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

The November 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 29th and 30th December 2001, commencing at 09:00 hours.

Hours of Sitting

Welcome Councillors to the final Divisional Council Meeting for 2001.

As this is the final term for Councillors and Branch Officials, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank on behalf of the members the contribution those people have put in for the last 3 years.

The structure of the AFULE relies heavily on grass root involvement through its Branch Officials and Divisional Councillors. I have found that these people are committed to the ideals and objects of the AFULE and have worked tirelessly over the last 3 years for the betterment of members.

Some Officials have decided not to run for the next term, whilst others have decided to put their hat in the ring for another 3 year term. To all of you I say a job well done and I have found it extremely gratifying to have worked with you to achieve common goals.

Some Councillors here today are unopposed for the next term whilst others are facing a ballot to decide their tenure of Office. Greg Robertson and Ray Stafford have decided not to contest the next term of Office. Greg has ably filled the position of Vice President and also attended AFULE State Conferences as the AFULE Delegate.

The No 5 Division has been well served under Ray's leadership and I can honestly say, whether it's been relieving me in the State Office or out in the field, it's been all guns blazing in the Number 5 District.

As with everything, there comes a change of guard and I have every confidence that team AFULE will continue to dominate in the Traincrew arena for the next 3 year term.

It seems the battle lines are drawn. The old adage of the tiger never looses its spots, rings true with QR Management in relation to applying discipline to Drivers.

Faced with a series of incidents involving SPADS, QR have decided that the way to fix the problem is to belt the Drivers around the head by applying a reduction of periods up to 6 months as at OS2.1 rate of pay.

Their philosophy seems to be if they firstly degrade the Drivers by reducing them and then penalise them financially, this will address the problem of Drivers having SPADS.

Recent times have seen Drivers reduced in grade for periods of up to 6 months resulting in severe financial hardship.

Another tactic to improve Drivers performance is to exclude Drivers who are unfortunate to have a SPAD from Traincrew duties, under the guise of safety, while the investigation is being conducted. No one cared how long the investigation took as the Driver was now reduced to the base aggregate rate. It's not uncommon for the investigation to take up to 5 weeks. Some so called Managers were using this as means to apply a penalty on the Drivers.

It's a very sad state of affairs when this attitude is alive and well in the bowels of Management.

Another wannabe is running around the place sprooking that Drivers should be fined $5000 for each SPAD. Little does he realise that the real financial penalty imposed on some Drivers who have been reduced in grade for 6 months is for greater than his SPAD elimination policy.

If you thought you heard it all, wait, there's more.
The latest assault on Drivers has now surfaced.

A Driver with an impeccable safety record was unfortunate to be involved in a category 2 SPAD. He was issued with a Show Cause letter as to why his employment with QR should not be terminated.

The AFULE was then informed that a decision had been made to reduce him and the other Driver on the train for 6 months to OS 2.1. Further this Union was advised that this position was now the so called norm for Drivers involved in category 2 SPADS.

This was the catalyst for the AFULE to issue QR with a 7 day notice of industrial action. As a result of the 7 day notice and subsequent negations the following has been agreed.

1. At the point of exclusion from Traincrew duties, QR will now continue to pay the total Traincrew Aggregate wage (ie. Inclusive of Aggregate Allowance), until such time as the initial investigation findings are known. In this instance, Traincrew will be shown on the roster as (ATD) working on alternative Traincrew duties.
• a) Once the initial findings are known, and it is considered by QR, disciplinary action is warranted, the Traincrew involved will then be reduced back to the Train Crew Aggregate Base rate until such time as the disciplinary outcome is determined. (termination, reduction etc.).
• b) If, as a result of subsequent discussions and - or consideration by Management, it is then decided that the Train Crew will be retrained - reaccredited, then the total Aggregate Wage will be reinstated in accordance with clause 2.1(9) of the Traincrew Agreement.
2. In respect to Coal and Freight Services, Service Delivery Division, the current SPAD investigation processes will, as far as is practicable, be shortened to ensure Train Crew are not unduly disadvantaged as a result of no immediate decision being made on the issue involving them. This will reflect similar arrangements in Passenger Services.

Whilst this goes someway to addressing the Unions concerns, there is still a long battle to rage with QR's mindset of disciplining Drivers.

