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

The March 2001 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 24, 25 and 26 July 2001, commencing at 09:00 hours.

Hours of Sitting

Welcome Councillors to the July 2001 Divisional Council Meeting, with a special welcome to Mr John Callan (Proxy No 2 Divisional Councillor) and Mr George Best (Proxy No 4 Divisional Councillor).

As the current term of AFULE Officers (except State Secretary) expires at 31 December 2001, I have notified the Industrial Registrar for a request of a conduct of elections.

The Electoral Commission, Queensland, has now finalised the following dates for nominations and conduct of a ballot if necessary.

• Nominations open 31 July 2001
• Nominations close 23 October 2001
• Ballot open 13 November 2001
• Ballot close 5 December 2001

Rule 13 (8) State President of the registered rules of the Union state "Unless otherwise determined by Divisional Council, the position of State President will be that of a full time paid position with salary and conditions equivalent to that of the State Secretary".

The Divisional Council has previously determined that the position of State President would be honorary until 31 December 2001.

The sitting of this Council will have to further determine whether the position of State President will remain as an honorary position or revert to a full time paid position. I have listed this issue as an agenda item as it will be crucial to those members aspiring to the position.

I urge all members to make a quick phone call to the State Office to confirm their postal addresses concurs to that of the membership roll.

There has been a recent trend in QR to reduce Drivers by stealth. There are currently Drivers throughout the State reduced in Status and pay to OSI.6 because of safe working infringements. The periods of reduction range from indefinitely to six month periods. I say they are reduced by stealth as QR's discipline policy states that reduction is not to be used as a punishment.

The Drivers in question were faced with the following offer; QR would terminate their employment unless they volunteered to reduce themselves in classification and pay. Faced with the daunting prospect of being dismissed and fighting the dismissal in an appeal to QRAB or an unfair dismissal in the Industrial Relations Commission, the Drivers had no real option but to voluntarily reduce themselves. This then means that as the reduction was voluntary then there is no avenue of appeal. This approach of reducing Drivers by stealth is contrary to negotiations when QR wanted to dismantle the now defunct Appeal Board under the Railway Act. In those negotiations, QR stated that they wished to introduce an Employment Management System, where the focus would not be punitive, but would offer assistance such as training and up-skilling rather than automatically reducing Drivers.

Even in the days when Driver's were reduced they were reduced one grade in rank to a Locomotive Assistant. Although this was a drop in pay, the financial impact was not as great as the Drivers are suffering now. Imagine trying to meet your financial commitments after being reduced in pay from the aggregate wage to that of OS1.6. QR's benevolent response to the plight of these Drivers is; "we could have dismissed them". By adopting this backdoor method of reductions, QR are their own investigators, jury and judge without any right of appeal.

It is apparent the master and slave mentality is alive and well in QR management and any Driver indiscretions are being met with punitive action. It's a shame that managements bloopers are not met with the same response.

At a recent SBU meeting, QR put on the table a proposal to do away with the avenue of appeal on dismissal to the Queensland Rail Appeal Board (QRAB) and have all dismissal appeals determined by the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) under the Industrial Relations Act 1999.

The Act lays down basic principles which must be followed to fairly and lawfully dismiss employees this involves;

• Having sufficient reason for the dismissal - does the employee's conduct or performance justify a dismissal.
• Carrying out the dismissal in a way that is not harsh, unjust or unreasonable. The Act sets out a basic procedure to be followed to dismiss the employee fairly.
• Giving notice of dismissal to the employee in accordance with the Act or a relevant industrial instrument

If an employee feels they have been unfairly dismissed, they can apply to the Commission for reinstatement. Even though the Commission may consider a dismissal as unfair, it may not necessarily order reinstatement, but order compensation to be paid to the dismissed employee.

