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

The Divisional Council Meeting meeting of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, Queensland, was held at the AFULE State Office situated at Suite 45 Level 8 'K' Tower 269 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley on 29 to 30 July 2004, commencing at 09:00 hours.

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

A minutes silence was held for the passing of Life Member Mr Arthur Baker of Mt Morgan.

HOURS OF SITTING

Welcome Councillors to the July 2004 Divisional Council Meeting.

It is on a sad note to report that since the last meeting of this body, we have seen the passing of Life Member Mr Arthur Baker of Mt Morgan after a short illness in May 2004.

THIRD PARTY ACCESS
Every year the comment is made that things are getting tough, they are not the same as they used to be and how will workers be able to survive. To a degree these comments are true and are surfacing more and more, with the introduction of another rail operation into Queensland.

Rapid change has been occurring within QR and particularly in the train crew grade since the mid eighties, with the removal of the guards van off freight trains.

With the globalisation policies of the multi-nationalists, change is inevitable and can been seen in all 'walks of life'. Remember the days when banking was done over the counter with real people and service at the petrol station was the norm and not the exception?

I would have to say that the introduction of another rail operator and possibly other rail operators coming into Queensland will see an entirely different QR in the not too distant future.

Each stakeholder probably has a different view of what shape that will be, but as far as QR workers are concerned, it is far better for QR to be there operating as the dominant rail operator, as compared to becoming another Ansett.

The A.F.U.L.E, being the oldest rail union in the world has always had the ability to cope and manage change for the betterment of its members and will continue to do so in these unchartered waters.

ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 6
Negotiations have commenced on EA6 which will replace EA5.

Previous negotiations on Enterprise Agreements have been negotiated on a traditional positional based approach. This approach in previous years has seen QR and the Unions locked in opposite corners of the ring and slugging it out to see who can gain the ascendancy and therefore the upper-hand in the final Agreement.

This time around, the negotiating parties have agreed to enter into negotiations on a mutual gains approach. This approach differs from the positional based negotiations in both stakeholders exploring each others interests when striving for an outcome on issues that have been put on the negotiating table. Although, we have heard for many years that third party operators are coming to Queensland, this will be actually the first Enterprise Agreement negotiated in the environment of another major rail company operating in Queensland.

Certain QR Managers have already publicly indicated that they would be looking for provisions such as overtime to be paid on an annual basis and the ability to stand down employees without pay for any period for which they cannot usefully be employed, which is in the Pacific National's Queensland Agreement negotiated by the RTBU.

Employees joining that company will have no vote or say in the Agreement or choice of which Union they wish to belong. In analysing that Agreement, it seems that the RTBU have entered into it on purely a membership grab basis, with little emphasis on the conditions of the workers.

This Union is aware that through these changes, there will be redeployees in the train crew grades, something that we have not seen for many years since the change from steam to dieselisation. It is not a time for members to panic, although understandably there is concern out there, especially on the coastal depots. The A.F.U.L.E, having its membership solely in QR is in the position to fight for the security and the betterment of its membership throughout this process.

Be assured that this Union will be working for you and the protection of your job.

Welcome Councillors to the Second Divisional Council for 2004.

Over the years, I have seen many changes within QR concerning train crew and QR's business, but nothing that's about to impact on us from the Third Party Operator, PNQ.

PNQ stands for Pacific National Queensland, a new subsidiary company of the Rail Giant, Pacific National. PNQ is to start its operations in Queensland at Moolabin yard with shunting operations in August. Their loco's and train crew are ready to roll, their loco's are a couple of old 1320 class English Electrics that have been modified in Maryborough and the train crew, are ex QR Drivers.

There will be some major changes for the way QR conduct their business from this point on. With train crew and all the support staff within the Rail Freight operations system of the Queensland North Coast.

Over the last couple of weeks the RTBU have negotiated a Greenfield Agreement with PNQ, which means that those train crew and other workers, if wanting representation will have to join that said Union. A Greenfield Agreement also locks out other Rail Unions including the A.F.U.L.E, from representing the workers within PNQ.

From my point of view as the State President of the A.F.U.L.E and a Unionist, I find this very disappointing that another Union can shut out other Trade Unions for their own benefit and greed and 80% of the time, you will find that they're the big amalgamated Unions who do it. As a result, their members suffer through inadequate representation.

