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

The tri-monthly meeting of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, Queensland, Union of Employees, was held at the A.F.U.L.E. State Office, Unit 28, "Mayne Plaza", 127 Abbotsford Road, Mayne on Tuesday and Wednesday 11 and 12 May 1999, commencing at 09:00 hours.

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

A minutes silence was held for our deceased member Mr D Smith.

Hours of Sitting

Reith's Second Wave Industrial Relations Legislation

Federal Workplace Relations Minister, Peter Reith has released a paper outlining the proposed introduction of the second wave of his anti-worker Industrial Relations Legislation.

It seems that out of the contrived conspiracy with Patrick's to create the waterfront dispute, he has learnt one lesson - that lesson being that he needed a means of circumventing or limiting the role of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The one factor that Reith and his cronies didn't factor when contriving the dispute with the MUA was the independence of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. So it comes as no surprise that one of the proposals is to sideline the Commission, shifting power from the Commission to the office of the Employment Advocate. Under the changes, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission would be renamed the Workplace Relations Commission and the Employment Advocate would have the final say on Australian workplace agreements and mediate on some disputes on the no disadvantage test. The present Employment Advocate is Peter Reith's former staffer, Jonathan Hamberger who was recently appointed to the position by none other than Reith himself.

The proposals would see the Australian Industrial Relations Commission's compulsory conciliation role limited to such things as unfair dismissal cases with State Supreme Courts being responsible for anti-strike orders. In keeping with his anti-worker theme, conditions such as Long Service Leave and Jury Leave would be removed from awards. It is plain to see that Reith's motive behind the proposed legislation is to undermine Trade Unions, thus leaving workers to negotiate their own conditions and wages on an individual basis. Job security for ordinary workers would be further undermined with employers having the power to set hours, wages and conditions without intervention from Union's or an independent Industrial Relations Commission.

Those of us who are under the Queensland Award, can not afford to sit back smugly either, Santo Santoro the State Opposition Shadow Industrial Relations Spokesman has come out in support of the proposed changes to the legislation in newspaper reports. With the slim majority held by the Beatie Government and the proposed changes to the Queensland Electoral boundaries a small swing away from Labor in the next election would see the same legislation forced upon Queensland Award workers.

A.F.U.L.E. Rule 18

Rule 18(3) of the A.F.U.L.E. Registered Rules state in part;
"No Branch shall carry into effect any Petition, Deputation or formulate any Depot Policy which would affect the existing working conditions of either neighbouring Branch's on the whole or any of the divisions members, unless the Petition, Deputation or Depot Policy has been approved by the majority of members of such Branch Meeting on the majority of the Branch's. Such Petition, Deputation or Depot Policy shall be ratified by Divisional Council before being carried into effect".

The Spirit and intent of the above rule is for the governing body of the Union, i.e. the Divisional Council, to debate and make policy on matters which effect a number of Depots. The main area which this rule is applied is over workings which effect neighbouring depots or where there are proposals from Queensland Rail to alter the traditional boundaries of a depot or depots. During my involvement on Council, hard issues over traditional workings and boundaries have been actively debated and resolved in the proper manner at the Council table. Usually, the final decision of Council is not popular with 100 percent of the depots effected, but at the end of the day, Council makes it's decision for the betterment of the A.F.U.L.E. membership as a whole.

Coupled with this rule is also a process that Branch's must adhere to. When there is a matter effecting neighbouring depots or depots on a corridor causing or has the potential to cause a conflict or dispute, the Divisional Councillor for the area must be informed. Where the matter effects more than one division, the relative Councillors must be informed. In conjunction with the State Office, attempts are made to resolve the issue. Depending on the urgency of the matter, the final decision to resolve the matter will be made at the Council table or by a Telephone Conference of the Divisional Councillors.

Recently, we have seen a Depot correspond directly with the Minister for Transport without going through the proper Union channels on a matter which had the potential to effect neighbouring depots on the corridor. If depots continue to by-pass Rule 18(3), then I will have no option but to correspond with the Minister for Transport informing him to disregard all correspondence form A.F.U.L.E. Branch's unless it is ratified by the State Office.