When ordering compensation, the maximum amount awarded must not be greater than;

• If the employee was employed under an award or agreement - the wages the employer would have been liable to pay the employee for the six months immediately after the dismissal paid at the rate the employee received immediately before the dismissal.
• The amount of compensation awarded must also take into account any amount paid to the employee on dismissal.

The Commission can award costs against a party to an application, either the employer or the employee.

Welcome Councillors to this July 2001 sitting of the AFULE Divisional Council. At the time of penning this report, workers everywhere in this State are feeling the economic strain due to the collapse of several large industries.

Some of these fellow workers are Union members, some are not. We can not dictate what workers should do, but we can guide them to join a Union, for the security and benefits that the organisation provides for its members. Everyday either in the paper or on TV we see Union officials fighting for their members' rights.

The AFULE Queensland Union of Employers is such a Union, a GREAT UNION. Born, by a desire to have Train Crew representing Train Crew. Perhaps not great in numbers, but great in terms of progressive thinking and acting in the best interest of its members. This Union has earned respect on the industrial front that many larger unions envy.

None of this has come about by accident. Only the dedication of the officers of this Union and the support of its members has placed the AFULE in the respected position it holds today.

However, there are signs out there that we may be becoming a little complacent. Perhaps times are too good. Perhaps members do not see any fights left of any significance. But make no mistake, there are more challenges and fights to be won.

The AFULE has come a long way since its foundation Federally when we were the Federated Locomotive Enginemen, Fireman and Cleaners association of Australasia and later came the formation of the Queensland Branch in August 1921. It is fortunate for this Union and its members today, that previous office bearers, Divisional Councillors and members never took a backward step or a defeatist attitude.

From the day the AFULE was formed their was a continual effort to better the conditions of Train Crew. No gains were easily come by.

There has never been a shortage of members to put their hands up to fill positions at a Branch or State level. That is the main reason the AFULE is treated with respect by QR and others in the Industrial Arena. There was never any hesitation to take what was seen as appropriate industrial action at Branch and State level if it was considered the occasion warranted it.

Stoppages of work were common, and issues were met with "DOWN TOOLS" at little or no notice. But nobody would want to return to those days. The system has changed. Members want better roster systems and planned quality time off.

We were fortunate in having excellent people to represent us in all circumstances. More recently Pat Rooney, Keith Fordyce, Keith Dickson, Frank Doyle, Barry Powell and Larry Matters.

The fact is Train Crew had to look after themselves, and still have to. Elected officers can only maintain the objects of this Union with the visible and close support of members.

In recent years the AFULE Queensland Union of Employees has faced some significant industrial challenges. Enterprise Bargaining, the Aggregate Wage, and the now discredited amalgamation process.

I have no doubts that had members not stood firm in the amalgamation ballot and the AFULE Queensland Union of Employees had been swallowed up in the amalgamated process, we would never have achieved anywhere near as good an outcome in the Aggregate Wage negotiations as we did.

It is a credit to our members the way they supported the anti-amalgamation campaign and this Union. Perhaps we need a few fights of the same magnitude to put a bit of spirit back into the members.

This scenario may be just over the horizon.

Members need to look at the long-term. We need to be more than just another Union. We need to say more than just "we are a member of". We need to have our say and be an active part of a great and respected Union. All must have input, and all input is value.

You often see writings begging people to participate, or attend meetings. I am not the begging kind, I am just stating the facts as I see them. What I am telling members is if they do not get to meetings and support their local officials and Divisional Councillors, this Union could well be on the slow slide to being just "another Union".

Don't rave on in the Quarters, on the job, or in the lunch room. ATTEND LOCAL MEETINGS and put it on the books. This is the only way you can give your ideas recognition. This is the only way your Union can act on your behalf.

Welcome everyone to the July 2001 Council of the AFULE.

My report this time will be very brief, this isn't because of a lack of issues, but the fact that we are still in the dark as to who can address these problems. QR's restructure has still not been finalised at the time of writing this report. This has created a lot of problems with morale, as no one knows who is in charge. This was shown only last week, as I had to make several calls to get an answer over a trivial issue. Everyone I spoke to said; "my hands are tied, I can't authorise that any more". I hope this isn't the way the new structure within QR will work. Why have people in roles if they are only there as puppets.

