of the 3300 Class Locomotives.

In closing, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I also wish Paul Sorensen all the best in his new position as the Policy Advisor to the Minister for Transport, he will be greatly missed by the members and staff of the AFULE.

Welcome to all State Representatives to our November Divisional Council Meeting, unfortunately so much time has elapsed since the last Divisional Council Meeting a lot of issues have gone stale. But in saying this, I feel Councillors have had the opportunity to attempt to resolve many of their own issues, but of course the success rate depends on the calibre of local management in respected areas.

It is pleasing to see a draft for a new transfer policy, I have some concerns over certain issues and I will address these at Council. I applaud the efforts of those involved in etching out the benefits for swaps into Citytrain, but unfortunately as in the case of Union involvement in any issue, little thanks is given with more emphasis on what Union Officials have not done or are not able to do.

Many issues raised by our members with salary sacrifice, medical insurance and a new Train Crew Agreement to name a few. It is pleasing to see that these issues are being addressed at a State level and hopefully a positive outcome can be achieved. The survey concerning the TCA that was sent to members has proven to be fruitful, with a majority voting to continue with the current TCA.

Other issues that have to be followed through are the introduction of coal system meetings, performance standards for roster clerks and existing depot staff levels, which I know in my own area are depleted. On the above issues and many more that affect us in our local areas, union representation is not sought when making major decisions concerning train crew. It must be reinforced that more union involvement is needed to ensure a more balanced and fairer outcome.

Gladstone
This depot has had its share of problems, with the posting of a notice to train crew concerning sick leave. This letter was posted to intimidate train crew and was totally out of line.

The trial of change points with Bluff, which also proved to be unproductive from Gladstone's end.

Another new diagram in the new year to compensate for the losses to VER's, but then again, this may have been avoided if Union advice was taken on board. A matter that did concern me was the twelve hour shifts that were worked by Tutor Drivers acting as Pilot crew on a day when signalling was being upgraded. In this depot, staff levels will be stretched in the next six to twelve months, with 23 VER's and 6 swaps to Citytrain and 1 to the TLM.

Bluff
Joint union meetings are being organised in Bluff to address problems arising from 4 train crew and an SM receiving VER. A new roster is being developed with the inclusion of permanent mates. The trial of change points with Gladstone to ensure that Bluff were working the full complement of their shift lengths.

The State President visited Bluff as part of his State Tour. A range of topics were discussed and I'm sure that the members of Bluff were very appreciative of the visit.

Emerald, Alpha and Longreach
Our State Secretary visited the above depots before his resignation took effect, with all depots turning out to meet and discuss problems on a local and State level. The depots were pleased with the effort made by our State Officials to take the time to present themselves in person, it just goes to show that State Tours are a very big part of our civic duties.

Emerald have a few ongoing problems with the Area Manager wanting them to wash cars and work eleven hours with a DA, but these are being dealt with at a local level. One pleasing aspect is that the Tutor Drivers are relieving the Area Manager when he is away.

Alpha and Longreach are reasonably content at the moment, with little going on in their depots.

Welcome Councillors to the November 2000 Divisional Council Meeting.

State Office
The new State Office of the AFULE in Fortitude Valley has been welcomed by all members. The bright surroundings and increased office space provides a more efficient working environment and is easier to access by rail or bus transport.

The relocation of the State Office would not have progressed as smoothly without the assistance of our former State Secretary Mr Paul Sorensen, who resigned on the 18th of August 2000 to pursue a career as the Policy Advisor to the Minister for Transport.

I take this opportunity to thank Paul for all his help during his years as the State Secretary and wish him and his family al the best for the future.

Locomotives
Locomotive serviceability still continues to be an issue for train crew in my division.

We have an agreement with QR, that all Locomotives entering traffic from a depot or maintenance point must meet a minimum standard or the locomotive does not proceed into traffic.