The Federal Election is looming, along with our own at the end of this year. We have set a date, unlike John Howard who is slyly waiting for Mark Lathem to make a mistake, or to rake up some mud on him before setting a date on a general election, which leads me into the FTA. Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.

I know we are train crew, but it does concern us when our own and fellow Queenslanders and Unionists jobs' are at risk with this Free Trade Agreement. This Union supports the AMWU in their fight against the FTA. Industries mostly hit by the FTA, will be the Manufacturing Industry, including the Sugar Industry, some depots like, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns who rely on the sugar traffic for work will be disadvantaged also.

The Queensland State Secretary of the AMWU, Andrew Dettmer has taken up the fight in Queensland against the FTA, which is a sell-out of Qld manufacturing and the States Sugar Industry workers. I urge all members to support the AMWU and other Trade Unions in their fight, because it will have a flow-on affect on us also.

In closing, I want to reassure our members, we will continue to excel at representing "you" the members with the major issues that are facing us.

A commonly asked question in the workplace is; "Why should I be a member of a Union"? In simple terms, we need Unions to negotiate Agreements, to bargain for work reforms, provide advice, support and represent us in the work place. We really can't afford not to be a member of a Union for those times of need.

Union membership has reduced a little over the last 25 years or so and at one stage, predictions had been made that the Union Movement would be obsolete by the year 2011, this has now been extended to 2018. With the hard work and commitment by Unions and their members, I believe this will be extended further in the future.

Workers in general will be unionised and will not be bowing to the likes of Peter Reith and his reforms, with his attempts to erode workers' conditions, with the aid of industrial laws tying the hands of Unions and its members, restricting their ability to take action and also preventing unions from exercising any sort of power base, but believe me in the future the workers will revolt.

I have listed only a few examples of what the world would be like without unions under Peter Reith and his idea of a perfect world, it shows why we need union involvement in all aspects of life.

• No award or minimum wage
• No Industrial Commission
• More hours fewer conditions
• Increased funding of Superannuation from employees pockets
• No unions
• All workers on individual contracts
• Production / performance driven remuneration
• Americanised economy
• Social security abolished
• Charity based welfare
• Privatises essential services
• User pay for everything

On the subject of union membership, I find it hard to come to terms with the RTBU's rush to negotiate with PNQ regarding train crew when their own members on the coast have potentially lost their positions in depots affected by PNQ encroachment in the North Coast Freight. Also signing a Greenfield Agreement with PNQ thus, eliminating freedom of choice in which union to belong.

I have stated before I believe all train crew in QR should be members of the only true train crew Union the A.F.U.L.E, but it is not our intention to take away the freedom of choice in which union train crew choose to be a member of.

Our aim is to grow stronger, bigger (as in membership) and to continue to provide the high calibre of leadership and loyalty we have always shown to our current and future members within QR train crew.

Welcome all to the July 2004 Divisional Council Meeting of the A.F.U.L.E.

This report will be short and to the point as we need to concentrate plenty of time this Council trying to working out what the hell is going on in QR. This is because we are being told what we all know, that 3rd party is coming, but are only being given scant details as to QR's way of addressing the problem.

All of the Committees that have been formed are being told we are waiting to see what the impact is and then we will move. This Union believes that this is the wrong strategy and we must be more up front with everyone in QR as to what their future is, so we can all get over the current climate of uncertainty.

As this Union has often said; work with us and we can handle any obstacles, it appears that the exact opposite is currently occurring within QR. We the governing body of the A.F.U.L.E. need to change this attitude and create some stability and security for our Members.

As this letter is being written, the State Office has lodged a dispute notice with QR over continual non adherence to agreed diagram jobs. This was done after I had lodged a local notice as District Rep on the 29th June 2004. This resulted in a telephone hook-up with QR and Union Reps all agreed there was a problem that appeared to stem from transport not adhering to agreed diagram workings.