Vale David Smith

It is on a sad note that I conclude my report, since the last Divisional Council Meeting A.F.U.L.E. member David Smith was tragically killed in a car accident on Saturday 1 May 1999.

David, who was a guard stationed at Ipswich, was on his way to work in the early hours of Saturday morning when a car travelling in the opposite direction collided with his motor bike.

David is survived by his wife and child. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to his family and friends the deepest sympathies from the A.F.U.L.E..

May Day

On Monday 3 May 1999, the role of workers and unions in society was celebrated under the guise of Labour Day. This was a particularly important year, as it celebrates 100 years of Union achievements.

The A.F.U.L.E. was well represented across the state, with the Union being represented from as far north as Cairns, west to Emerald, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Brisbane to name a few.

The Union extends a vote of thanks and appreciation to those who were able to attend and I look forward to next year, where I believe more members will participate in the one day each year which gives recognition to the worker and the Trade Union movement.

The Role of the Union

Many say the role of a Union is no longer required in this modern era of Industrial Relations. Nothing could be further from the truth - individual contracts, workplace agreements, economic rationalist thinking (e.g.; profit before workers) and the continual breaking down of demark barriers has made the role of the Union even more important.

It is Union's such as the A.F.U.L.E., a Craft Union, who are best equipped to weather the storm of change. This has been highlighted and reinforced over the past 3 years where the members of the A.F.U.L.E. have been proactive in managing the workplace improvements brought about by the TCA and RCP.

By nature, our Union has successfully represented Train Crew in the particularly volatile past decade - 3 men, 2 men, DOO and Two Driver Operation and on it goes. I would like to give recognition to our members and their workplace representatives. Without the support, guidance and industrial fortitude of these people, things would be very different today.

The future conditions of train crew will be a task that this Union will be required to meet and fulfil in the next twelve (12) months. This will be only possible with the guidance and leadership of this governing body and the support of the rank and file members.

Current Issues

Negotiations relating to DOO in Dark Territory are under way, with the Union already seeing the process for implementation somewhat differently than Queensland Rail. The main sticking point being time frames which the Union does not see as meeting the needs of the train crew who will be working in the system. Once again, Queensland Rail has demonstrated that if a change can be made difficult, they will do it that way.

Train Crew Agreement

The Union has sought meetings with senior management to progress the issue, highlighting the need for a draft agreement by the end of September 1999. To date no meetings have been finalised, but it is understood that Queensland Rail have now had a number of internal meetings to discuss their issues.

Councillors over the next few months will be required to gather information and guidance from the rank and file members as to the direction for the negotiation undertaken by the A.F.U.L.E. team involved in the process. In addition I will be seeking the guidance of Councillors during the next 2 days on a number of important points which are presently in front of the Union.

Last year I made a conscious decision to nominate for the position of State Vice President. My decision to nominate was based upon my readiness to carry out the duties which attach themselves to such a position. Throughout my railway career, I have been involved on a local basis with the business of this Union and recently, I have found the desire to move on into the state level business of the Union. This move however, backed by local experience and the knowledge gained over a number of years of study, has the root of development in my belief of representation for labour in the process of production in the Australian capitalist society.

More recently I have been appointed to the position of Relief Driver in Charge for the Bundaberg depot. A position where I also made a conscious decision to apply for, based entirely upon my belief that I could do the job and that I have something to offer the position. A great deal of thought went into such a decision and the final outcome is one that I feel comfortable with. I am not walking away from by belief of labour playing a major role in the success of an organisation through representation, neither am I walking away from my decision to act in the position of the Driver in Charge. We must remember that this Union struggled hard to make such a position available to drivers in Queensland Rail.

Our environment is continually changing, not only in the economy, or our society, but within our very own Union. No longer are we an organisation which represents a classification that operates in the field, our responsibilities now incorporate level 5 and 6 management positions, a sign of our changing diversity. I look around the table today and see not only Councillors who are Drivers, but also those who hold a level 6 position of Tutor Drivers and Co-ordinators, a sign of the change in the direction of our classification, steered by this Union in the pursuit of providing a career path for Drivers within the rail industry.