Unfortunately, locomotives are being allowed to work trains without the equipment checks being carried out. This only happens because our fellow workmates do not complete the serviceability checks. We must stress to our workmates to complete the serviceability checks before departing a depot and have the defects repaired or exchange the locomotive with one that meets the QR agreed standard.

3900 upgrades have been on the agenda all year, with QR only agreeing to minor modifications on these cabs. The depots on the North Coast continually complain about the cabs on these locomotives. QR has informed us about budget restraints, but the progress so far is very slow.

The repairs to cab seats and arm rests are done using duct tape or vinyl on cloth seats, which is not very good on hot days. We need a greater commitment from QR on this program.

Mayne Quarters
These quarters were closed on Monday 13th of November 2000, with all train crew being accommodated in Motels until QR builds replacement quarters.

As usual consultation and inspections of Motels only occurred the week before these quarters closed, train crew from all depots concerned attended the inspections.

Bundaberg crews will now have to learn the road to the south side. A tuition program will commence on the 13th of November 2000, beginning with the Tutor Drivers. When they are assessed route competent, the rest of the depot will follow.

During the tuition program, train crews shift lengths will be monitored so that they do not exceed their limitation of hours. Relief of train crew is also a priority. Drivers are having trouble being relieved now, so once the tuition gets underway, the shortage of crew and the extra distance from the south side will all contribute to drivers requiring relief.

Maryborough
DOO shunt started on the 30th of October 2000. So far no problems have occurred in either yards or down at the wharf.

We have two drivers taking VER on the 26th of October 2000. QR has implied that the percentage of drivers working under 320 cycle hours and the introduction of the DOO shunt does not warrant the drivers being replaced.

This will lead to crews being doubled up, but it is a situation the depot is used to. It will stay this way until the new corridor workings come out in February 2001. Then we may have a better idea of the number of drivers required in the depot.

Bundaberg
2800 tuition started on the 13th of November 2000, between Rockhampton and Bundaberg - Maryborough. These services will allow drivers to be kept familiar with this class of locomotive. These services are TDO trains with the driving duties to be shared between both drivers.

The Bundaberg branch express concerns over the security of the Rockhampton quarters. Members have found unauthorised persons using these amenities. QR will have to make some minor alterations and secure the exit doorways.

Gayndah
As usual this branch line is operating efficiently and smoothly.

The driver from Goondiwindi is supposed to take up in December. His arrival will fill the depot requirements.

In closing I would like to wish our Office Staff, Divisional Councillors and Members a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Welcome to all Councillors to the last Divisional Council Meeting for the year 2000.

It has been some months since Paul's resignation as the State Secretary, however this is the first opportunity that I have had to publicly thank Paul for his efforts over the last five years.

Paul was the State Secretary for five years and worked tirelessly during that time for the membership, I am sure that all our best wishes are with Paul as he embarks on a new career.

It is the responsibility of this Council to ensure that procedures are set in place to find another suitable candidate for the position of State Secretary as members have been inquiring as to when the election will be held.

Security
There has been a spate of assaults on train crew members whilst performing their duties lately, no arrest have been made. Injures include black eyes and bloodied noses. In one particular case the guard was not interviewed for five weeks after the assault.

I believe Management need to reinvigorate the security committee to see that processes are not only put in place but are acted upon in cases where assault occurs. No one should come to work under the constant threat of assault and whilst this is a social problem, QR through the security committee can continue to ensure train crew employees are treated decently in their workplace environment.

Beenleigh
The plans for the Beenleigh amenities, which Beenleigh crews have been pursuing for so long, have come back form Council and it looks like the amenities block should be started soon. Brian Skinner the local Branch Secretary has been pursing this issue for a few good years now. Thanks to his tenacity, Beenleigh crews will have a place to call home. … Good work Brian!