There were also some changes that had occurred after the corridor meeting, these were allotted to Depots and jobs altered without any consultation with all of the Depots concerned. This resulted in discussions with myself as District Rep and QR, again the problem was recognised that these changes after we have all done up our link working for the next 6 months need to be done through consultation with all depots affected, still to date this hasn't occurred. Again as the Train Crew Union we can't allow our rights to have a working Diagram be taken away. To me it appears that QR are going out of their way to provoke us at the very time when we need to be working together. They are, forever quoting the TCA and RCOP to us; they must adhere to this document as well.

The other issue is the Western Corridor, which has been under the microscope for over 12 months now and since December 2003, they have been told that big changes are needed to remain viable.

Meetings are continually being altered, but I believe that a date has been set for the 4th of August for a TCA, Steering Committee meeting, which I will be attending as well as the State Officials. We will keep you posted as to the developments as I am sure that whatever the outcome, further changes will be expected on the Western Corridor.

While this Union isn't opposed to change, it must be done for a good reason, not just for the sake of it, especially when it is shown that it will lead to only minor savings.

The Coal 2005 project is still ongoing and is now at the stage where we need feedback from all of our Members. Workshops are being conducted in all depots. Don't leave it up to your local reps only, as these proposals will have possibly the biggest impact ever on the Coal in QR, get involved and help.

In closing, again now is the time for all A.F.U.L.E members to stand up and be counted, help your local reps, don't have crib room meetings saying how much we have lost or stand to lose. The gloves are off and it is up to all of us to get the best deal for our fellow Union members.

Welcome Councillors to this July Council meeting for 2004. There is a lot to discuss at this meeting. The new EBA, The sacking of some of our Drivers and the RTBU Greenfield Agreement with Pacific National, which will not allow any other UNION a chance to represent the Drivers.

MACKAY
QR is continually attacking train crew TCA/Roster Code of Practices by QR mismanagement of train crew by S.D.S, Roster and Transport Officers. These attacks affect our train crew's cycle hours, which in turn affects BLP'S for quality family and leisure time.

These practices in manipulating train crew utilisation are not only compromising the quality of the diagram workings, but the fundamentals of the Roster Code of Practice. Train crew have to unite on these matters because it affects us all as a union, but also as an individual with a life. All Depots have these same real concerns in their working life and family life.

Here are some of the examples of the problems:

• Equity of hours between train crew by Roster.
• The constant intimidation by Roster and Management, with threats for refusing duty to EMS, when train crew do not except b/forward due to prior arrangements, or when they have not had sufficient rest.
• The practice of not filling jobs further than 12 hours out will affect train crew preparing for these jobs, QR expects train crew at the drop of a hat to fill these jobs, even after they have been on the roster 24 or 40 hours. So much for Work Place Health and Safety obligations!
• Also rostered on AFD which interferes with your next diagram working.

These examples are ever increasing, which impacts on our performance levels. These practices have to stop, let us stop this industrial abuse on our membership by these managers. "UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL".

MACKAY
Mackay depot would also like to be at the TCA / Steering Committee Meeting on 4th August, as Mackay also had a dispute notice in, which has not been solved.

Mackay like many other depots, still have a lot of concerns in the way the roster is being managed, manipulated and mauled by QR transport, S.D.S, Roster and Business groups which affect train crew's quality of working diagram and quality of life.

DYSART
Heres what's been happening at Dysart for the divisional report at the next Divisional Council.

LOP'S
After much discussion and negotiation Dysart train crew were finally able to get a win-win situation for both parties concerned. Management agreed to trial the LOP's, diagram and BLP allotment for a period of 2 cycles. The performance is to be monitored over this period and if both parties are happy with the arrangement, then there is to be a formal signing off of the LOP's.

Some of the agreed trade offs were:
For management:

• Train crew agree to self-drive up to 11 hrs    (a fatigue management clause was added)
• Carrying of meals to improve train cycle times   (subject to a caveat clause)
• Deferments under the hour       (train crew would still be accredited with full entitlements

For train crew:

• Minimum 9 hour shift length with 34 attendances
• 19 BLP'S with a 6 day LWE every 8 weeks
• Have a Diagram Committee
• Able to split up medicals - to be arranged by train crew
• Starting/ finishing before & after BLP's    enables train crew full complement of nights in bed
• 24 hour call until TCAS has been installed
• Starting after annual leave

Train crew are fairly happy with these arrangements, especially with the 6 day LWE but only time will tell when management will try and dilute these down.

