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 24 and 25 November, 2005, 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 Loraine Sifleet.

HOURS OF SITTING

Welcome Councillors to the November 2005 Divisional Council Meeting.

I would like to thank Councillors for their input at the Council table throughout the year as well as your work out in the field.

It is usual at this time of year to reflect on the events of the year as well map out strategies for the upcoming 12 months.

The challenges that not only the AFULE but all Unions face with the Federal Governments Industrial Legislation amendments will be at a level which the entire Union Movement has not experienced for a long time.

The battle lines have been drawn with the Bill not surprisingly passing the Lower House of Government and ready to be rubber stamped by the Senate.

The Union campaign to protect the wages and conditions will be fought long and hard. The Federal Government will pit worker against worker and be relentless in its pursuit to introduce a system not dissimilar to the American model where workers undercut other workers just to gain a job.

The AFULE and Traincrew also face a particular challenge early in the new year and that is to renegotiate a new Traincrew Agreement. The TCA was originally certified in October 1996 and rolled over and certified in 1998 with a few minor amendments.

It's fair to say that the current agreement is in need of changes to reflect the present working environment and to clarify the difference in interpretation of certain clauses between the AFULE and Management.

One of the major changes in subsidiary agreements that QR identified in the EA7 negotiations was a desire to have subsidiary agreement business group based rather than agreements having application across business groups. In other words with reference to the TCA it is their position to have two separate certified agreements for Traincrew, one for Passenger Services Group and a separate agreement for QRNational.

As everyone would agree the issues of the Federal IR changes and the renegotiation of the TCA are two big ticket items to be addressed during this sitting of Council.

To this end, I have requested the President, Shayne Ware to somewhat dispense with the majority of standing orders so that Council can formulate direction and strategy to further the cause of Traincrew.

RESIGNATION OF BOB STEWART
I have received a letter of resignation from Bob Stewart from the office of No. 3 District Councillor.

Bob has been successful in gaining a transfer to Citytrain and believes it is time to hand over the reins to facilitate a smooth handover to next incumbent of the position.

Over the years, the No 3 District has been well represented by the various Councillors and Bob is no exception to this with his willingness to debate issues at the Council table.

I am sure with Bob's knowledge and skills in Union affairs it will not be long after he has settled into Citytrain that he will be putting his hand up for any spare projects.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Bob for his invaluable input at Council and will as the work he has done throughout his district over his Terms of Office.

In closing, I would like to wish everyone, Officials and Members of the AFULE, a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and look forward to the year ahead.

2005 is ending, and the events, which happened this year, will go down in Australian history, especially the changes to the Industrial Relations system in Australia.

Not since Federation have we seen such drastic changes to workers rights under Mr. Howard's planed changes.

These draconian changes, to workers rights and conditions will have an adverse affect [I am afraid to say] on every worker and their families, across Australia.

As a Unionist and President of our Union, I am not exaggerating it up or making it sound worse than it really is, I am being honest; these IR changes are "not good".

If these changes take effect, we probably will not notice it straight away, but over time, they will have an hostile affect on all of us and you will see our rights and conditions, as we know it dwindle away to just the basics.

The standard of living in this country will drop, as you will have worker against worker competing for jobs and Awa is which will go to the lowest bidder, therefore lower wages.

When major companies in Australia support Mr. Howard's IR reform, it cannot be good for the worker. I smell a rat and a bloody big one.

The Workers who protested around Australia proved a point, Australian workers do care about there Work Rights and Conditions, but this has not swayed this arrogant Federal Government, which proves a fact, they do not care "one iota" about the workers and the families of this country.

The A.F.U.L.E, will be there fighting for our members Rights and Conditions, like every other Trade Union in Australia to try and stop Mr. Howard's draconian legislation.

We can only hope in 2006 this Federal Government will come to their senses.