Some may feel uncomfortable with the idea that the State Vice President of this Union is acting in a level 5 management position, I can understand and accept this, however, I will not allow this to deter me from doing what I believe I am capable of and feel comfortable with.

Reith's attempt to Change Industrial Relations Laws

Today in Australia we are under a heavy cloud of conservation being ruthlessly pursued by Peter Reith and the Howard government. Conservatism attacks Trade Unions and seeks to enforce exclusive enterprise bargaining so as to fasten onto workers, 'contingent' and 'private contract employment', below adequate staffing levels, a denial of collective bargaining rights and acceptance of worsening and even dangerous employment standards. In many cases inducements are in the name of flexibility to adopt nineteenth century spread of work hours. All of this is leading to longer hours at work, (sometimes of extraordinary length), overtime not being paid, casual and personal contract employment without important entitlements, intensification of work, increasing stress related illnesses, serious effects on family life and a range of other effects injurious to employees. And why? It is no secret that the November federal election disclosed a swing against the conservative agenda. This swing literally scared the Liberal / National coalition into taking action of installing their own philosophy into government policy which will take this nation into the next millennium.

We can not sit back and say, "she'll be right mate", because it will not be "all right". As members of an industrial organisation and the community as a whole, we will be facing some very fundamental changes in the near future to how we live and work. Now is not the time to sit back and let somebody else do the job, everybody needs to be aware and involved, if our nation is to move into the new millennium which is fair, equitable and sustainable.

One of the major issues in the No. 1 Division is the lack of meaningful meetings with Queensland Rail management at all levels. This must be addressed as soon as possible by all Group General Managers, or we will be left with no alternative but to resort to other means to have our problems addressed.

This was highlighted on 19 April 1999 at our Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting, which has in the past proved to be quite successful, but apparently the new management doesn't feel this is so, as no one from any group, other than Mr Paul Lucas from Industrial Relations attended. Even our own Operations Manager had other more important business. I for one have had enough of being treated as a second class citizen, as I feel that in the past few years, we have achieved a great deal by having meaningful meetings between Queensland Rail and the Unions.

Another issue that hopefully was addressed at a meeting between myself and Mr Ray Doyle is the clear breach of the Train Crew Agreement by Queensland Rail where the posting of realistic diagrams is concerned. Only putting Block Leisure Period's (BLP) in a diagram is a laugh and if this problem hasn't been fixed, I will ask our State Officials to pursue this matter.

Cairns is feeling the effects of the wet season and the Trainees have had very little work over the past few months. I hope that Queensland Rail looks at the hours worked by this depot in a realistic light. I am still trying to get to meet with Mr John Graham in regards to the Cairns train crew. Also we seem to have hit a brick wall with the proposal of Tully as a crossing station, by simply installing trailable facing points at the northern end. This has been raised at local operations meetings and RCC's but no one appears to want to do anything about it. I have attended meetings in the past with Queensland Rail telling us how important it was to have 'on time performance' for our blue ribbon services, yet for the last 12 - 14 months we have been trying to get the Tully problem fixed. This would save a lot of train delays, but no one wants to listen. Direct Train Control (DTC) is working on the Kuranda range, but the radio communication still needs attention, as is the case with radios in the whole of my division.

Pring

Trials have been done on running bigger Coal Trains to Cobarra, using a 2800 and a Clyde multi with 49 wagons, they have worked well so far. Otherwise Pring as usual is handling all of their problems locally, through Cliff Sexton's capable hands with it the valuable assistance his other officials give him.