REDEPLOYEES
Dysart have had 5 drivers relocated in the past 2 weeks; 1 to Jilalan and 4 to Bluff.

Managements' behaviour with regards to the Bluff redeployees leaves a lot to be desired though. Apparently they were led to believe that there was plenty of houses available for them to choose from and that it was a mere formality of selecting the house they wanted to move into, then waiting managements decision on when to take up there, Not so!

Apparently, what they neglected to tell them was that they had fast tracked some drivers in western depots, (that were not supposed to take up there until Christmas). Now they've all had to go into a ballot to see who would be allocated houses and the end result was that some of our drivers missed out on selection, so much for first in best dressed, which is what occurs in other depots with supplied housing.

I asked senior management why these driver's were fast tracked, as they would all have to be qualified in BEA, loco's and elrc, as they would not be much help until they were. Our driver's only had to learn the roads, their response was that there were no driver's taking up in Bluff at that time, (blatant lies) these particular managers involved have now lost all integrity with me, especially if I'm to enter into any future negotiations with them.

The end result is that our driver's are now on expenses in Bluff until such time that suitable housing is made available. Makes you wonder that in the big scheme of things they decided to close Dysart to save operating costs, but are willing to waste money (because of stuff-ups in their ranks) to try and buy train crew off from causing a scene that could leave some of management with egg on their faces.

So now that they have opened that door for our redeployees, I would like the backing of the divisional council / State representatives to make sure that we keep it open so that the driver's who have elected to stay in Dysart until they turn the lights out, have the same opportunity to travel to a depot of their choice on expenses until they have learnt the roads there before taking up at that depot.

COPPABELLA
Firstly, I would like the Council to address the dismissal case and recent industrial action, to let them know what has been happening at Coppabella and what could happen at their Depot.

TUTOR DRIVERS
We have recently lost one Tutor Drivers to Jilalan and we are loosing another to Jilalan at the end of the year and as the positions advertised last year were cancelled, we will be left with a shortage in Coppabella and we want to know if any will be replaced.

JILALAN
The past few weeks have been pretty hectic and we have been going round and round in circles over the diagram. Train crew don't believe that QR are going to budge away from the 32 attendances, but if we formulate the diagram to cover the coal jobs and set the diagram up so we can slot in extra coal at a later date, ie (40 minute time slots), we can still have a good diagram and look at dropping an attendance at a later date as our shift length increases.

Dan Healy said he sees the shift length will at least go out to 9.75 hours, this adds up to 24 BLPs. If QR forces a diagram on us with that shift length, then we will pursue the extra BLPs. QR would need more train crew in the depot, so lets stop stuffing around and call their bluff and get this sorted. The train crew are not happy, they want a Stop work meeting now !!!!. I cannot keep them calm forever while we sort this out.

Other issues are:
-

• Stores should be available 24 hours a day,
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• Shunt locos brought up to scratch,
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• More computers in the AS required room and faster cases, it was taking a minute between mouse clicks to act, this is silly we have 176 people and 2 computers
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• There are 7 state-of-the-art computers in the training room and they don't even get used.

If we are not going to get some commitment by QR to look at our diagram proposal or at least trial it for two cycles, we will start letting them know what it is like to have a militant workforce on your hands, by taking away all the little concessions that are outside the TCA. Let them formulate the diagram around that.

ROCKHAMPTON
Mr David Mitchell has resigned as Secretary in Rockhampton, he will be greatly missed. He put a lot of time in to keeping this depot together. Lindsay Hall is now filling in until the Position is called.

Rockhampton have concerns about Drivers who are on Compo under the Work Cover Act, whether they will lose their jobs. Rockhampton have also been told that the Drivers will get EMS'd if they do not wear their new uniforms. A lot of Drivers have not even been issued with new uniforms.

Once again, thank you David for all your help. This Union will miss you

Welcome Councillors to the mid 2004 sitting of the Divisional Council Meeting.

Within this report, I would like to include a quick run down on the Coal 2005 project for the Blackwater system and the Roster Improvement Project.

COAL 2005
Meetings are continuing to be had looking at areas of savings. A paper outlining options for the Blackwater train crew strategy has been tabled. There are 6 options listed with different scenarios in shift lengths and workings. A couple are there just to make up the numbers. Out of the rest of the options, it appears that some serious reforms will be sought.