On a lighter note, congratulations to Mr. Darryl Torrens being elected to Divisional Councillor No 5 [unopposed] and to Mr. Gary Swain, being elected to Secretary Mayne Branch [unopposed], with The Chairman of Mayne and Proxy Divisional Councillor No 5, yet to be decided by electoral ballot.

In closing, I would like to wish all AFULE Members and their Families, our Office Staff, and Councillors a Very Happy Christmas and Happy and Prosperous 2006.

Welcome to all Councillors to our last sitting for 2005, yet another year has passed in the blinking of an eye.

The year has been as busy as usual with a new EA, the impact that changes to the IR Legislation will have on every Australian worker and their families and the hardships that we will all endure for at least the next 3 years, also, the commitment to renegotiate a new TCA.

Firstly, to the EA 7, this document proves to be very unpopular with the rank and file. It was not received very well at the meetings that I attended across the State. The main issues of concern were the pay increase which most believe was not enough; the Fit for Duty clause was another issue that received some attention and the Industrial Dispute Settlement procedures. I was asked on all occasions my opinion on the document and my standard reply was "Did I think it was great: NO!", but do I think it will get any better NO! So now it is up to the workforce to decide whether it is accepted or not.

The new IR Laws are an issue of great concern not only to the Unions and workforce but to all workers in general. The ramifications and changes these laws will have on working conditions to the average Australian could prove to be devastating with not even the best legal minds having a full understanding on the possible impact that will occur. The best possible outcome of this new legislation is that the workers in Australia will be united and send a message to the Howard Government that this legislation is un-Australian.

Negotiations for a new TCA will commence in early December 2005, with the possibility of 2 agreements for QRNational and one for PSG. These new agreements will have to be finished by the end of January 2006 to nullify the effects of the new IR Laws, which we believe will take effect from March 1 2006. An agreement has been reached between the Unions and QR, when negotiating this agreement that there will be no protected Industrial Action taken by Unions, QR will be unable to take any unresolved matters to the Industrial Commission for arbitration, so in saying that there is a part of the TCA that both parties cannot agree then that part will be rolled over from the previous TCA to the new TCA.

I would like to wish all our members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and if travelling, be careful on the roads.

Regards
G R MCGAW

Here we go again, another year nearly over, where has it gone?

I will keep it brief as there is still the EA7 ballot and TCA rewrite negotiations to be completed this year.

Every depot is experiencing the pain of the shortage of traincrew due to relocations, Medical Separation and people leaving for greener pastures. Get used to it as the solution is still up to a year away. In my 21 years with QR, it has always been the same. We need to develop rosters state wide to reduce the potential for Driver burn-out and enhance family time off. This must be one of the key issues for the TCA.

A review on the applications by several depots for a category increase will occur on the 5 and 6 December. Good luck to all of these depots, I hope we have the same success as our Coal & Passenger group workmates.

The rewrite of the TCA is due to start on the week commencing 5 December, good luck I will be up the Gulf with my 2 sons fishing.

On a more serious note the full on discussions will be commencing the week of the 19 December. This Union will attempt to get a positive result for its members out of what will be one of the toughest negotiations we will ever undertake. This is due to the fact that for the first time ever we have a competition working in our state under less restrictive conditions QR says.

Please remember that all members will receive a vote on the TCA before it is certified. This should occur in March 2006. Look at everything very carefully as this Union won't be suggesting or agreeing to changes just for the hell of it.

We won't be selling our soul just because we are asked to, but we also realise that some big changes will need to be made to remain not only competitive but ahead of the opposition. All we are saying is that we need your support for the next few months and years more than ever.

If you need to know more on any issue up for discussion please attend the upcoming TCA meeting and all of your Local Branch Meetings so you will be making a discussion based on facts and not innuendoes and half truths.

The other half of the battle will be the IR changes which to date we are still unsure of, believes us they won't be pretty, but everyone must remain united to minimise the impact on all of our families and friends.