Member's incomes and subsequently their quality of living are at stake in this battle with QR. Reductions have and are continuing to have severe financial hardships on those concerned.

AFULE members should be prepared to fight QR every inch of the way on this issue as the next one to feel the scourge of QR discipline may be you.

If there is to be justice, then this will only be achieved in battle against QR by the AFULE.

Welcome Councillors to the final Divisional Council Meeting for 2001.

ELECTIONS:
To all Councillors here today, I would like to thank you for your efforts in representing your respective districts for the last three years.

My thanks also to all members who have nominated for positions in this Industrial Organisation, and I also wish the best of luck to those of you who are now facing an election to decide their outcome. The role of the Workplace Representative is one that is extremely important to all, but not many will have a go. This role sees the representative putting in many unpaid hours, with the only reward being personal satisfaction when things go right, but when things are tough, so is the job through criticism and misleading lunchroom opinions.

We must remember that the strength of this Union comes from those members who take an active roll in determining the direction and policy that this Union will follow. So to those Branches unable to fill vacancies, I hope in the near future that fellow members stand up and volunteer to fill the vacant positions, to enable these Branches to operate efficiently for the members in their Depots.

To keep this Great Union where it is today, we need strong representation in all Depots to ensure we serve our members in all areas of the Industrial arena.

POLITICS:
We have seen a return of the Liberal Coalition Party in the Federal Government. Labor leader Kim Beasley is to step aside for Simon Crean to lead the way. We can only hope that the opposition can successfully oppose legislation that will be introduced by the Howard Government. That will allow for further eradication of workers rights and undermine Trade Unions in general.

The public has constently forgotten that almost all the social benefits that Australians receive were introduced by Federal and State Labor Governments. In the 100 years since Federation the Labor Party has not had many terms of office, yet in that short number of Parliamentary terms, it has helped the elderly and disadvantaged more than any other Political Party.

The Labor Party was the first truly Political Party formed in this Country, and after 100 years is still a fighting force on the Political scene. Like our own union the "OLDEST RAILWAY UNION IN THE WORLD"

Electors tend to forget what Labor has achieved over these years that we all take for granted: One vote, Australian Navy, Australian Army, Workers Compensation, Old Age Pensions, War Pensions, Disability Pensions, Maternity Allowance and many many more.

Tory Government can claim very little. But as always nobody voted for them. John Howard did introduce the GST and we all know how that affected the workers in this country.

GST:
We have read the report from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (N.A.T.S.E.M) requested by Queensland Rail, to examine the impact of the introduction of the A.N.T.S tax reform package on QR employees.

The result was disappointing but what did we expect. Perhaps these people should ask the workers, to what degree the G.S.T added to their cost of living expenses, let alone the hidden taxes that we were never told about when GST was introduced. If John Howard plans to push forward with his policies, they cannot be achieved without further tax reform. So it is now very important to have the GST clause in EBA4 finalised with appositive result for Queensland Rail Employees.

WORKING HOURS - SWEATSHOP LABOR:
In the first review of working hours since the introduction of the 40 hour week in 1947, ACTU Assistant Secretary Richard Marles told the Australian Industrial Relations Commission it was time to address the balance between work and family life. How often do we hear this on the job? I hope this case is successful so working rosters and awards can be modified to suit the industry we work in.

IN CONCULSSION:
Councillors, 2001 is drawing to a close, with the 2002 New Year not long in coming, and with it, I hope, continued security and recognition of the role we play in Queensland Rail.

I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr Greg Hooper, Mr Robert Stewart, Mr Renny Eyears, and Mr Geoff Paroz for their successful election to their respective Council Division.

Also to Mr Ray Stafford who has stepped down from his position, Rays' presence at this table has certainly helped our members in City Train.

My warmest wishes to all members, their families and to those at this table, may you all have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Welcome all to the last Divisional Council Meeting of 2001. To those of you who have been re-elected congratulations, to the others it has been a pleasure working with you over the last three years and I wish you all the best for the future. It's because of people like you that this Union continues to be as strong as it is today. I will take this opportunity to wish all AFULE Staff, Members and Families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CAIRNS:
Cairns Depot is coming under fire at the moment with QR hatchet men doing a shunt review a couple of weeks ago. It never fails to amaze me that these reviews are always done when the busy season is over e.g. the sugar, and prior to the work picking up for Christmas. I will read with interest the proposed changes. QR must realise they are the ones who flooded the Depot a few years ago.