From the options there is a couple of issues that will not be easy for train crew in the Gladstone depot to understand. (12hr shift lengths/ Extension of DOO for relief / DOO in general traffic(QCL) ). Why is it necessary for one depot to go outside of the TCA when all the other depots were not required to. It does make things awkward. Although it is accepted that different depots may require different styles of reforms, it is unacceptable that one depot should be singled out.

COAL 2005 YARD AND TERMINAL REVIEW
By the time this goes to print, everyone should be aware of the suggestions that are included in this document. Situations where Station Staff will be carrying out train crew roles (Driving Loco's ect) and Drivers carrying out Station Staff duties in the yard will take some serious thought.

This project of the Yards and Terminal Review will be one of the more difficult problems that face all grades within QR. For any of this to be even conceivable, there would have to be considerable benefits for everyone. It is in situations like this that being a representative for train crew alone gives us a very clear priority to our representation. Given that, no union should set goals to negatively affect other employees, we do have to respect our member's demands where train crew considerations are to be first and foremost.

I believe that there are ways around these situations where we can look after our train crew and also work towards assisting other employees securing a future.

ROSTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
This project appears to be on track and has lot to offer train crew and QR if it lives up to its potential. The setting up of diagram construction information material and advice would help a lot of people around the State. Education programs for train crew and rosters and all other people that influence diagrams and rosters is necessary, if everyone is to try and have some sort of productive harmony within the world of diagrams and daily rostering.

Meetings held in late July are to get the ball rolling on these possibilities. Different Diagram construction scenarios will be explored to try and gain a better quality of life for train crew. Time will tell how that will fair. Diagram Committees and train crew in general around the State are invited to send in their ideas and submissions. There is already a lot of train crew looking into diagrams in an attempt to improve their lifestyles. This is necessary to make the project a success. As time goes on I will supply more information on the progress.

LONGREACH
Noel Hart advises that things are ticking over in Longreach quite nicely at the moment. Enough work to keep everyone busy.

The replacement Trainee Drivers should show up in the near future to commence route tuition. Now that Noel is going through his Tutor Driver qualification, tuition for future Trainees should be a lot less of a hassle.

It appears that some track improvements are being conducted between Pine Hill and Longreach. Let's hope this is a positive sign for the west in the future.

ALPHA
Alpha crews are picking up extra work of late, by covering an extra service to Emerald. There is currently a shortage of crews in the west that know the road to Yaraka, so crews from either Longreach or Emerald may have to be tutored on this line.

EMERALD
With the departure of Greg Wilson to Gladstone, Emerald is fortunate to have Jim Melgert stepping up to the plate to help out Mick Plant until the elections at the end of the year. Welcome to the team Jim.

Emerald crews thought that they would have been working another test shipment of coal from the Springsure branch line by now, but it seems to be on the back burner. Like all talk of additional traffic, it means nothing until you actually are running it.

BLUFF
Tim Cumming reports that Bluff has been reasonably quiet of late. I have had enquiries concerning the removal of the shorts in the uniform issue. This is another example of regional managers pushing their own agenda in each area. It amazes me how many things they come up with to upset the troops. Bluff train crew are also waiting to see which way the Coal 2005 project will turn and how it will affect the depot.

GLADSTONE
Coal 2005 is probably the main topic on the agenda in Gladstone. The Depot will be presented with the different scenarios within the Blackwater Train Crew Strategy for consideration and comment. As stated in the Coal 2005 report above, train crew are at a loss as to why QR expects more from Gladstone than any of the other Coal depot.

QR has approached Gladstone with the intention of passing some of Gladstone's freight work to neighbouring depots. With this in mind, a number of train crew formed a group to review Gladstone's workings and to investigate the ratio of Coal shifts compared to Freight shifts. The theory is what constitutes a Coal specific depot and a Coal specific aggregate. If the shifting of freight work to the freight depots is an efficient option then it could be a gain for everyone.

One of our members in Gladstone, through the Coal 2005, has identified an area that causes significant delays in the yard and has submitted a document to improve the interaction between the Loco shed and operations. This in essence gives the responsibility for the movement and preparation of locomotives to train crew, a part of our traditional role that has dropped away over the years in some areas.