In closing, I wish you and your families all the best for Christmas and the New Year. We have some trying times ahead but united we will work through them.

G Hooper
No 1 District Rep

Welcome Executive Officers and fellow Councillors to the final Divisional Council meeting for 2005. This year has seen a lot of change for members. The arrival of PN resulted in upheaval for many traincrew with relocation or VR the only options for large numbers of Drivers. The medical invalidity process and the availability of jobs in Western Australia have also added to the decline in driver numbers across the state.

This Council Meeting will see the resignation of the No. 3 councillor Bob Stewart due to a move to City Train. Bob's input, experience and ability to impart opinion will be missed. The experience gained through several years as an elected representative of the union will be hard to replace.

ONGOING (DEAD?) PROJECTS
There are a large number of ongoing projects within the organization that could have a positive effect on Traincrew's quality of life and provide additional monetary reward if these projects ever come to fruition.

Fatigue Management The July sitting of Divisional Council rejected QR's draft document and asked for a number of issues to be addressed. To date there has been no action from QR.

Roster Improvement Project It would appear that this project is dead, with nothing to report for over 12 months.

Tutor Driver Review Ongoing with meetings scheduled for November / December. This project needs to be finalized with Tutors needing a substantial pay increase given their increased workload and changed PD.

Coal 2005 Yards and Terminals Project With the retirement of John Keogh and the disbandment of the Coal 2005 management team, this project has stalled. There has been no discussion since mid - year on the single operational stream concept. I have no doubt that this idea will be tabled during the upcoming TCA negotiations. Whether this is the correct forum to properly address this issue remains to be seen.

The union has found it increasingly difficult to keep QR in discussions on these issues. There appears to be limited managers with the necessary authority to make binding decisions.

EA7 The EA negotiations have been a long drawn out process with plenty of information updates being circulated by both the union and management. This has led to an "in principal" agreed document that will be presented to Traincrew in late November. Members will be given the opportunity to pass judgment through an individual ballot that will be conducted soon after the state-wide presentations are complete.

DIVISIONAL DEPOTS Rockhampton - Mackay Both these depots are still experiencing the usual diagram and LOP problems. This has led to the Rockhampton depot placing a ban on car driving due to an accident where thankfully no one was injured. The driving of cars whether self drive or rostered has been an ongoing area of concern that management is unable or unwilling to address.

Dysart - Coppabella - Jilalan All the coal depots in Division 2 have been experiencing increasing radio problems both voice and data radios. I raised this issue at the RCC meeting in October but am yet to receive any positive reply. The data radio problems have led to at least 2 SPAD's with no blame attributed to Drivers but senior QR National and Rollingstock managers appear unconcerned about the safety implications of this increasing problem.

I would like to thank all the depot representatives in my Division for their guidance and help throughout the year.

TCA As part of the EA process, it has been agreed that the TCA will be renegotiated. These negotiations need to be completed by 01/03/06 to ensure members' conditions and entitlements are not eroded by the Howard Govt attack on Australian workers. The State Office will be asking members for comment on issues regarding the TCA. I would encourage members to take the time to fill out and return the survey form.

Welcome executives and councillors to the late 2005 sitting.

There are a number of things that I would like to touch on in this report.

I do not generally raise political issues in my reports due to my belief that drivers want to know what is happening in their neck of the woods at the work place as opposed to political rhetoric.

This time I feel strongly that I need to air my opinions on the federal IR laws.

I believe that Howard's federal legislation has nothing to do with productivity and everything about destroying unions and in return the future lively hood of our children along with the traditional family lifestyle.

If we find that the coalition senators are as gutless as we think, and not reject the new laws, and we receive the full gambit of Howard's new dictatorship, then my first concern is for the kids of the future. We will see the next generation, living their adult lives on McDonald's style work conditions and wage rates. Instead of these businesses being used as a learning platform for our young teenagers to earn pocket money, they will become the norm throughout their working lives.