DOO in Dark Territory

The main issue for the western corridor is the proposal to implement DOO in Dark Territory. As per the Train Crew Agreement, meetings have been ongoing for the past few months, with lots of issues that should have been addressed for the working of all trains being raised. The main meeting took place on 29 April 1999, with Queensland Rail telling us that they will be running trial runs in July and will be implementing DOO in Dark Territory on 1 September 1999, without any system for train stoppage. I spoke with all depot representatives prior to this meeting and we told Queensland Rail that we had a few issues that would have to fixed prior to any trial trains being run. I will now table this letter along with all other issues raised by the depots following meetings over the last 10 days. The stance this Union takes on this issue is very important as it will set the standard for all DOO in Dark Territory services across the state. I believe that we should take whatever action is required to ensure we don't allow this system to be accepted until they can prove it is a totally safe system. I believe this means we require some sort of support system to assist Drivers, so they don't exceed their authority. Also I feel that our State Officials were a bit hasty in agreeing to allow DOO Drivers to relieve trains on the Hughenden - Cloncurry corridor, as already Queensland Rail are saying they can work DOO trains on this corridor for different reasons. We want written agreement that it will be to relieve trains that will exceed their hours only.

DTC Racks Fitted to DOO Locomotives.

Mr President, Secretary and fellow Councillors. Welcome to our second Divisional Council Meeting. I must thank Dennis Paidley for giving me the opportunity to attend Council and wish him luck for the new position that he has applied for.

Mackay

When crews are booked Two Driver Operation on local jobs of eight (8) hours, sometimes Queensland Rail want them to relieve trains and work up to eleven (11) hours. The crew want to know if they have to.

Jilalan

It was raised at their last monthly meeting, the negotiations of the next Train Crew Agreement if there could be a banking of Block Leisure Periods, similar to flexi-time time. Also it is with regret that I have a letter of resignation from the Jilalan secretary Mark Lalor. Mark has contributed a lot of his own time to the Union, but feels it is time to devote more time to his young family.

Coppabella

The Tutor Drivers would like their position and skills be recognised in a classified position. Also a pay increase as they have to have computer skills, E-mail, liaisons with Roster Clerks, reports to the DIC as well as teaching roads and mine balloons.
Everything is running smoothly under the guidance of the DIC Robert Sinnott.

Moranbah

They would like to know when the next Employee Management System course is to be held. The last course was put on hold as there was no instructor. They are also having trouble with the Jilalan Roster Centre. They are very lax in regard to the late deferments, brought forwards and wake up calls. Also the change of work mates as Moranbah uses a car pool.

Dysart

They have developed a new working diagram and are in the process of taking a vote on it.

Goonyella System

I went to a meeting in Jilalan and was informed that modifications to the 3100, 3200, 3300 and 3400 Class Locomotives, hopefully will start in late July 1999. Modifications include electric windscreen wipers, new UHF radios, tool boxes and brass nozzles fitted so the Locomotives can be filled with water and many other little faults will be fixed.

Rockhampton

This Branch wants to know if there is any truth in the rumour that pay-day is going to be put back to Thursday. Also any Union Officials holding Queensland Rail management positions, be it appointed or an acting position should not represent their Union members e.g.; Employee Management System.

Alpha

At this stage the Yuraka Camp Wagon has not been completed and may not be for another three (3) months. Alpha crews would also like to see some sort of radio communication and first aid facilities in this camp wagon. There are also 1720 Class Locomotives being worked on these trains with no water tanks. A large water bottle is provided but Alpha crew deem they have enough gear to carry and why isn't bottled water provided. There is also some 150 kilometre speed limit restrictions on the Yuraka line and cases of the camp wagon being derailed.

Longreach

I have had some discussion with Mark Lambert on the erection of a sound proof barrier at the Winton quarters, but at this stage a suitable compromise has not been reached.

Emerald

Finally road tuition to Gladstone has been well under way for the past three (3) months. Their only concern about this is the working of trains when road tuition is finished. But apparently Neil Backer is to be in Emerald this week to discuss these matters with the local branch. Other issues to arise were problems with obtaining paper towels and bottled water from the DIC in Emerald. But after a call to Mark Lambert these problems were quickly solved.