The RCU between Townsville and Cairns is now in full swing and being worked out of Innisfail by Cairns Crews, this and other restrictions are meaning 7 out of 10 trains need relief between Innisfail and Cairns, by reducing shunts this will lead to crews working excess shift lengths. Who wants to be called in and then be sent home after 4 hours? QR is paying their men anyway so why not keep them at work for 8 hours? The discussion on if relief Drivers should get points is 50-50 in this Depot so we will leave it at that. We need job security for the Traincrew in Cairns and QR must put up their hand and ensure this occurs.

TOWNSVILLE:
Townsville is again baffled by the way QR work their MTP, we did a diagram up to commence on the 19-11-01 and one (1) week prior to this we received six (6) proposed changes. The importance of a realistic diagram to Traincrew Quality of Life seems to fall on deaf ears. QR always wants to quote Fatigue Management; a realistic diagram is a good way of attempting to control fatigue. The Diagram Committee of R Tilbrook and G Wakeham have it down to a fine art with a maximum of three (3) nights out of bed. By us not getting the jobs agreed to makes the diagram a waste of paper. This Union must take QR to task over all Diagram Workings in this Division. The Western Diagram is still only a BLP diagram despite all the fake promises prior to DOO commencing.

PRING:
After the unfortunate accident at Kaili this depot has been put under the spotlight by QR. They have come through OK and all should be congratulated. The attitude adopted by the RTBU representative on some issues shows why it's so hard for Unions to show a united front against QR. The workload is very heavy and Townsville have been working the domestic coal traffic from Durroburra to Cobarra on an as needs basis. We hope the additional Drivers going in here will relieve some pressure on this Depot.

CHARTERS TOWERS:
Charters Towers is again feeling the effects of incompetence with agreed jobs being changed resulting in reduction in shift lengths. This again shows why agreed jobs shouldn't be altered without good reason. One positive is that an additional BLP has been picked up; imagine what would happen if the agreed jobs were worked as agreed. The hours would give this depot some real quality time off.

I recently attended a risk assessment in Rockhampton with D. Guy; the RTBU representative from Charters Towers on trains up to 1000m, our members will be kept informed on any progress as it has the potential to have a big impact on this whole corridor.

The reason they are looking at longer trains is there will be 6 months of road closure a year for the next 5 years. The option looks like it would be Distributed Power with two 4000 Class Locos crewed TDO for the next few years until a version of ATP became available.

HUGHENDEN:
Other than the continual alterations to the roster the depot isn't undergoing any real depot specific issues. We do need to get a workable diagram for this whole corridor.

The amount of trouble being encountered with Radio communication is again approaching the serious stage for the safe operation of DOO.

CLONCURRY:
Several big issues concerning this Depot resulted in Wayne Robeck flying down to Brisbane for meetings on the 23-11-01, these include DOO shunts etc. Claims are also being directed that the A.F.U.L.E. are doing deals with QR to get favourable treatment for Traincrew. I thought that was our job, to look after Traincrew.

The relief Traincrew are creating some problems with the locals, claiming they are getting favourable treatment with the shift roster; I have a meeting next week and will be looking at this problem. If this proves to be true the people concerned may need to be removed. Guarantees were given that relief wasn't to get any favours over locals.

MT. ISA:
Mt Isa is having problems with QR wanting to utilise Cloncurry sets on what has always been their Acid traffic considered Local Jobs.

Troy is working through this as there will be additional trains to be crewed. The new position of SDS along with the Controllers has been creating some problems with advice being given that DOO trains could work with VCS cut-out, DTC computers frozen etc.

Congratulations to those Drivers who stuck to the rules as set down in the DOO Dark Territory Booklets. This Union has asked the SDS and controllers to read all relevant information to avoid conflict in the future.

In closing congratulations to all those Local Representatives who have again put up their hand in doing a thankless job, I look forward to working with you all over the next three years. If I can assist any of you or any member, feel free to contact me.