Robina
Robina crews are not happy with the rosters they received in the new working, a subsequent meeting was called to look at the issues. An acceptable outcome was not reached at this meeting and so I have been writing to the General Manager Citytrain, asking that a commitment be given to look at improving Robina's working. After two letters no reply has been forthcoming from the General Manager, but the game is afoot and we are playing to win.

Petrie
Petrie's new stabling road was signed off suitable for use without any inspection, with the end result being that train crew are struggling to prepare units for traffic. A number of drivers sprained their ankles and in the rain the place became a mud pan, causing one service to be cancelled as a result. With no resolution looking likely in the short term. The Petrie crews decided to return to the old fashion method and a ban was placed on the new stabling road. The units are stowed on platform three and in the old stabling area until the new stabling area is faxed. … Well done Petrie!

Review of Driver Training
The General Manager Safety Kevin Band has instigated a review of driver training. I was asked by Mr Greg Smith the State President and Acting Secretary to find a suitable AFULE person to sit on this committee. After a rigorous and exhausting process Andrew Lye a Tutor Driver at Mayne was selected to sit on the committee. Andrew will report directly to Greg on the workings of the committee.

Serviceability Standard
Mr Greg Smith was advised by QR Citytrain management that Citytrain has a serviceability standard. This has come as a surprise to both myself and branch officials in our depots. I believe there is a draft policy, but nothing has been signed off as yet. I would like a trial of these standards before they are signed off to achieve feedback from our members.

A Warning To All Drivers
… this could happen to you!
A travelling passenger on the Cleveland line reported to the Police that he believed a Driver on the Cleveland to Bowen Hills train was drunk. The subsequent train and Driver was stopped at a station en route to the city and the Driver was breath tested. When this Union complained to management about the way treatment was given to the Driver, we were told the incident was out of their hands as it was a traffic matter. The story does have a good ending though, the Driver was allowed to continue after he registered a .00.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Welcome everyone to the November 2000 Divisional Council Meeting. The year has gone by so fast.

DOO between Toowoomba and Ipswich
There has been only one meeting since the last Divisional Council Meeting and it was the same old story, they will do everything that the unions require but nothing has been done. The big rumour is that ATP is going to be scrapped on this corridor, but QR still want to proceed with DOO. Whatever they do, this union will still be pursuing mileage pegs and the other issues.

Travelling allowance for Fisherman's Island depot
I corresponded on behalf of all the staff at Fisherman's Island to the Group General Manager and a senior manager over this issue. I also requested a meeting to talk about the matter. Their argument was the 'no extra claim' clause in the EBA 4, because of this clause, we are not entitled to an allowance. I find this a hard pill to take, especially after reading the All Aboard paper to see all the managers and other staff parading around at a very costly awards dinner. The cost of this function must have cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Derailment Committee
QR wants to update the recorder units on diesel locomotives so that they can give them more information on how a driver is handling the train before a derailment. I think the money would better spent on more track up grades or on locomotives.

QR is also going to review driver training to improve better train handling.

Fisherman's Island
Drivers at FMI are to wear hard hats when they unload at the grain unloading area. We are to wear hard hats after someone else has had their sweaty head in them. I'm at a loss to understand why a hard hat is needed, maybe it's because of flying pigeon droppings. I hope some commonsense prevails and the hard hats go. Management have been informed that Fisherman's Island Drivers require a personal issue of hard hats.

Ipswich
With the relocation of the coal trains from Redbank to FMI, QR has stated that Ipswich will not lose any work, but the work will change.

Push pull type coal trains are also under trial on the McCalertar coal trains, the latest report is that they are going to be a success.

Two drivers recently received an EMS for not shunting Karrabin at night. It's always the drivers that are held to blame, even though other staff involved. This resulted in the AFULE putting a ban on shunting Karrabin at night.

Acacia Ridge
This depot has a big problem with not having enough drivers to fill their roster sheet. They are gaining six drivers from recent transfers, but the depot strength will still be down by about 5.

QR should bite the bullet and bring the depot up to its proper strength. At the moment they are using drivers from other depots.