Bluff

There was a request for a housing policy from Bluff which was sent out by the Brisbane office. There is still some problems with air conditioning failing on Locomotives in Bluff and not being a servicing depot, Bluff crew have no come-back. I have addressed this matter in General Business. Also problems with excessive vegetation along the permanent way, but this problem is also being dealt with.

Gladstone

A proposed meeting with Michael Goode concerning the Gladstone Aggregate Wage is yet to take place but is pending. The proper working of the Vigilance Control System (VCS) has been addressed at the local OCC meeting, along with many other local issues. There is a lot discontent in Gladstone regarding reply and responses from the State Office, to date I have been informed that a letter sent to Brisbane by Charlie Noy has still not been responded to. There is the case of Driver Cliff King being booked for leave as well as a medical after he had a request in for the same day. Matters also to have arisen is the uncertainty of crews booking back off sick after 11am and it being the Roster Clerks decision whether they are still booked sick or AFD. A directive on this must be sent to the Roster Clerks in Gladstone. There seems to be a lack of commitment by our Roster Co-ordinator to sit down with the Roster Committee to draw up a new diagram.

General Issues

There are several issues I would like to be discussed at this Council meeting in no particular order. I have summarised these as below;

1. Put in place a maximum temperature in which Locomotives without air conditioning or non working air conditioners are to be worked
2. In Circular 15/99 pertaining to Locomotive Serviceability Standards, there is no mention of the proper working of the VCS.
3. Guidelines are put in place regarding what comments can be put into remarks column in the computer when going off sick.
4. There is some confusion in regard to sick pay being paid per day or per shift and the proper interpretation of a Sunday into a Monday in the middle of a cycle and the end of a cycle.
5. I feel that it must be trying times when all running men are not equal in the instance of the Metropolitan Freight & Regional Services group not providing all trains with bottled water. I think that steps should be taken to rectify this situation.
6. Proper procedure and equipment when dealing with injuries (e.g.; snake bite or broken bones etc) and drivers leaving unattended trains and also re-introduce First Aid courses into Reaccreditation.

Everyone here would agree that mother nature is preparing us for the coming season. The same can not be said for Queensland Rail. Since the last Divisional Council Meeting we have heard little about negotiations for the next Train Crew Agreement, Roster Code of Practice or Fatigue Management of Train Crew. These issues concerning all train crew have to be resolved in the very near future.

The depots on the North Coast are busy working away their cycle hours, with Maryborough and Bundaberg crews continually being doubled up to fill the roster. The depots are run down in manpower over the past years, by our previous corridor management not staffing depots to a workable level. Drivers were called last year, but not enough applicants were received to fill the vacancies, especially in Maryborough. Since then Tutor Drivers and Trainee Drivers have been called, but at this stage we will still not have enough Tutor Drivers in Maryborough to make the depot equation of 1 Tutor Driver to 8 Drivers.

The aptitude and ability tests for Trainee Drivers were completed some weeks ago and I believe the results are not very favourable for our local applicants. From talking to these employees about the tests, the majority of applicants fail to finish the questions and they ask the relevance of some of the exercises. We don't need flashy resumes or the ability to put a square pig in a round hole. But everyone at the table knows that the ability to operate efficiently, be able to access situation, common sense and knowledge of railway life, including shift work are a good grounding for future Train Drivers. Outside applicants do not have this experience and are not prepared to be long term employees as Queensland Rail has found out. Maybe we should be reviewing the method of selection for Trainee Drivers, to give these good your railway employees the opportunity to become Train Drivers.

After attending branch meetings, most members are seeking information on the next Train Crew Agreement. While the majority are satisfied with the Agreement, the shortage of crew is eroding their confidence in our ability to deliver the benefits promised in the Train Crew Agreement. Train Crew in most DOO depots with tucker box workings have to put in approximately 550 hours away to be paid for 320 hours and this isn't reflected in the number of BLP's per cycle for the time spent on the job. These members need a Fatigue Management Program which may address this situation and allow them the quality of life they are entitled to. Master Diagrams can not be adhered to, therefore Train Crew can not plan a social life. Planes must be utilised to cut down spare travel, lying off in quarters must be cut to a minimum, both of these issues would reduce the amount of time Train Crew spend away from their home depot, therefore giving them more time to spend with their families.