Welcome Councillors to the last council meeting for 2001, and also the last council meeting for some Councillors. Firstly I would like to wish every one the best of luck in new election of Councillors. And secondly I would like to wish every one a very Merry Christmas. We have a lot to discuss this council, like EBA5, SPADS and the outcome of the GST.

DYSART:
QR have appointed two new Drivers into this Depot, and we think there should be at least another four put in, because there is a major increase in coal traffic through Dysart. At the moment the local Drivers plus relief pool Drivers are working from CBA to CBA. They also would like to know when these new Drivers are taking up.

COPPABELLA:
This depot is running pretty smoothly under the guidance of Warren Cole. They have only two problems, and they both are to do with the 3300 class locos.

Firstly with tuition on these locos, the cab is way too small for three men to do 10 hours; these locos should not be used for tuition at all.

Secondly there is still a major dust problem in the cabs.

MACKAY:
They would like more tours by the State Secretary in the local areas. There are also concerns about rumours that Goonyella System men will be working their grain trains.

ROCKHAMPTON:
Dave Mitchell told me that QR wants in coming Drivers to fuel the locos at a new fuelling point on the up main line. This depot wants the shed crews to do the work.

JILALAN:
The 3300's are also an issue here with the dust in the cabs. They would also like to conduct some trials, but seek Councils' advice before they do anything. Also the relief pool is still not being used properly, and they want to know if they can draw up there own LOP's.

When is QR going to call TMIO positions, as there has been men acting in that position for over 12 months.

I would also like to thank Gary Brickwood for his tireless work that he puts into the Local Union and his input to Diagram Developments.

GENERAL BUSINESS:
Welcome all to our last council for the current term, firstly I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 year term and believe as a council we have achieved what was set out to be achieved, secondly I would like to wish all applicants running for the various positions local and state the very best of luck. I believe the calibre of members we have in the AFULE, whoever is elected to these positions will serve with honour and distinction.

The position that has been adopted by our senior management in dealing with SPADS around the state is very disappointing, when will they realise that no Driver passes a stop signal or exceeds there authority on purpose, it appears that the Driver once again is used as the whipping boy, the direction that is being taken will not solve the problem only place more worry and burden on our Drivers. This is another example of the powers to be agreeing to sit down with Unions and have formal discussions on certain issues and nothing has progressed.

I would like to urge all Drivers as Greg has done in a Circular to respond to the personal letter sent out by the Commissioner detailing not only on track problems but any other problems that maybe directly or indirectly contributing to difficulties we face in every day life as a Train Driver, stating actual dates and details that have occurred.

GLADSTONE:
The new Callemondah Station has been completed with new amenities for train crew, while smaller than expected so far few problems have risen except perhaps the echo effect when there are too many people in the same room.

The hanging of a new diagram under the implementation of a master roster has proved to be a very hot topic in Gladstone with little or no input from Unions. This new diagram and its guidelines have gone in the opposite direction to what our diagram committee has been trying to achieve to maximise better rostering conditions for the Train Crew in Gladstone, conditions that have been gained over years of rosters has gone completely out the window with this proposed roster and its guidelines, further meetings for consultation are scheduled so lets hope sanity prevails and a compromise can be achieved.

A new batch of Drivers should be arriving in early December with more coming in the New Year. There is a trial in progress on the Moura Branch where the second Driver is not required to perform loading tasks at mines with these tasks being done by the loader thus the 2nd Driver remaining on the loco.

BLUFF:
It appears there is going to be a large turnover of Drivers in and out of the Bluff Depot with Drivers transferring all over the state and replacements coming from many different depots.

There was a dispute with the allocation of housing in Bluff and with consultation between Management and Local Officials this was sorted out and a solution was achieved. The new diagram with the inclusion of permanent mates by all accounts seems to be working. As with Gladstone the trial of Driver's duties in mine load outs being done by the coal loaders and 2nd Driver remaining on the loco. There are also concerns with overloaded wagons being given permission to leave certain mines by control with advice from engineers. There is a clause in the new housing policy in regards to owning or have owned a house within a 45 km of your depot that needs to be looked at.

EMERALD:
The Emerald Depot at present is slow on the work side with little stock or grain running, but on a brighter side route assessment is finally but slowly getting done, the problem seems to be a shortage of Tutor Drivers with some having jobs out and nobody is interested in becoming one.