Welcome Councillors to the July 2004 sitting of State Council.

THIRD PARTY OPERATORS
Pacific National are well and truly on the scene. Maryborough has had PN's shunt locomotives brought out from Walkers to Maryborough line. It appears that whatever Pacific National want, QR has to give it to them. This may well be the case, but some of the things that are happening are a bit hard to swallow. When QR obtained Interail, did they get rid of the Drivers from Interail and use QR Drivers? I don't think so. On a brighter note, we will still have the ongoing growing number of management to look after us.

MASTER DIAGRAM
I have noticed that Northern Depots have issued a dispute notice on QR over Corridor Workings. The same thing has been happening in my area for some time. The Maryborough Branch of this Union has also put in a dispute notice with QR over the same problems. When we had our last corridor meeting in Rockhampton, by the time we got home, the workings had changed. The reason given was the business groups wanted to change the running times of trains. Train crew have to be accountable for their actions, it is about time everyone else were also held accountable for their actions. This problem has to be rectified as a matter of urgency.

BUNDABERG
Rockhampton train crew quarters is an issue that is not going to go away. This branch has identified eight areas where these quarters do not meet TCA Standard. All Drivers at this depot insist that this issue is to be resolved as quickly as possible.

Extension to the Drivers car park is beginning to take shape and in the very near future it is hoped that the extended portion of the car park is leveled.

Training of all the new Drivers into Bundaberg is progressing well. The Tutor Drivers have commenced meeting monthly which is a vast improvement than what was being done previously. We may now start to see consistency in the training that is being delivered.

Minor issues have been experienced with TCAS calling the drivers for duty and hopefully these will be sorted out quickly.

GAYNDAH
Everything is going alright for our country train crew in Gayndah. The new LOP for Station Duties appears to be working OK.

MARYBOROUGH
At the last meeting held in Maryborough the State Secretary, Greg Smith attended to address any concerns the members had in relation to Third Party, Network Access and any other issues concerning them. Maryborough Branch Officials would like to thank Greg for taking the time to attend this meeting. As reported earlier, this depot is in dispute with QR over Master Diagram problems. QR's obligation to teach Pacific National Drivers the road from Maryborough to Brisbane is causing discontent amongst Tutor Drivers. You can't blame them for not wanting to teach someone the road who could or will eventually take work out of their Depot and possible Drivers' jobs.

I have been given a list of proposals from the last Union Meeting concerning locomotives, which I will pass on to the State Cab Committee Representatives.

Hello and welcome State Officers and Councillors to the July 2004 Divisional Council Meeting.

CITYTRAIN TEAM BASED STRUCTURE
Management have proposed structure teams with the view to develop and improve compliance to QR's safety management system, reduction of SPAD's, passenger and staff safety, communication between all stakeholders, reduction of lost time frequency, personal development, work ethic and culture.

The teams are to be structured with a TOI as a team leader and a number of Tutors, who in turn have a number of Drivers or Guards within each team. A Steering Committee has been formed and we had the initial meeting early in June. At this meeting, the draft document was discussed in detail, after discussions it was proposed to form a work party involving TOI and Tutor representatives to look at the following issues;

1. Differing roles of Tutor - identify tasks and numbers for different roles
2. Creation of an expression of interest process to select specific roles
3. Identify a process for team membership
4. Workings - creation of a special link working to include diesel, electric loco, steam rail motors etc

The A.F.U.L.E's Tutor Representatives Ray Stafford and Andrew Lye went to the work party with instructions to discuss dot point 3 only, as this Union rejects the other points because;

Citytrain already has differing roles for certain Tutors. Certain Tutors think it is their god given right to start work at 0700 hours everyday and be rostered special duties. This gang have been sponsored and encouraged by management in these practices for several years. The A.F.U.L.E is of the belief that the above proposal will create an even bigger gap between the haves and the have-nots. We also believe that all Tutors should rotate fairly and equally through a task driven working, as Tutors are selected on their skills and knowledge and are therefore deemed equally skilled as per their position description, once selected.

Citytrain once had a special link working (known as the 'B-Link'), which created all sorts of disharmony and jealousy. The problem with this issue was that there was not enough of these alternative traction workings to sustain an extra link, without bastardizing the master diagram and create too many AFD's.