We have had nearly eight months of confusion, we must get back on track before we totally lose the plot. Having said this, we must ensure when the new Managers are selected that we have meetings AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We must ensure that we advise QR of the way the AFULE works and the importance of having a good working relationship with all our Councillors.

There were a lot of mutual agreements between past managers and this Union which proved beneficial to all concerned, I for one would like to continue with this method of communication. I, like everyone else, have heard all the rumours and I hope that's what many of them are - just rumours.

I hope QR still believe in consultation not confrontation, because the members are advising me that they have had enough of being a rudderless ship. If we get the wrong Managers then I can see a return of the early nineties, when we spent most of our time in conflict. I am willing to go either way as the general feeling is just say "No" to everything QR suggests.

On a more positive note the Western Tour undertaken by myself outlined 29 outstanding problems and hopefully the majority of these can be sorted out in the very near future. I for one would like to see more of these take place, as the Western members are said they felt good being able to voice their concerns to QR Management with their District Representative.

I was present not just as moral support, but also to clarify the AFULE's position of any issues that were ongoing or on the agenda for discussion. Many of the concerns raised were the same ones that have been raised for the last three years, but I believe we may have had the right people involved to finally solve the outstanding issues this time. If this is not the case, then QR will find themselves in dispute with the AFULE very quickly.

The lack of staff has affected all depots as Cairns and Townsville have had to send staff west for relief.

Cairns is managing to handle the sugar okay, but when this finishes they will be sitting around doing nothing again. We must work out a realistic way to staff all depots. Pring has very few problems, that are handled by the Branch Officials as usual. Townsville is in the same situation, with problems being handled locally or everyone just waiting to see who they will have to meet with in the future.

In closing, I hope we have news of the new structure at Council and we must have lengthy discussions on the best way to ensure this Union stays the strongest Train Crew Union in Queensland.

Hello and welcome to another Divisional Council Meeting for the AFULE. I would like to introduce myself to Council and members. My name is John Callan I am a Driver from Mackay. I am the Acting Secretary for the Mackay Depot and as the Proxy for the Number 2 division, I have been given the opportunity to represent it by Byron Davidson at this Council meeting.

Yes it is Tax time again and a half year gone already, soon it will be Christmas time again. With the Transfer of Below Rail Functions to NAG being trialed from Rockhampton to Brisbane and eventually North, we will have to be on our toes to see the outcome of this. The biggest issue this year would be Limitation of Hours with DOO and TDO.

Coppabella:
This depot seems to be quiet on the Western front. Except for the Industrial Relations decision given to QR which is a small win for us.

Dysart:
Has concerns over crewing levels in their depot which is 11 and they would like 16 - 18 making their depot levels much stronger.

Jilalan:
There was a major derailment on the range again (Black Mountain) causing concerns by members about safety of Train Crew on the range and the equipment. We would all like to see the outcome of this investigation from QR. At least no one was hurt.

Rockhampton:
Limitation of hours issue of DOO and TDO. We will have to see what will happen with this issue over time.

Mackay:
Crushing has started again and is getting busy. Radio communication from Rockhampton - Townsville is still giving problems as usual, though different controls are overriding one another.

Train Crew are signing on and off at Townsville quarters instead of at Townsville shed. Also there are some Tilt Train concerns, of which depots will get workings and Mackay will finally get a permanent Driver in Charge.

Welcome all to the July 2001 Council sitting, I trust all is well in your respected areas. With the new QR Management restructure it appears very quiet on a State level, but to quote an old phrase this may well be the lull before the storm.

One problem that does seem to exist across the State is the varying degrees in which Traincrew provisions (stores) vary from depot to depot and how a local Manager on a whim can just discontinue a certain entitlement, thus making it difficult to regain that entitlement without some written proof of the granting of such item.