During the recent IR rallies, I heard many disgruntled workers call "shame Howard shame". I truly believe that the man does not deserve the amount of respect that these words still credit him with.

The cry should be "Liar Howard Liar" or "Scum Howard Scum". These words are more reflective of the man's character.

With all the problems that this government will cause us as train drivers, and most other workers, it is nothing compared to the destruction of lives. He will deliver to the less organised groups of workers like the young, the unemployed, the disadvantage, and most of all the women in the workforce that labour in the less skilled industries just to supplement the family income in an attempt to be ahead of the poverty line.

Our society has been moving towards Americanism for decades through life style choices, language and media coverage etc. This is the first time in history that I am aware of that the government has introduced laws to force us into Americanism.

Some of Howard's Americanism includes, free trade deals with America first leanings, phoney wars where our children could die because of more lies, and now the American industrial relations system where the only people who feel privileged, are the illegal immigrants who work for room and lodgings.

My grandfather always told me, that the worst labour party is still better than the best of the other lot.

Still very wise words today.

TRAINCREW
Knowing all the information above, the train crew in QLD seriously needs to consider what they actually want out of their state officials for the future. It is clear that our traditional approaches may prove not to be as effective in time to come. This is not to say that the unions have diminished in any way, it just means that we need to be more focused on common goals.

One of the hardest questions to answer is "what do we want". I would like to encourage drivers to consider all options for the future, look around at what other rail operators do and see what deals enhance our quality of life. Give the state representatives a focus point to work towards

PAY RATES
Drivers pay rates and conditions have been on the agenda for traincrew for some time. The pay rates/package of drivers in QLD is well behind current market place. Included in our disadvantage list is, Superannuation on higher portions of our overall pay rate, like other rail operators and GOC's, subsidised medical benefits schemes, etc. We do have room for improvements.

One issue that does need clearing up is what a train driver worth. A drivers financial worth has been raising its head lately in light of the rates of pay and package that our drivers are receiving in the west. To answer this I would repeat a quote from Gladstone's Brendan Smith (Branch Chairman).

His take on the issue is "that the iron ore industries are NOT paying the big wages for the drivers to drive trains; they are paying the big money for drivers to live over there".

This is very true.

Drivers need to think about, what do they want?

LONGREACH
QR has run the drivers numbers down in Longreach to such an extent that the train service there is suffering. QR expects the drivers to make themselves available on their days off just to meet the regular traffic demands. When these trains get cancelled due to sick leave etc, QR then goes after the depot to reduce their BLP entitlement. Typical narrow mindedness of QR. Blame every one but themselves.

ALPHA It is with sadness that Alpha no longer exists as a train crew depot. Political decisions were made to use road transport in lieu of the train service. One of our members in Alpha has decided to remain with QR as opposed to the VER package QR offered. This is a sign of an amicable system at its best when management decide to work with sincerity. I would like to wish all the best to the other train crew retiring from Alpha. Merv Zahl, Socksy McDonald, and Des Maynard.

EMERALD
Emerald traincrew currently finds themselves in a very unusual position. Due to the new Minerva Coal traffic, the depot is significantly understaffed. Minerva traffic consists of 3 trains per week (tuckerbox jobs) to Gladstone. This will increase to 15 per week in the New Year. This shortage of drivers is at a time of the year with little stock or grain workings. On top of this, the depot, with about 32 drivers, has had 28 applications for transfers out. Of course, not all the 28 will leave, but it still leaves QR in another one of their shortsighted binds.

BLUFF
Bluff are been going through diagram problems that has dragged out for quite some time. These ongoing issues do nothing for general moral. QR needs to throw the resources and work with the crews to bring these things to finality in a timelier manner. When drivers ask questions like, why can't we have our full entitlement of BLP's, QR should supply diagrams showing the positives and negatives of the different BLP patterns and proposals rather than dragging the arguments out. If drivers are supplied all the information, I have total faith that they will select an outcome that suits both parties.