We also believe that teams, in all walks of life, are designed to compete against each other and we certainly don't condone the possibility of team A saying their better than team B or particular teams taking short cuts.

So at the time of writing the whole concept is at a stalemate. The A.F.U.L.E will not accept any structure that is not of a benefit and fair to our members. In saying that, Gary Swain and myself have devised a more simple and workable concept, but we are keeping it to ourselves until the appropriate time.

CAB HEATERS
We have nearly completed our first-ever winter with acceptable cab heating in the EMU fleet. There were a few minor hiccups, but overall the heaters have been a resounding success. It will be interesting to see how they perform next winter, after being dormant during the summer months. A special thanks to Mr Col Kennedy (A.F.U.L.E Cab Committee Rep) for all the hard work he contributed to making the heaters a success.

UNIFORMS
We have been decked out in our new uniforms since May 2004 and the troops seem to be happy and have discarded the old pink and grey. Comments from other QR people and public alike are that this uniform looks much smarter.

SERVICEABILITY STANDARD
After numerous workshops regarding this issue, we are very close to have serviceability standard for our fleet. A draft copy was promised to be made available for union perusal two weeks from the 9th July 2004. At the time of writing, no such copy has been sighted. We expect this to be tabled at the next Cab Committee Meeting on the 2nd August 2004 and if not, this Union will lodge a dispute, as this simple and basic issue has been ongoing for an unacceptable time.

SPECIAL EVENTS ALLOWANCE
In March this year, Unions and Citytrain management met and agreed to payment for those that signed on between 0001 and 2359 on the day of the event. This payment was to be in line with the public holiday rate as per the TCA. Now QR has reneged on their agreement, apparently because other QR streams jumped on the bandwagon. They also claim that if Citytrain are awarded this payment, all train crew throughout the State were entitled to same as per the TCA. Just to let everyone in on the secret, that was the way this issue was planned, but all is not lost, if negotiations are opened up on future TCA's, we may get a better deal.

JOB CARDS
There have been changes made to workings throughout the network depots. These changes were made to particular jobs to be more work friendly. The jobs have been submitted to the Roster for input into the system. These changes are to come into affect after exhibition. All jobs will be constantly in review and changes will be made if possible.

SHORNCLIFFE
Due to some vandalism and theft in Shorncliffe's amenities, work has begun to relocate their computes, stores and correspondence etc to a more secure area. The alternative site is a disused room on the end of the station building, this room is approximately 5 metres x 3 meters and is to be gutted, painted, furnished and secured.

NAMBOUR
Problems at this depot seem to have settled down since a crisis meeting was held in April.

BEENLEIGH
Over recent months, there has been an issue with the TOI's room on the station platform. This room was not adequate for the corridor TOI to operate from, due to lack of facilities and space. A ridiculous chain of events followed culminating in an acting manager approving the changes without involving all stakeholders. Commonsense has now prevailed whereby an agreement has been reached to the satisfaction of all.

The other Citytrain depots issues are being well managed by the local A.F.U.L.E branch delegates.

Here we are in the middle of 2004 and this will be the second last Council for this term. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to this Council. We have a lot to discuss and hopefully making the best decisions for our members.

PACIFIC NATIONAL (PN)
As of first of August, PN will be taking over the Moolabin yard and will start carrying QLX freight in June 2005. PN have got 3 old 1300 Class Locos which will be used to shunt Moolabin. They have got 13 x 4000 Class Locos on order and will be ready for service by February. There are also 3 x 600 meter container wagon consists being built and they will be ready by February 2005. So if anybody thinks that PN are not coming by have rocks in their head.

There have been some drivers from the Brisbane Freight Depots that have taken positions with PN. With QR loosing the QLX work to PN there is going to be a lot of surplus staff in depots.

There is a lot of noise around about a VERs package. I can't see it being any better than the one we already have. I think when or if QR do offer the VERs they will be surprised at how many people will take it, particularly in the Brisbane Freight area.

UNIFORMS
What a mess QR have done with this. First, an email come out that everyone would be issued with a new uniform and you can throw the old one away. Then QR realized that this would cost too much, so they changed the first email and came up with; "you are still to wear the old one until August, then throw away the grey and pink uniform and only wear the orange".