So as a Council we should comprise a document consisting of a list of provisions (stores) for Train Crew across the State and submit this list to QR for verification. In saying this I do believe some depots may loose, but more depots will gain from the said document. After all we are all Train Crew and should be entitled to the same provisions, thus creating uniformity across the State.

Should any member have ideas or written documentation verifying a certain item could you please send them to the AFULE State Office.

Too many depots are surviving on depleted stores or not getting the stores that they are entitled to, because of uncertainty of what's allowed or the ignorance of their depot Manager.

Another matter that has been brought to my attention is the absence of a procedure for checking and testing radios by Drivers, as this was to be done at the introduction of DOO.

Gladstone
Gladstone at present is busy with new coal contracts thus increasing train services, but with the same amount of train crew or in actual fact, less train crew with transfers, health failures and training ongoing numbers have been depleted.

New diagram guidelines have been tabled with the reintroduction of deferments, altered sign-on times, 8 hours 45 minutes and 10 hour QR shifts with viability to work to 11 hours for relief purposes only, but this has not meet favourably with the rank and file members and there are doubts whether these changes will eventuate.

The seat cover saga continues for Gladstone and the other depots in my division, currently we are into week 32 so stay posted. AFULE CD player was being trialed on a 4000 Class Locomotive and the last I saw of this was in the remote portion of a train, the radio on the CD didn't have an aerial and the CD player volume was too low.

It appears under the new Management restructure just released, Gladstone looses its DIC and is to be replaced with an Area Supervisor, only time will tell if this is a positive move for Train Crew.

Bluff
By all accounts Bluff's new diagram seems to be working well, with the exception of some pressure being put on Train Crew to work their long weekends, being applied by certain local Managers.

Bluff Train Crew would like to see the CD trial expanded to more Locomotives and they have also asked for carry bags to be provided for carrying gear when attending to their train.

The extra train services would be impacting on Bluff as well and Driver's jobs have been filled but are yet to be taken up. The depot was very appreciative of the visit by our State Secretary and State President and they are all looking forward to a return when the State Tour is conducted.

Emerald
Emerald is busy with plenty of work and problems concerning trackside maintenance, where long grass and trees are causing a concern. The position of Tutor Driver Emerald is a matter that needs to be addressed, with a shortage at present and the position being called as Tutor Driver relief and no applicants applying for the job, it should be recalled as Tutor Driver only. This is causing a problem with training, route knowledge and route assessment.

There is the ongoing problem with their rostering and the Area Manager again suggesting 12 hour TDO shifts, but this was politely rejected. Most of these problems are being resolved at a local level.

Alpha
Upgrade of the second camp wagon is still at a stalemate, with the Alpha Train Crew suggesting the changes that they want could be done in Emerald at a lower cost than sending it to Brisbane.

Trackside conditions are problem as well, but this seems to be a growing trend across the State. The provision of bottled water to the Alpha Train Crew has also been ceased.

Longreach
Another depot with plenty of work, with ballast and stock trains keeping Train Crew in Longreach busy enough. There is still the problem concerning the absence of a toilet between Longreach and Winton and after a conversation with the Area Manager, hopefully this will be rectified.

There is still no MSR radio in the Longreach car as was promised by their previous Manager, this is another matter that has dragged on far too long. Train Crew would also like to have a sun visor fitted to the car.

Welcome Councillors to the July 2001 Divisional Council. As you all know this is my first Divisional Council Meeting and I feel very honoured to be here. I would like to congratulate Mr Keryn Staib on his new position as State President.

The latest restructure of QR is taking place and as far as I can see, there appears to be more levels of Management to deal with. Only time will tell if QR has got it right.

The new North Coast corridor workings commenced on the 7th May 2001. The layoffs have again been extended and rostered workings are being changed on a daily occurrence, due to the northern mainline upgrades and trains being altered after the new timetable was introduced. Hopefully this situation will change for the better in September 2001 when another timetable commences.