Excess Hours

Excess hours are still causing some concern on the north coast. This situation relates back to depots being understaffed, a problem that Queensland Rail agrees exists. They tell us a program is in place to rectify this, but depots are still working with no Train Crew booked on AR shifts; so how can Train Crew be relieved in these circumstances. I don't see this situation improving before we are back in the commission in July 1999.

Bundaberg

At the Bundaberg branch meeting on the 26 April 1999, Greg Robertson resigned as the Branch Secretary. I would like to thank Greg for his years of service to the Bundaberg branch.

The extra Tilt Train comes into service in June 1999, this should improve their workings and extend their average depot shift lengths.

Maryborough

Maryborough drivers would like to know Queensland Rail plans for their engine power in the future or the North Coast Line 2800 Class Locomotives with Automatic Train Protection have been tested with mixed results. We have reliable traction in the 3900 Class Locomotives, but due to Queensland Rail not knowing the future of these Locomotives, they have been let run down and now are badly in need of a complete cab overhaul.

Gympie and Gayndah

These depots have little to report for Council. Their Branch Secretaries are George Martin and Ted Neumann.

Queensland Rail

If Queensland Rail pushes ahead with the recommendations from the consultants report of last week, we will have some contentious issues to confront us in the coming months. Queensland Rail has plans to fuel and provision our Locomotives at other yards, one being Acacia Ridge. This Union has already had past meetings on a provisioning shed at Acacia Ridge.

Also the demolition of the foreign crew's quarters at Mayne poses another problem. With crew from Bundaberg, Maryborough and Toowoomba using these quarters, the construction of new quarters is necessary, the locality of them I am sure will not be easy to solve. So I feel another battle is looming before a decision is reached that is satisfactory to all parties.

Amenities

In my last report I complained about the situation of Amenities. I am pleased to report success on this front. Mayne has received their lockers. Shorncliffe Amenities have been refurbished and the only thing we are waiting on is new tables and chairs. We have been promised improved Amenities at Nambour, but we are still to see any real work start. We will continue putting pressure on Citytrain management until this anomaly is rectified.

Members

Our attendance at the Mayne branch Union meetings is slightly up, which is pleasing to see. Both the State Secretary and myself are going to a Caboolture branch meeting on 23 May 1999. I will also be visiting Ipswich during June. I have been receiving support form all of our members and I wish to personally thank them for that support. We have also picked up some new members throughout the Citytrain network. I hope they will continue to be pleased with their decision to join the A.F.U.L.E..

New Issues

We have three major safety issues at present in Citytrain.

1. Greasing of the inner and outer balloon at Mayne. For some time now Train Crew members have had some concern for the amount of grease being applied to the inner balloon at Mayne. The grease has been applied manually. There have been numerous signal run through's and a small collision. Management has decided they had better install some automatic grease applicators, these should now be installed and the incidents of slipping past signals should subside. I ask all Drivers to keep an eye on this situation and please report on the effectiveness to your A.F.U.L.E. Officials.
2. Remote Control Signalling STD/0040/SWK. We all know that the RCS manual was introduced on 15 February 1999. On 16 and 17 April 1999, just over two (2) months later, Citytrain management introduced changes to the manual. The changes only related to work being carried out on the weekend of the 16th and 17th. The concerns I have is that management needed to change the standard so soon after introduction and I believe a dangerous practice exists if a safe working standard can e altered at the whim of managers in the guise of efficiency.
3. Positioning of signals. The A.F.U.L.E. has lodged a formal grievance on behalf of Train Crew, on the positioning of signals on the new quad (Bowen Hills to Northgate). We have yet to receive a satisfactory answer to the grievance.