GLADSTONE
Gladstone drivers are coming to the final stages of the Coal 2005 process. QR put forward a package that they believed they needed in the Blackwater system, to be competitive. This has been ongoing for nearly 2 years. A final ballot was taken with the train crew and the results were just under 70% acceptance of the package. It needs to be said the acceptance of the package has nothing to do with enthusiastic support for the reforms, but more a statement of, the best outcome achievable given the current and future unknown workplace environments. Change through agreement is never an easy process but is probably better than some of the alternatives. Gladstone reps and drivers believe that a better outcome is usually enjoyed by all when drivers have some control of their own futures.

The new working system and the adjusted aggregate should commence on the 9th January 2006.

Because of some of the contentious issues involved in the Gladstone reform package, all train crew around the state should contact their local or state reps for detailed facts on the package rather than relying on hear say.

It is during the November sitting of Council that I will be tendering my resignation as No. 3 Divisional Representative to the State Secretary. This will take effect on Dec 31st. This is result of applying and receiving a transfer to the Citytrain network. I have been in Gladstone for 23 years, so deciding on a shift was no small decision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the representatives in my division for the help and support they have shown me over the years. I would also like to thank the members in each depot that I have had the opportunity to get to know and work with. A special thanks needs to go to the State Office staff, who daily demonstrates that they are the corner stone of the whole state organization. No issue is too large or too insignificant for them to pursue, on behalf of any member. It needs to be said that it is the members and their underlying support of the union movement that allows representatives to carry on in their positions through some of the tougher times when it appears you cannot get anything right.

Knowing the representatives that are currently active in the No. 3 Division, our members should have no fear that, whoever decides to have a shot at the State position, they will not be left short around the State Council table.

Thank you
R.W. Stewart

The past twelve months has been very demanding on both Unions and State Governments trying to sift through the new changes in Mr Howard's new Federal Industrial Relations Policy. We are all fighting to maintain our wages and conditions.

Don't think for one minute the employer gave you on a plate what we enjoy now. This was fought for by our forefathers, and people should not forget this. However, the fight will continue, the workers of this proud country are not going to be trodden on by this John Howard's one-sided Government.

EA7 has been finally negotiated and soon members will be asked to vote on this agreement. Most are satisfied with the outcome, the 4% increase per year over 3 years, but are concerned that most of the issues put forward concerning Traincrew, were not agreeable to QR. When will they realise that wages are not the only interest for Traincrew. Better conditions promote a better workforce.

TCA
We are about to start negotiations on a new Train Crew Agreement

It has taken a long time to get QR. to come to the table. All the issues that have been put forward from all Depots will be debated, and hopefully a successful outcome can be achieved.

2800 CLASS LOCOMOTIVES
After some months of talking to QR, all the windows are to be cleaned with a product called CAL OFF. This will be done over the coming weeks. Hopefully this will remove the build up of calcium and grime that is distorting the Drivers vision.

MARYBOROUGH
The Depot has implemented Self Sign On from the freight 2004 Project. So far we have not had too many problems. The Drivers are prepared to run their own show, now that the Maryborough West Station does not work 24 hours a day.

On the 1st of October the Depot farewelled 12 Drivers who retired. An official function was held at William House and then later the party proceeded to the Bowls Club for an afternoon and evening of celebration. These workmates and their wives were farewelled by a large turnout of their past and present colleagues. We wish them all a happy and healthy retirement.

BUNDABERG
Lionel Richter retired on the 31st September 2005. A huge turnout at the Across The Waves indicated the huge respect the workplace had for Lionel, he will be missed not only as a workmate but a great mentor and unionist. Training and the time it takes appears to be one of the biggest issues we have. Innovated ideas are being trialled and supported to progress training more efficiently and effectively and to date the indications are favourable. The issue with clause A.P.1.5.2 has not been resolved. Their has been a risk assessment conducted but further investigation is being sort to clarify matters regarding "Alertness" that is required by the person assisting when ATP has been isolated. The present situation of Two Drivers on all passenger trains will remain until this issue is sorted out.