Fisherman Island Quarters
The major concern is the outside noise and this problem has to be addressed by QR as a matter or urgency.

Rockhampton Quarters
Keryn and Greg inspected these quarters and gave a list of the problems that have to be fixed to QR. This matter is being progressed through Mr Barry Millers.

Acacia Ridge Quarters
The new quarters are having minor repairs done and we will be inspecting them when these are finalised.

3900 Class Locomotives
These Locomotives still require modifications. The seats need dry cleaning or be replaced. Blinds and armrests are also needed on some Locomotives.

2800 Class Locomotives
The ATP is not working to a satisfactory standard and must be looked at.

2300 Class Locomotives
These Locomotives are very noisy, with 2314 at the extreme. They have to be noise monitored at the very least.

Radios
Radio reception on the North coast line has to be investigated as to what causes the bad reception in certain areas. I feel that a Radio Technician should travel on the Locomotive to try and fix the problem.

Maryborough
The provisioning shed has finally been built . For the record, it is no bigger than a large garden shed with a roller door on it. It is only to be used for storage of equipment for local shunt engines, Kingaroy and Gayndah Locomotives.

Bundaberg
They are in the same situation as all depots in the State regarding Driver numbers in their depot. They at least want their Health Failure Drivers who took VER's to be replaced. With Bundaberg now learning the south side via Acacia Ridge, they require set times for signing on and off. They have agreed to use the same times as Maryborough.

Gayndah
Everything is going along smoothly in Gayndah. They are working one train a week, but this should improve by one or two in the near future by way of ballast trains starting.

Train Crew Agreement
The Train Crew Agreement will be five years old this October and I believe it is time to review and renegotiate the current Agreement. I realise this was attempted in 2000 and failed, however, since the failure of those discussions two depots throughout the State have gone alone and negotiated an increase in their Aggregate Allowance. If this forum sees fit not to renegotiate a new Agreement, I have been asked by Citytrain Train Crew to initiate discussions through the State Office on an increased Aggregate Allowance for Citytrain Train Crew.

Security
Security for both Drivers, Guards and passengers on night trains remains an important issue. Suggestions for stopping the violence range from not stopping at platforms where gangs of youths are congregating, to not running trains after a certain time. These suggestions reflect cutting back on our jobs and giving over areas of the network to hooligans and do not solve the problem of the violence.

It is interesting to read in papers that Doctors and Nurses suffer violence in their occupations as well. Most of the problem in the rail network comes from gangs of youths under seventeen years of age as they are protected by law and they are very well aware of their rights, but not their responsibilities.

This points to the problem not being unique to QR, but a community and social problem and one which our politicians have to deal with. This Union should start writing to the politicians and encourage them to bring in laws to bring a stop to this problem.

Ipswich
Ipswich depot has asked that I raise the matter of 25 year passes. In the current environment, the Ipswich depot believes that the length of time should be reduced to 20 years, as there are not too many people who continue in the same employment for 20 years or more these days.

Heaters
We lodged a seven day notice over the heater issue and as a result, demisters will once again be wired and returned to full strength. All this work should have been done but once again QR is lagging behind in its commitment to Train Crew. The heaters will arrive at a later date and be fitted then. Mr David Mills from Ipswich has prepared a report of the effectiveness of the demisters. A very good report it is too, well done David.

Dismissal
One of our Drivers has been dismissed for breaches of safe working. We werel surprised at the dismissal, as we expected QR to find work for him in another field, however this was not the case and therefore Mr Greg Smith will be assisting the Driver to appeal the decision.

Stabling Yards
We are endeavouring to get all stabling areas up to the same standard, as this Union believe some of the yards were below an acceptable standard to work and prepare Units in. This is an ongoing issue and for any problems that still exist please contact myself or Mayne Branch Chairperson Mr Ian Casey.