We can order the new uniform on a 'wear and tear' bases. So the outcome is, we have drivers wearing odd bits of the old and new uniforms and we all look like dads army. I don't know if Citytrain had this trouble, but all I have seen so far is everybody wearing the new uniform which looks very professional.

NETWORK SPAD COMMITTEE
This Committee has had to change it's name from Corporate SPAD Committee to Network SPAD Committee because as from August, PN will be invited to be a part of this Committee. Network Access will chair the Committee as an independent body. A new charter will be written, because a few things have to be changed to allow other operations on this committee.

I have noticed at the last two Committee Meetings that there was no representative from the RTBU. This just goes to show that they don't care much for train crew, particularly Drivers because they can't even send someone to represent their Locomotive Division. If they are not interested in this Committee they should let us know to allow us to get another A.F.U.L.E. Representative on this Committee because we do care about SPADS and our Drivers.

FISHERMAN ISLANDS DEPOT (FMI)
The Area Coordinators at FMI have transferred over to NAG from the 1st of July and they will be handling the below rail issues. But for the time being they will still be doing the same jobs until it can be sorted out what is above or below rail and the complete hand over will take about 6 months.

There have been a couple of Drivers who have taken up positions at PN and I would like to take this opportunity to wish these Drivers the best of luck for the future, I hope they have made the right move. There are 4 drivers going to Mayne Citytrain and a few Drivers would take VERs if it was offered. With all this moving QR must be wondering why there are so many Drivers getting away from this depot. There is going to be some change in the way Drivers do things at FMI. As long as it's in the TCA, QR will not have much trouble with any changes.

ACACIA RIDGE (ACR)
With PN taking over Moolabin, Acacia Ridge will be losing about 20 jobs a week. They have picked up some work from the Inter - rail train which drops off wagons at Acacia Ridge.

There have been a couple of SPADS at ACR lately but other depots are in the same boat. There is an election going on about extending their local agreed area. The result should be finalized in time for Council.

IPSWICH
This depot is sailing along nicely not a great deal to report of late. Still having trouble with being kept to their diagram. Still waiting for the extra car they were told they were getting. This depot is still SPAD free - Keep up the good work.

Hello and welcome all to the July 2004 Divisional Council Meeting.

The end of the year sees positions become available at both State and Branch levels. It is therefore an ideal opportunity for those members who like to criticize, but rarely attend meetings, to put their names forward for these positions. If you feel you have something to offer, then put up your hand, it's your future.

The threat of Pacific National (PN) has got everyone talking with a lot of speculations on what is happening. Some depots have a fair bit of an idea of what is going on as it affects them directly and I hope it is a minimal effect. I have no doubt that PN will be looking at Toowoomba, West and S/West to see what it can rip out of QR traffic. I also believe that if this happens some of those crews that become displaced will gain work with PN.

QR's idea on the new reaccreditation shows how much management has lost contact with reality (will PN have to go through to same) if not then QR is playing into their hands. If it is a D.O.T requirement then it will be a level playing field.

All the best in a speedy recovery to the two Drivers injured in a level crossing accident at Goondiwindi, one having just returned to work, the other still receiving treatment, we look forward to your return to work as well.

TOOWOOMBA
The Toowoomba Depot requires additional crews to handle the traffic here at the moment, but I imagine QR will hold off until it sees the outcome of the PN push on the coast.

Although it is not my preferred way to acquire crews I would rather see displaced Drivers be given a chance, be utilised in others places (if that is their preference) instead of letting them go, as that experience is a valuable asset.

Toowoomba West and S/West have seen the use of older 2100 class locos increase, while QR has to maximise the use of locos, the problem of cold air coming into the cabs was / and still is bad enough with 2300 class, but these older locos are considerably worse. This is more so during the colder months and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Toowoomba's Aggregate claim is still progressing, with Rob McAlpine rejecting our first two claims. We still await an answer to the last lot of correspondence and members will be advised as information / responses become available.

GOONDIWINDI
No real changes happening here. Just enough grain moving to keep them going, everything else seems to be going along OK.

ROMA - CHARLEVILLE
Not much happening, just waiting on the stock to start moving again.