Bundaberg welcomed two new Drivers to the Depot, Shane Manski and Warren (Buck) Rodgers. The year has come and gone to quickly and Dennis Spry and Chris Pianta wish everyone on behalf of the AFULE members in Bundaberg all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

GAYNDAH
Driver Ted Neumann has retired; his friendly nature will be greatly missed by all Traincrew that he worked with. Ted was a great advocate and fought locally and politically to keep the Depot open when QR was closing down branch lines. I wish Ted well in his retirement.

To all our members and their families I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Hello and welcome to councillors and state officials to the last DCM for 2005. This year has been challenging for all of us with EBA's, TCA's and of course the uncertainty of the Federal Governments retrograde industrial laws.

The current Prime Minister has wanted to gut the union movement all his political life. This is not a new concept from conservative politicians, during the 1980's we had the Thatchers and Bjelke-Petersons and others of their ilk conduct union breaking exercises. These people used a fire and brimstone methodology. This government has nurtured and bred a more subtle approach.

No one can convince me that these laws will benefit our country; they are anti- worker therefore anti -family which in turn means anti- Australian. Industries like ours maybe protected somewhat due to being able to bargain collectively, the private sector will more than likely bear the brunt of these laws, which I feel will flow on to the welfare and criminal industries, as people who are in no position to bargain will either end up on the scrap heap or find other alternative means to supplement their low incomes.

Whilst I heartily agree to protests, rallies, and even let's say some industrial anarchy I believe the real protest to be at the ballot box. If these laws become cemented into Australian society, we may as well change our flag to the stars and stripes and whistle Dixie.

If there is a positive, these laws may create a renaissance within the union movement.

IT IS A NEW WORLD
On Monday 14th November, at about noon, myself and other traincrew in the suburban network lived a whole new experience. On this day the new world came to Brisbane in the spectre of bomb threats on public transport. At the time everyone seemed to be acting calmly and orderly, but after the incident was given the all clear, I must admit that this new experience proved how vulnerable we all have become. Unfortunately we in this country are no longer immune nor isolated from this new world warfare, and in reality there will be no forewarning. The human race has found a most insidious way to hate his own kind.

QR's NEW WORLD ORDER
In March this year QR steamrolled their new Employee Management System upon us under the guise of People Performance Management and coupled to that other piece of work called the Code of Conduct. I have had to represent members under this new system, and I have also experienced this system personally. This system is designed to treat all parties fairly and equally, but certain Citytrain managers have used this policy as big stick. In my dealings, myself and members, have been told that once we are on QR property we are theirs and theirs only, all social, religious, and political beliefs and activities are to be forgotten and we are to jump when they say jump. It has got the stage that every meeting or negotiation I attend with some of these managers, there is a sermon given to remind our members of the Code of Conduct and any breaches will be dealt with under the PPM framework. What are some of these managers trying accomplish? Are they taking themselves too seriously or have they been given licence to scare members into compliance? These new policies could be used unscrupulously by some managers for what they deem to the slightest infraction and also be used to pit worker against worker, mate against mate. So take heed management now have a tool to gag free speech and free thinking.

WEEKEND SERVICES
Recently the Qld government announced that there is to be a trial of 24 hour services for a six month period, on weekends in the suburban network. This announcement was made without consultation. The A.F.U.L.E. forced the government and QR to open a consultative process and not committing to the trial unless members issues were addressed. The major issues and concerns from A.F.U.L.E. members are Security on all trains and terminating stations; Work and Life Balance i.e. more weekend work, more all nighters, rostering issues; and of course remuneration. At the time of writing negotiations have been successful in that the proposed 24 hour service has been scrapped with services planned for the first train on Saturday & Sunday to commence earlier rather than continue for the 24 hour period, thereby possibly eliminating the remuneration element. There will still be security and rostering issues. This new proposal will have to be discussed at council and gain members approval before committing to any trial.