Boots
We have received a knock-back from QR on the issue of boots for Citytrain, so we will try for shoes this time around. We have to keep trying because you never back down and you never give up.

Welcome to all Councillors and welcome to John Callan and George Best to their first Divisional Council Meeting.

Derailment Committee
On the 15th May 2001, I attended a Derailment Committee Meeting. At the meeting it was discussed to update the Data Loggers. QR wants to update these Loggers so they can gain more information on Drivers' handling of trains when a derailment occurs. We must be careful that QR does not use this against Drivers, as the Loggers can be pulled after a Locomotive completes a run and then checked to deliberate if trains are being operated properly.

There was some discussion on a device to be used to record when a train derailed. To have a device such as this would cost too much money at this stage.

SPAD's
There is a need to improve the way SPAD's are being investigated. The investigations are taking far too long and Train Crew are being excluded for up to 14 days. It doesn't take that long to read tapes and collect reports, the whole process should be reviewed to arrange a better system of doing the SPAD process.

Drivers should not be penalised financially, a reduction in grade in penalty enough. Retraining Drivers in safe working and signals would be better than being reduced.

Labour Day 2002
Another fine day was had by all at the Labour Day 2001 celebrations. I would like to thank all the helpers and organisers for a job well done. The roll-up this year was down on previous years, which was due to QR rostering on more local crews than last year, so more Train Crew had to work.

It's a shame that this day is going to die out. I put out a notice asking for help to raise money and organise events for next year, I only received two replies. If more people don't get together to help raise money, there will be no Labour Day festivity. It is only for one day of the year, but it takes eight months to raise money and organise. If anyone from the Freight or Citytrain depots are interested in being on the Labour Day Committee please contact the AFULE State Office.

Acacia Ridge
This depot is having difficulty in getting the new Tutor Drivers to the diagram implemented. Finally getting tuition on the Holmview route. There hasn't been too many problems with the fuelling and provisioning points lately.

Fisherman Islands
The Tutor Drivers diagram that was introduced is working satisfactorily so far, although problems contacting the Roster Clerk has occurred as the phone is always busy or it rings out. Maybe they need more Roster Clerks.

Ipswich
The only complaint this depot has is keeping a foreign Tutor Driver from working their trains. There is also good competition for the Tutor Drivers' position in this depot.

Recently the local media published stories regarding railways and QR. The Australian Transport and Energy corridor have announced that a rail bridge will be built near Goondiwindi as part of the Australian Inland Rail Expressway. If this bridge is built and the idea becomes a reality for this rail line, it has the possibility of wiping out the depots in the Number 7 district.

QR are to spend $37 million this year on projects on the Darling Downs and South-West Queensland. Part of this will be the upgrading of lines by using line from the North Coast upgrade. Train Crew throughout the district have been suffering, due to the poor track condition and it is hoped that this is the start of acquiring a reasonable standard of track so rail can compete effectively with road transport.

QR have announced an increase in the rates for transport and livestock. This has the potential to reduce services and place pressure on depots for survival if producers turn away from rail and use road transport instead. It has been reported that the Government heavily subsidise Citytrain, they could also do the same for livestock services.

Whilst speaking to each Depot prior to Council, a couple of items were raised which I will address before continuing with my divisional report. Firstly, the H Class Locomotive is a common sight in the depots throughout the region. There are concerns regarding the lack of room whilst tuition of any kind is being conducted. Also the second Driver has to sit in a restricted position.

Branches have expressed concern that the Cab Committee requested Locomotives be sent from the North to other depots because they have problems. If they had a problem there, they will also be a problem here. It would be better for everyone to solve the problem or utilise these Locomotives for what they were originally designed for.

No VER or separation policy is of a concern to the branches. Whilst they recognise the importance of maintaining jobs, they believe that part of representing our members is having in place a policy that will assist members if they require such help. They wish to know what input we had into the joint rail unions decision not to support this policy. If the no forced redundancy / relocation policy were to be removed, it would leave some Train Crew in extremely difficult positions.