We were all half asleep in Citytrain, thinking our next major issue would be the re-negotiation of the Aggregate Wage. Out of the blue the Group General Manager for Citytrain decided he wanted DOO on non revenue Citytrain services. Fortunately our ever vigilant State President was the first to recover from the shock and informed the Group General Manager that the A.F.U.L.E. was given assurances that there would be no DOO in Citytrain. We are currently awaiting his reply.

Labour Day March

We had a good turnout once again for this year's Labour Day March. Driver Dan was a huge success, as was the little SMU. We gave lollies to the children to hand out for people watching us marching, next year we will tell the kids not to throw the lollies at the people's heads. After the march we all enjoyed a barbecue and a couple of drinks and a good day was had by all. Thanks to all who marched.

Poem

A special thanks to Mal Bircbeck for the poem he wrote. It is very good and I have a copy for all Divisional Councillors to distribute. Our State Secretary has promised to publish it in the next Train Crew Journal.

Rumours

Rumours coming out of the Metropolitan Freight & Regional Services group of a Rottweiler on the loose. At first I thought; "O my God, the railway has gone the same way as Patrick's' on the waterfront. However upon further investigation it was revealed this was an affectionate name given by a group of managers to a particular manager. These people want to achieve Best Practice. Perhaps when dealing with these particular breeds, the A.F.U.L.E. should use simple phrases such as; sit, bad boy and the occasional slap around the snout with the morning paper will not go astray.

George Deutsch Consultants

I attended a meeting on 5 May 1999 with George Deutsche about the draft report of stage one. This report was a big let down as far as what Queensland Rail has planned for the future of all Brisbane Freight depots. It is as plain as the nose on our face that Queensland Rail intends to have coal trains start, finish and stowed at Fisherman Islands. When I inquired what will happen to crews at Ipswich depot they treated me like a mushroom. The Diesel Shed at Mayne is closing and going to Redbank with the phasing out of servicing and provisioning of Electric Locomotives at the ELP shed. What work will Brisbane North Freight be receiving? Queensland Rail can not answer this question. I wish I could. The Freight Operations review in the Brisbane area is going to bring about some major changes so I hope Queensland Rail is going to let Train Crew know what is going to happen soon. The one thing the Brisbane freight depots have to remembers is that we are all in this together and the depots have to stick together.

Removal of Fault Books

I attended a meeting on 6 April 1999, concerning the removal of fault books from Locomotives, in future fault books will be taken off Locomotives when they are on inspections (D001), if a fault occurs en route it is to be reported to RDC, you will receive a work order number. This system will be on trial from 19 April 1999 and only in Metropolitan Freight & Regional Services area. Also if a seat is reported torn or damaged in any way, a seat cover will be placed on that seat until it can be mended.

Labour Day

The 1999 Labour Day March was another big success, everybody that marched received a T Shirt. There were plenty of drinks and food to go around. This year we had a float, Driver Dan and the SMU buggy. The bad note was that the media was more interested in the protesters rather than the parade. We have come a long way since the A.F.U.L.E. started marching on Labour Day. Three years ago there were only six members and their families marching. Last year we had about 30 members and this year we had about 50 to 60. The kids that attended had free rids and games that the ACTU provided. I would like to thank all the members who devoted their efforts into fund raising, organising and helping out on the day, it was due to their efforts that the day was a big success. I would also like to thank all the cooks, I hope that Driver Dan appears again next year who ever he was.

Ipswich

Everything is running smoothly as it can be at the Ipswich depot. Train Crew are waiting the outcome of the consultants review. The only problem at Ipswich is that is hard to get a drink on a Sunday, after attending their Branch meeting.

Brisbane North Freight

They have similar problems here as Ipswich. The outcome of the consultants review is being waited on eagerly. There are big concerns amongst drivers about the signalling between Albion and Northgate. Pilots should be provided on request. Congratulations go to Mr Allan Roebig on his appointment to the A.F.U.L.E. Brisbane North Freight Branch Secretary.

Acacia Ridge

The biggest problem here is the Freight Corp train. When it runs and getting the drivers trained on this traction are the concerns here.

Fisherman Islands

Well it has not snowed in Brisbane yet so they still have not had a Union meeting.