It's taken a sand bin to fall on a Labourer before QR put out procedures on how to fill these bins. What will it take to get the rest of the procedures at the fuel point?

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Paul Sorensen all the best in his new position as the Policy Advisor to the Minister for Transport.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all.

As mentioned by the other Councillors, there are major decisions being made by this Divisional Council Meeting.

The loss of Paul Sorensen is a great loss to this Union. Since Paul's departure there has been a good deal of interest in the position of State Secretary. To my surprise within hours of Paul telephoning me to advise me that he was considering leaving, I was fielding calls on the matter. The old railway rumour file is alive and well.

Following the last sitting of the Council, a Circular was prepared regarding Rule 18(3) of our registered rules, I believe that further discussion is required on this topic on which I will elaborate further during this Council.

Charleville
Viv Jones, like the rest of the Branch Officials throughout the No.7 Division is performing a good job solving the majority of problems themselves that arise in their depots.

Presently they are experiencing an upturn in traffic with an increase in stock traffic. The main problem being experienced is wet weather, causing uncertainty in the traffic.

Leave rosters and diagram changes have been performed. The position of Trainee Driver has also been called. After Christmas they have been told that they will be attending the train management course. Changes have been made to their LOP's to the satisfaction of the depot.

Roma
Like other depots they completed leave and diagram changes. The diagram changes occurring are due to a change in timetables. This sees them working more jobs into and out of Toowoomba.

Troubles are being experienced at times with not enough people to fill the sheet. They would like to see the position of Driver / Trainee Driver called in this depot.

The Roma branch has supplied information to the State President on Q Fever. Levels of the disease are high in this region and they believe that consideration should be given for injections to any rail employee that could be susceptible to this disease.

They have also agreed to the motel accommodation for Toowoomba and Miles. Miles was used when the crews were working side dump trains.

Goondiwindi
Problems experienced by this depot are occurring with Toowoomba crews who are uncertain of this depots LOP's. When I obtain a copy, I will endeavour to resolve these problems.

This depot will soon increase by six drivers when all Trainees are completed. This depot has altered their LOP's so that they only have two tucker box jobs. They are concerned about the business on the line to the west of Goondiwindi and would like to see more business gained to the west and be involved in this process. They are also concerned about rumours that after the Thallon - Dirranbandi upgrade that the track will receive no further upgrades. The depot would like the Staff Counsellors and the OCC nurse to visit the depot.

Toowoomba
This depot has undergone a review of the yard shunt. With the result being rail operators being used to provide visual assistance when shunts at Harristown and Harlaxton are required.

The trials have been completed and the working party is still to meet before it is implemented. Train crew voted to accept this option rather than the option of performing yard shunting duties when required. There is a point of contention as to whether this was to be the day shunt and shed or all shed / shunt shifts.

The pay rate for these shed drivers requires clarification. Shed crews are concerned regarding the shortage of supplies like ambulance kits, track circuit clips and fire extinguishers in the depot.

With audits and DOT inspectors supposed about they are worried about the consequences also with the completion of serviceability forms this branch believes that there should be a review of sign on times.

Train crew are attending the train management course, I believe that this is a very worthwhile course, especially when the topics of EMS, grievance dispute, drug and alcohol, workplace bullying/ harassment and manual lifting being discussed.

Members have also experienced problems at Acacia Ridge quarters due to the size of the beds. Representatives have recently viewed alternative accommodation to be used when the Mayne quarters are demolished.

Changes are being made to the motel at Roma after requests made by our representatives. With timetable changes, there are now only two return workings for Toowoomba crews to Roma. The rest involves spare travel by Bus. The time of night and long hours worked for these bus returns upsets the majority of train crew.

I believe that unions have come under some unwarranted comments lately. All I would like to say is that I still believe it is extremely important to belong to a union, contrary to some opinions. This union is representing and resolving problems relating to a couple of our members.