LEAVE
Traincrew in Citytrain are having all types of leave being rejected outside the allocated annual leave quota. This practice is causing a lot of dissension amongst traincrew and the roster. (see QR's new world order) The rosters are only the messenger, as they have been instructed by higher management to reject leave requests. This has come about because senior management have not employed the required traincrew numbers to run the service. They are now desperate to have all available traincrew on deck to avoid paying fines for late trains and cancelled services. This includes tutor drivers working services, to the detriment of training the influx of drivers that have arrived in the last twelve months, to which everyone including management knew were coming. Because of the mismanagement of traincrew resources over the last five years, this management are punishing traincrew by rejecting leave and blaming everyone but themselves. Traincrew also have a life, and events arise from time to time that require us to access QR's leave policies. With proposed extra services and training requirements this situation is not going get better, it is high time some of these managers were held accountable, as they are quick to bounce us for under performance.

I would like to thank all the Citytrain Branch Officials for their good work and support throughout this sometimes trying year. I wish all A.F.U.L.E. members, office staff and their families a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Welcome fellow councillors to the last sitting of this Divisional Council for the year already how time flies.

FEDERAL IR
As we all now know the Federal IR changes are now being DEBATED (read rubber stamped) in Federal Parliament the only small positive in this whole fiasco is that while little Johnny isn't listening to public opinion some of his back benchers & senators are, probably because they wish to be around for another term & their may be some watering down of this legislation.

However members should not lose sight of the fact that these new laws are not needed, not wanted & not good news for any worker.

ACACIA RIDGE
The power of persistence is finally starting to bear some fruit for this branch in that they finally have an air conditioned standard gauge shunt loco that does not create another half a dozen problems by fixing one.

I know the radio is still a concern but if the branch keeps up the pressure I'm sure they will get a satisfactory result.

The ongoing issue of sanding equipment or lack thereof at the provisioning shed is to be addressed on the 28/11/2005 with the long promised sand buggy due to arrive.

I am led to believe that the other issues with the provisioning shed have being addressed to the branches satisfaction only the time frame to implement them is still causing some concern.

That unfortunately is the end of the good news as this branch has the same problem every other depot has in the state only magnified by the fact that only limited numbers know the road to Toowoomba & that is being kept on diagram workings.

Hopefully TCA 2 can address this issue although I would caution against anyone getting too excited as this issue has being around for years and I suspect will be for a long time yet simply because QR can not & will not staff depots with the correct number of drivers.

This branch has recently lost 7F30 and while it is good to be able to take the moral high ground & watch QR run around trying to find crews for what used to be 7F30's work it is not going to bring it back.

At a recent meeting with QR I sought and received the same assurances that I received before the loss of 7F30 that consultation with all three depots would occur before any further rationalisation of inter yard shunts occurs QR can be assured that we will not be hood winked again.

There is a possibility that the inter-rail shunt may become a regular job again with the possible cessation of this service to Fisherman Islands in the New Year putting more shunting into Acacia Ridge.

FISHERMAN ISLANDS
The island has being reasonably quiet of late although a couple of recent issues have kept the branch occupied.

The ongoing saga of running Fisherman Islands from Acacia Ridge is slowly moving from trial to full implementation & whilst QR can believe they are reasonably satisfied that everything is running smoothly that can be once again attributed to the on ground personnel, IE, Rail Operators, Drivers from all depots going over & beyond the agreed document to keep trains moving.

Hard to see why QR National can't reward the dedication & professionalism of their staff with the appropriate remuneration must be more of those continual improvement changes & not fundamental enough.