LONGREACH:
As per usual the men in Longreach go about their everyday business with little fuss and very few problems, I don't know whether it's the country living or just the mild mannered nature of the Longreach men. One point to note is the retirement of Driver Bob Eisentrager on the 17th April 2002, on this day Bob will be 65 years of age and amassed a total of 50 years and 21 days this is a tremendous effort from a much respected man.

Welcome Councillors to the final sitting of State Council for 2001. Congratulations to those people here who have been re-elected to their positions and good luck to those who are in a ballot.

The latest restructure of QR Management sees the same old scenario. More levels of Management and more people in those levels. The old saying of too many Chiefs and not enough Indians is very true in QR today.

MARYBOROUGH:
QR in their wisdom has decided to put Clyde Locos on the Woodchip Train. This is yet another good reason for this Union to insist on QR to provide suitable toilet facilities around the state as a matter of urgency. The woodchip facility was built purposely for the use of 3900 Class Electric Locos. There is a lot of overhead wire out there with very few Electrics under it.

Noise problems still exist at Fisherman Islands Quarters. One room was noise monitored for 8 hours, QR believe it was within an acceptable range. I have to refute this because of the amount of Drivers and DA's complaining to me about hearing every wheel that goes past their room and every time a Locomotive moves they hear it, something is wrong. When QR told us that they were going to build the Quarters at Fisherman Islands the noise problem was among the main arguments.

However, QR guaranteed us that the noise would be minimal by using all the latest technology in the building. QR must rectify this problem regardless of the cost if Traincrews are to continue to use these Quarters.

Drivers are being asked to drive motor vehicles outside of the Local Agreed Area by the Station Officers. I advised the Driver-In-Charge of this and what the consequences would be if it did not cease.

His reply was that QR Management would not stop these Officers from asking Drivers. It is now a state issue.

BUNDABERG:
The Tilt Train project is on track, they have started learning the road from Rockhampton to Mackay. The tuition program will be cranked up in the New Year.

Bundaberg are still having a problem with the cleaning and provisioning of Locomotives at the ELP Shed. Designated Staff are not doing the job. This has to be sorted out in the near future or train services maybe disrupted.

Driving Cars outside the Local Agreed Area is also happening in Bundaberg. The SDS is breaking local agreements telling Traincrew to drive motor cars. This problem is happening throughout the state and could cause an Industrial Dispute.

GAYNDAH:
Ted and the boys in Gayndah are pretty happy and looking forward to Christmas. A new mine looks set to open at Mulgildie outside of Monto.

This should provide extra work for Gayndah.

In closing I would like to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Welcome Councillors, and congratulations to those new and returned members who have their representative positions within the AFULE, and good luck to all those candidates facing elections. I would also like to wish all members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

SPAD's:
As you all know the AFULE has given Seven Days Notice to QR on the SPAD issue, members of our Union in Citytrain are fully supportive of the State Bodies actions. Mr Ian Casey and I are in the process of writing to the Chief Executive over our concerns about management behaviour on this issue.

NATIONAL COMPETENCIES:
281 Train crew have signed on to work through competencies to achieve their Certificate 3 in Transport and Distribution. All Traincrew in Citytrain have not had the opportunity to sign on for this course yet. This is because the organisers wish to kick the original applicants off first. Once our competencies have been mapped across to the National Standards, accreditation will begin. It will then be opened up for other Traincrew to apply.

BEENLEIGH:
Beenleigh crews are having trouble with Management over their Car Park. It seems Management can at first agree and disagree with arrangements at the Depot. We are at present in a holding pattern over this issue and we will be monitoring what happens.

It may be a small issue, but it concerns me that people's word can be given and it means nothing.

SW 10 SAFEWORKING FORM:
I believe this form of procedures need to be looked at, as there have been occurrences lately resulting in Drivers and Controllers being confused as to their application. This confusion mainly comes about through shunting movements. It is a safety issue we should be addressing. In Citytrain we have to fill a form out when setting back more than a car length onto a platform that's equivalent to 25 metres.

RON ARMSTRONG: Ron retired last Friday after more than 38 years service with QR and 33 years membership with the A.F.U.L.E. I would just like to wish Ron and his wife all the best in this retirement.