The preparation for this Council has been very difficult due to the process of the selection of the Cab Committee delegates. It is very healthy that there has been a significant interest in the positions and the high standard of applicants. It has obviously put all Councillors in the unenviable position of hoping that we have made the correct decision and I hope that all applicants will accept our decisions.

Toowoomba

Road tuition is progressing slowly in the Toowoomba depot and it is hoped that it will continue as it makes it very difficult to roster the depot with route knowledge restrictions. The holiday roster has been completed and we are still awaiting the diagram of this. The diagram was reviewed with the loss of one BLP and the jobs in the diagram reviewed. Train Crew have also attended DTC, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Working or Walking Track Side without supervision, Basic Electrification Awareness, Lookout Duties and Track Protection and Planning during the slack period.

Just of late the traffic has picked up and DTC was to commence this week, there have been some deputation's recently regarding the shed crews in Toowoomba. They would like to thank Paul for his attendance at the last meeting, which has hopefully resolved the matter. Mr Greg Coughlan explained to us that due to the EPA and the way Queensland Rail operates it's services, that Queensland Rail is investigating a fuel and provisioning truck for the Toowoomba district. The cost of a new shed was approximately $1.2 million, but before anything is done there will be some more discussion.

There is also the possibility of more stock trains being loaded at Dalby and I attended a meeting regarding the operation of these trains due to the Branch Officials being unavailable. Management is also seeking branch opinion of assisting with roadside at Warwick (6H14) and the working of trains into Millmerran.

Roma, Charleville and Goondiwindi

Like Toowoomba these depots have been fairly quiet, but recently with an increase in grain and cotton movements plus and anticipated increase in stock movement should see little down time. Roma and Goondiwindi have completed DTC, while Roma and Charleville crews have been attending Train Management courses in Rockhampton. All depots have completed their holiday rosters and had their rosters reviewed. Goondiwindi gained 1 BLP, while both Roma and Charleville had a significant decrease in their BLP's. Roma and Charleville have had representatives trained in the Employee Management System.

These depots now have a system in place where management visit these depots every 16 weeks for consultative meetings. We have been informed that the most likely mainline fuelling points will be installed at BP Roma and Charleville.

Now that the heavy rail is down all the way to Thallon, the Goondiwindi depot has been asked to resubmit their LOP's. Apparently they have never been finalised. The Goondiwindi depot would also like to see the Train Crew Agreement reflect a category increase for their depot if DOO is introduced in their depot.

General

I attended a workshop into the changes for train order working. After identifying the changes a second workshop was held. This was attended by my Proxy who informed me that besides a communication package they requested a school be held, which obviously the business groups have rejected as only the communication package was with the new manual.

Regarding the new manuals a problem has been identified regarding the piloting of trains. I feel that if there had been more input from the workers, problems like this may not have occurred and as well they may be able to relate ideas that may simplify the rules without compromising safety. We have had several breaches of safe working regarding the piloting of trains (in particular rail motors) and a crew being piloted for not being qualified in the safe working system. While on safety, concern has been raised regarding the track side safety video and the effects it may have on some Train Crew who have been involved in similar situations.

I have made a request to the DIC that Employee Management System training for nominees be held due to the late cancellation of the last course and trauma support drivers be called.

There has been some number of Train Crew complaining of bad backs lately. I believe this is due to the rough track condition and the positioning and type of seat now fitted to the Locomotives. In the majority of cases, you have to sit side saddle to look out the front windscreen, otherwise you are looking at the door pillar. There is still some training to be performed in Automatic Train Protection and some number awaiting practical tuition.

We are still awaiting the filling of the Trainee Driver Toowoomba Relief Pool. I would like to see more detailed information packs available for the Trainee Drivers with examples of rosters and rivers that they can contact to talk to about the job. There are still Drivers to turn up for the Toowoomba relief pool and until then, I don't think that any LOP's for the operation of this pool should be set.

To conclude, I would like to thank all Branch Officials in my district as they do a great job and I rarely hear from them, as they are able to resolve most of their problems.