The biggest outstanding issue as I see it, and QR is well aware of it, is the inability of certain Network Access Co Coordinators at Fisherman Islands to completely let go of the old structure & while this is not a major problem in the short term, it can lead to a bigger problem in the months to come simply because the QR National staff on their shift have not being able to practice the skills of problem solving needed when these Co Coordinators are no longer there.

It has been really highlighted since PNQ started running the North Coast how far behind the times QR is, regarding end of train signals.

PNQ have being running with a very highly visible and appears very reliable end of train marker for nearly nine months while QR National have all but given up on making ours work and are seeking to just use reflectors.

It was noted that a crew was rostered to load ballast at night.

The branch secretary Col Jenkins and myself then bought into the issue in different ways with different QR managers & eventually a successful outcome to allow the job to be worked was achieved.

The issue that comes out of this is, if QR took the time to ask us if we had a problem & received a reply why did they ignore our issues until it was almost too late.

Surely QR was not trying to instigate an industrial dispute?

IPSWICH
Unfortunately I have not being in direct contact with the branch secretary at Ipswich for a little while so this report may be a little dated.

Ipswich have for quite a period of time had an issue with the long lay offs & amount of tucker box workings that the depot endures.

This lead ultimately to seven days notice of industrial action which eventually led to QR organizing a meeting between reps from the three Brisbane depots and Toowoomba to brain storm some new ways to work trains on this corridor.

From the reports I have heard from this meeting it was carried out in a very professional manner with some positive ideas to be trailed.

I am lead to believe that trails are occurring this week & if successful the branches should be sitting down with the roster in the not too distant future to draw up some new & well over due diagrams.

REDBANK WORKSHOPS
The members of this small depot have recently being involved in discussion regarding the shunting of Redbank yard without full time shunters on duty.

Whilst there are quiet a few bridges to cross yet regarding procedures, industrial issues etc. this branch has the potential to pick up a fair amount of new work which can only make the depot a lot more secure than it currently is.

It may be even possible to get this depot back up to its nominal strength of 4 drivers.

It is with much sadness that I have to report that one our member's wife recently passed away our thoughts and sympathies are with you Dave at this very trying time.

CONCLUSION
In closing I would like to thank all the branch officials and members for their support of the last year and wish every member all the best for the coming Christmas New Year period.

Remember that it is your commitment & resolve that gets results.

Union's united can never be defeated!

Welcome to all to the final Council 2005.

It has been an interesting year for the Toowoomba Depot with issues including Rostering, Equalization of time, BLP working and weekend working. The main issue for the Toowoomba Depot has been the pursuit of an aggregate increase. Although it is not over by any means, it will hopefully run it's course and something may be achieved for the Depot.

The RTBU secretary and myself have been working together on this aggregate increase as it could not be done alone, and during one of the combined meetings on this issue, the members showed dissatisfaction with the state body and instructed us to inform them of their feelings. This was done and after consultation with the state body I no longer consider this to be an issue. Toowoomba Depot does not at present, have a suitable change point, except in the marshalling yard itself, which does limit the options available to QR for running trains through Toowoomba. Any alternative that has been put up has been met with opposition from some party that has an interest in running trains; this does not help us in getting suitable, safe places to change crews. I hope it is sorted out soon.

Every one is probably sickened by some of the changes little Johnny wants to bring in, but these changes are sure to be passed through the senate, unless Senator Joyce gets a spine and stands up for the workers of this country. With over 700 reported pages to this legislation, I cannot see how the senate can hope to process and understand that amount of information in the time given and make an informed decision, but we can hope for a miracle. The EA7 may give us some breathing room for a while, but we better not be complacent.

The depots of Goondiwindi, Roma and Charleville have very little in the way of change to their routine. Roma and Charleville were visited by me on the EA7 promotion, but traincrew numbers in attendance were down, mainly due to rostering commitments.

I would like to wish all staff and members and their families a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a prosperous NEW YEAR.

Kevin Voll