RETIREMENT:
I have decided not to stand as the fifth District Councillor for a second term. So I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the members of the A.F.U.L.E. in Citytrain for their unconditional support of me. The last three years has been challenging but rewarding, I would do it all again and all the same way.

In closing I would just like to say to all Traincrew who are not members of the mightiest Traincrew Union, the A.F.U.L.E.

38RD:
Procedures are now out for 38RD Jacking Road. All Drivers are making themselves aware of the procedure. The Senior Driver has the procedures on hand for any Driver wanting a copy.

I would like to welcome everyone to the last Council for the year 2001. This is also the last Council for this three year term.

DERAILMENT COMMITTEE:
I attend a Derailment Committee Meeting on the 26th October. At this meeting it was discussed about trailing a device at the rear of trains to be able to detect if the train has become derailed. Also there was talk of updating the data recorders on Locomotives. This was disgusted at the last meeting but at this stage finding the money is the reason that it has not been done.

THE WORKING OF 6D80:
This train was worked by FMI depot and was 97% on time running. The Manager in Toowoomba has come up with a way of saving QR $53,000 per year. His idea is to have Toowoomba crews work the train and relieve it enroute by self drive so to cut the cost of crews in motels. This Manager also expected train crew to break the Train Crew Agreement to make this cost saving idea of his to work. To date 6D80-6839 has dropped in on time running. It's rumoured that the BMT fines QR $1,000 dollars every time the train is late into FMI pad. If this is cost saving I'm not here. It doesn't matter which depot works this train the way it's being worked is not the most cost saving way.

DOO BETWEEN TOOWOOMBA AND IPSWICH:
On the 28th of November a meeting was arranged to discuss DOO to Toowoomba. The same old issues were raised, same issues that have been on going for 4 to 5 years now. The mileages pegs not up dated, Signal at Murphy's Creek has not been moved. QR's reply is that when the pay issues have been sorted out then they will do the other problems. The pay issue is something to think about. QR has the idea that they can introduce DOO and keep the metro depots on the same aggregate. It states in the Train Crew Agreement "Payment at Category 3 accounts for Any Further Extension of DOO" and this is QR's stance on the issue. This clause was to cover the metro area, not outside that area. As far as the A.F.U.L.E. is concerned if they don't put the metro depots up a category then no metro depot will be working DOO trains to Toowoomba.

SPAD's:
Isn't it exciting to see what QR is going to come up with next to prevent SPADs? They have got there so called experts out assessing drivers to find the ones that are likely to have a SPAD. They have posters and handouts everywhere, reducing the first time offenders for 6 months. The more QR tries to prevent spads, the more spads are happening. Maybe they should revert back to the good old days if you pasted a signal at red and as long as you did no damage you just pushed back behind the signal and forgot about it. I suppose QR have to appear to be doing something. I feel in service training would be more help to drivers than a 6 months reduction and a cut in pay.

ACACIA RIDGE:
This depot is having trouble filling the daily roster sheet because of the short fall of drivers in the depot. This is also preventing much needed Road Tuition in the depot. Not having much luck with route Tuition to Gympie North, cannot ever complete one Driver. Self fuelling and provisioning loco at the so called fuelling shed is causing problems. Nobody should be doing these duties their own.

FISHERMAN'S ISLAND:
All is pretty good at the Island with plenty of work around the last couple of weeks of the cycle (for one driver anyway) with grain running again. Recently we had two drivers reported for questioning the attaching-detaching of locos within the confines of the year. The Area Co-ordinators asked the DIC if this was allowed and he responded by saying 'it was'. This branch then placed a ban on drivers shunting while FMI was attended under 4.12 of the Train Crew Agreement. Drivers were threatened with suspension if they refused to shunt. A meeting was held with no outcome and we moved to step 3 of the Disputes policy. Next day Co-ordinators were advised they were to cut the locos off the trains. This was not what this branch had intended, but it did highlight the shortage of station staff at FMI.

IPSWICH:
This depot is motoring along with very little trouble. When and if DOO is introduced the first trains that will be trailed are the coal trains. This will have a big impact at Ipswich as well as other depots. Ipswich has at last got their long awaited Tutor Driver so this brings their depot up to full strength.