All depots mentioned the Aggregate Wage due to large increases in weekend work now being performed. Rightly or wrongly, when the Train Crew Agreement was presented to the depots, a QR representative stated that there would be increases in the Aggregate Wage if there were increases in weekend work. This has not happened and should be addressed.

I believe that it should be noted that when the wage categories were negotiated, this division had been through several years of drought. One official even suggested to me that all Drivers throughout the State should have the same Aggregate Wage. Whilst some might think this radical, I believe it may have some merit, but could not be implemented. He also suggested depots that work the same corridors be on the same category.

Charleville
Charleville depot have been busy with stock and work trains. The lines to Cunnamulla and Quilpie are to be re-sleepered and possible rerailing on the latter. This has had the effect of Train Crew being able to obtain their cycle hours. A recent level crossing accident resulted in injury to two Train Crew. My report is that they are recovering and we all hope that they will both fully recover. This accident highlighted the need for the 1720 upgrade to have strengthened cabs and only one driving console. This depot works predominately on these Locomotives and if tuition was being given on the train involved in the accident, they believe that with three people in the cab, they might not have been as fortunate.

They have been able to resolve most problems locally.

Roma
Roma has also been busy with stock and work trains. They work trains mainly between Roma and Charleville. They would like to see another Driver / Trainee Driver placed in Roma, especially with the increase in normal and weekend work. DTC has been introduced from Roma to the west, with not too many problems being encountered.

This branch has also been able to resolve all problems locally.

Goondiwindi
They explained to me that it is either feast or famine in their depot. There is still some grain at the depots, but prospects for next season are not promising. With the majority of this depot being depot relief, they are yet to be utilised for these duties.

I have spoken to the Chief Roster Clerk regarding crewing options when working Noondoo trains.

The Tutor Drivers in the depot mentioned the rate of pay they receive, but want to see what is happening with proposed job changes.

Toowoomba
The majority of Branch Officials have indicated that they will not be seeking re-election, so it is hoped that members will step up to take on the positions.

Recently a combined meeting was held in Toowoomba regarding the loss of shed shifts and local work. Acting State Secretary Mr Renny Eyears attended. An additional meeting is to be held this Friday.

I have corresponded with the Service Delivery Manager South West and Regional Manager Freight Service Delivery regarding several issues that this branch has been unable to resolve, but we are waiting for a suitable time to be arranged to discuss the issues.

Recently the depot has had Trainee Drivers from another depot performing observation trips in the depot. This ended up causing some concern when they were rostered as DA's when existing DA's and Drivers were rostered AFD. It has also come to our attention that there is no route competence training guide or assessment for a DA. I have corresponded with QR regarding this issue and made several suggestions.

The Toowoomba depot have enacted correspondence regarding the state of the 2400 and 2100 Class Locomotives that they are now working. No reply has been received yet, however a meeting later in the week may bring a response. They are extremely disappointed in the soundproofing at the Fisherman Islands quarters and believe that this will need to be addressed.

General
The branches have applauded the stand made by the AFULE on the Draft Transfer Policy. All mentioned a fence being placed around Mayne by another union, it makes one wonder who these unions are representing, or if they are representing their Drivers outside of the Metropolitan area.

At last Council the issue of driving cars within the local agreed area was discussed. Since then I believe that several depots may have changed their local agreed areas to widen their travel. This may be of a detriment to other depots, if depots are to change the Train Crew Agreement and self drive up to their limitation of hours. Don't these depots realise that this might happen in the next Train Crew Agreement, then they will be complaining. Depots only make these changes for self gain, which leads me to my last issue.

Regarding the upcoming Union elections, we need people who have a commitment to the Union and it's principles to nominate for the positions, not just for their own personal or depot gain, which can be detrimental to other depots or Train Crew throughout the State.