As this may be the last time that we may all be together, ensuring the future of this Union and conditions for Train Crew, I would like to thank all the Councillors for the support and friendship and I hope that the future Divisional Council Meetings prove to be as successful as the past.

Recently I attended a Driver Training Review. In short, QR is investigating ways to train and re-accredit drivers more efficiently as well as work national competencies and the Halcrow report into these processes. If I am involved in any future discussions I will pass on my comments.

TOOWOOMBA:
Work in Toowoomba has been fluctuating between busy and quiet. The Toowoomba branch was unable to fill all of the branch positions and would like direction on how to fill the remaining positions as applicants have now come forward. Management requested that a trial for the working of trains 6D80-6839 be held where Toowoomba crews would work this train only. This involved some self drive and spare travel. The branch agreed to the trial as suggested by management. Contrary to some opinion, when I heard of this I contacted the Councillor concerned about the possible effects that this may have on other depots. In fact the Councillor and other Branch Officials knew more than the Toowoomba branch or myself knew. The branch will be meeting with management shortly to discuss the results of the trial and changes they think are suitable.

It is hoped that the coal traffic will increase in the New Year. Macalister wish to increase their output and Acland may come on line late in 2002. This may make up for the expected down turn in grain traffic from the west, as most of the grain will come from the south-west corner. With this in mind the branch would like to request a review of the out-depot relief provisions placed on some of the drivers. They would also like clarification on the issue of personnel being trained to provision locos. The approval of special sick pay is one issue that the Toowoomba branch would like to see tidied up, after recent problems from one of the branch members.

Yesterday, along with the No. 6 Councillor, I attended a DOO meeting, regarding implementation between Toowoomba and Ipswich. It had been some 18 months since the last meeting with little to no action on some of the items. Senior management will be responding to depot staffing numbers and pay rates before any continuation or discussion, as well as organising a new assessment.

GOONDIWINDI:
This depot has been awaiting the harvest to increase their workload as the majority of wheat in Queensland will travel through the depot. There has been some chick pea loaded and large amounts of sorghum have been planted. After Christmas they will have their full compliment of ten drivers and will soon be designing a diagram to cover all the train crew in the depot.

ROMA:
In the next week this branch will be meeting with QR management to discuss a range of issues. These include an increase in their depot aggregate classification, vehicle for self drive and cleaning of the mainline fuelling point to mention a few of the topics. The Branch Officials in Roma will contact me or the State Office if they have any troubles. They have notified QR that they will not consider a dual cab for self drive or spare travel due to the poor comfort and driving levels. They will be suggesting to QR that trailable points be installed at Miles station to facilitate crossing movements. They hope to have more luck than the Toowoomba branch did when they suggested them. Unfortunately there have been a couple of SPADS by train crew from this depot, with the result of reduction in classification and a review of train crew by acting TOI's (in all depots in the No. 7 District).

CHARLEVILLE:
Charleville has been kept busy with stock trains. These will decrease shortly with extra work coming from work trains with re-sleepering and railing occurring.
Charleville will also be discussing with QR the issue of type of vehicle for spare travel and the time crews wait around to return home spare. Train crew from this depot state that they have some trouble contacting Control with the radios due to them being on MSR and congestion on this frequency. They would also require a clarification from the State Secretary regarding the performing of roadside at terminal stations as they believe that this will erode the position of the rail operator and may take some 3-4 hours after arrival at the terminus.

To conclude I would like to thank all the Branch Officials from the No 7 District for the work that they complete as I very rarely hear from them which makes my job some what easier. I would like to wish all the Councillors, A.F.U.L.E. Staff and Members a Happy Christmas and hope that the New Year brings a brighter and more secure future for Train Crew and Union.

3300 CLASS LOCO'S

BEENLEIGH

TOOWOOMBA DRIVERS (RELIEF)

MARYBOROUGH

PROVISIONING OF LOCOS

FISHERMAN ISLANDS QUARTERS

NORTH WEST CORRIDOR

INVOLVEMENT OF STATE COUNCILORS

RADIO COMMUNICATION

SPECIAL SICK LEAVE

DYSART

ROADSIDE

RADIO AUDIT

STATE TOUR

TRAINCREW PROVISIONS

FATIGUE:

CORRIDOR MEETINGS

SAFETY BOOTS

DONATION Q.R.R.E.A

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME