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 Thursday and Friday 11 and 12 November 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 the passing of Driver Walter Timms of Alpha depot.

Hours of Sitting

Welcome Councillors to the final Divisional Council Meeting for 1999 and the 20th Century. The A.F.U.L.E. being the oldest railway Union in the world (established in 1861) will soon be representing it's members into the 21st century.

The reason that the A.F.U.L.E. has been so successful in the industrial market place, dates back to the very reason why the Union was originally formed. In 1861 a small number of Enginemen banded together to form a Craft Union that would be able to negotiate on behalf of all Enginemen. They had the foresight to realise that a specialist Union was needed, because the working conditions of Enginemen were unique to other railway employees.

This is also why the A.F.U.L.E. has been able to fly in the face of the nineties trend of the Super Unions. Whilst other rail unions such as the Rail, Tram and Bus Union have formed amalgamations and is looking at broadening it's base further by amalgamating with the Transport Workers' Union, the A.F.U.L.E. in Queensland has remained a boutique Union.

In addition to the normal challenges that face the Union, the year 2000 will see the State Office move to a new location. The present office owned and occupied by the Union is being resumed for construction of a highway by the Brisbane City Council. This will necessitate relocating the State Office in early to mid 2000. Although the place of business and the officials who represent the train crew change over the years, the ideals of the members will carry this Union for another hundred years.

Casual Vacancy

The Number 2 District Councillor Mr Dennis Paidley has submitted his resignation from the position. His personal and work commitments have dictated that he can no longer devote enough time that the position demands.

Dennis was no exception to the high quality of Councillors that have represented the No.2 district. I would like to personally thank Dennis for the unpaid time that he was only too willing to put in to helping members in his district, no matter which depot they came from.

As per rule 27 of the registered rules of the Union, the Industrial Registrar will be notified of the casual vacancy so that an ordinary election can be conducted. I would encourage any interested members in the number two district to nominate for the position when nominations are called.

Vale Walter Timms

Recently I attended a presentation by QR on Progress Through People. One of the presenters put the question to the Attendees, what did they believe "QR Culture" consisted of? The answers varied from the distinctive QR jargon to the generations of families who have worked in QR. In the end, it was difficult to define any one aspect as being "QR Culture".

On Tuesday 2 November 1999, whilst the nation was celebrating the running of the Melbourne Cup, A.F.U.L.E. Branch Secretary of Alpha Mr Walter Timms passed away in Brisbane after a battle with Cancer. He was in Brisbane whilst receiving medical treatment for his illness.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to have met Wally knows that he was a straight shooter and a damn good Enginemen. Before Wally passed away, he had two last requests. Firstly, he wanted to be buried in his railway uniform and secondly on his passing he wanted to be taken back home to Alpha on board the "Spirit Of The Outback".

With the assistance of QR, both requests were able to be met and on Friday 5 November 1999, Wally went home spare on the mail to be laid to rest. Whilst individual QR employees may retire or move on, it appears the "QR Culture" is alive and well.

Welcome Councillors to what the popular press would call the last Divisional Council Meeting of the millennium.

Driver Only Operation in Dark Territory

Without a doubt this has been the most talked about and disturbing workplace change this division and ultimately the majority of the State have had to deal with for quite a while. Even though it was an agreed workplace change through the Train Crew Agreement, it was not helped by QR's pressure tactics.

I would like to use this forum to thank Greg Hooper for his leadership of the A.F.U.L.E. negotiating team the input from the various branch's through their Driver Only Operation Representatives and ultimately the State Office in being able to convince QR despite their resistance of the need for at the very least a train authority limit warning system.

Whilst the battle is not yet over as there are many other issues still to be finalised to the satisfaction of the A.F.U.L.E., I along with Greg believe we as a Union have won a significant gains from QR in regard to a warning system leading to a train stop system.

Train Crew Agreement II - Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4

Due to the breakdown of the Train Crew Agreement II discussions by the inability of QR to compromise this Union through this Divisional Council Meeting will have to formulate a way to resolve the various long running issues regarding pay rates for various depots and tutor drivers etc through another forum as these issues have been simmering away for far too long now to be put off any longer.

In regard to the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 4 increase, I believe I have a proposal that I will raise in general business that could have more value to the A.F.U.L.E. members if endorsed by this Council than percentage increases. Having said this I believe a 12% pay rise over two (2) years would have to be our base position, as inflation and the GST would make anything less a waste of time.

Cairns

This branch has asked for at least another 4 drivers to be taught the road to ease the workload on the current drivers. The Cairns depot as most other depots across the State have a high level of annual leave owing to crews and QR planned to use the current slight oversupply of drivers in this depot to cut out some of this leave, however at the same time they want to work flood rock trains using Townsville based crews between Townsville and Cairns.

As Townsville will itself be busy with the mainline upgrade work, trains Townsville south both depots believe it would be fairer for Cairns to work these flood rock trains and suspend the annual leave cut out program QR proposed. Through the representation of Greg Hooper QR have now agreed to this proposal.

Townsville

Townsville branch have some major problems with the current motel provided in Cairns for quarters. Some of the problems highlighted are;

1. Rooms not being remade after crews are vacating and new crews are arriving to unmade rooms
2. The switchboard routing wake up calls to the wrong rooms and waking the wrong crews
3. A general deterioration of the overall quality of the rooms and service provided by the motel

Greg believes that the new owners of this establishment have become complacent due to the fact that they have a long term contract through to December 2000 with QR.

This branch does not believe this fact should be to the determent of train crew and would ask that the State Office correspond with QR to set up meetings with the Townsville depot Representatives to work through these issues as a matter of urgency.

The Townsville depot also rejects the concept of only select depots on a corridor be allowed to work passenger services. Some Townsville drivers applied for the recently advertised expressions of interest to up skill themselves with training for the GPSE train, but were rejected because of QR's previously stated position of only certain depots working passenger trains.

Pring

This depot is extremely worried about the stress and fatigue levels of drivers caused by the shortage of drivers. They are running a Two Driver depot with a Driver Only Operation strength work force.

This depot as some will know, operates a Driver Only Operation shunt service at Merinda when this was first trailed and signed off there was no container terminal at Merinda. Since then a container terminal was built with no further trial to see if Driver Only Operation was still appropriate to this location.

This depot has now heard that a further extension is planned to this terminal and are requesting QR through this Union to re-evaluate if Driver Only Operation is still the safest way to shunt this terminal.

Charters Towers

This branch has at this time no issues to bring to the Divisional Council Meeting, other than the Driver Only Operation in dark territory. Unresolved issues that are common to all depots on the Townsville to Mount Isa corridor which briefly consist of;

1. Radio communication
2. Track side access
3. Emergency response plans to be trialed for success or otherwise
4. Fatigue rostering - diagrams and driver boredom etc

Hughenden

This branch would like the State Office to clarify where the issue of relief for Two Driver Operation services is between Hughenden and Cloncurry as the State Steering Committee had previously ruled that Driver Only Operation drivers could relieve Two Driver Operation so long as shift lengths were not exceeded.

This branch believes that with the failure of the Train Crew Agreement II negotiations which may have made Driver Only Operation a possibility between Hughenden and Cloncurry that the status quo as per the Train Crew Agreement I be applied i.e.; only on the line sections specified at 8.2(3).

Mount Isa

This depot has so far been unsuccessful in convincing QR of the benefits of a Two Driver Operation 11 hour as required shift to;

1. Prepare outgoing Locomotives
2. More importantly relieve Two Driver Operation trains which are exceeding the 11 hour shift length

This issue will become more important when the new fuelling facility and Driver Only Operation mainline commences but is already justified by the number of new acid trains to Phosphate Hill and return that have exceeded shift lengths through the current inability of the Driver Only Operation yard shunt to relieve Two Driver Operation mainline trains. This issue will not be improved by Driver Only Operation mainline as the shunting work will still have to be done by the yard shunt.

Cloncurry

This branch is requesting a ruling on the ability of train crew to claim a second meal on either an 11 hour Two Driver Operation shift or 11 hour plus 5 hour continuous spare return type working. Some management are advising that train crew claiming a second meal are falsifying time sheets, whilst I believe that to expect train crew to work either 11 or 16 hours with only 1 paid meal break is unjust.

At a meeting held in Cloncurry yesterday with Greg Hooper regarding relief pool drivers being put into Hughenden, Cloncurry and Mount Isa, it was resolved to withdraw from the use of pool relief drivers if it appears that QR are using pool relief to staff these depots rather than recurring and filling full time positions.

I would like to thank Greg Smith for all the work and assistance he has provided in getting QR to finally do something about the standard of accommodation QR provides in the remote areas of this State and I along with everyone in the remote areas of this State welcome the forthcoming visit from Greg and QR to discuss the new standards.

Conclusion

I would like to close by wishing Greg, Paul, Joy, Charmaine and all A.F.U.L.E. members and their families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Mr President, Mr Secretary and fellow Councillors welcome to our last Divisional Council Meeting for 1999.

It is sad to see Mr Dennis Paidley resigned from his position in the Union it will take a good man to fill his shoes. I wish him all the best in his future.

Mackay

This depot is running smoothly with many problems being fixed at a local level under the guidance of Harry Pugh and Ted Lloyd and advice from Dennis Paidley.

Rockhampton

This depot is the same with Dave Mitchell the Branch Secretary looking after things locally.

Coppabella

Mr Paul Andrews and Jason Green have a concern about not enough houses in Coppabella, Drivers positions were called and filled and these people are expected to live in Moranbah. They should be paid a travel allowance or more houses should be built to accommodate these drivers.

They would also like myself or one of the State Officials and a Building Inspector to do a tour of Coppabella, Moranbah and Dysart to inspect the condition of some of the housing.

3300 and 3400 Class Locomotives - There is a major dust problem in the cabs of these locomotives, they should only be used in the middle of the train not as a command locomotive.

There is a lack of maintenance on all locomotives, the trade staff from Jilalan and Emerald are being called out all the time to fix failed Locomotives.

Jilalan

1. 3300 and 3400 Class Locomotives
   There is a big concern on the effect of the health of drivers, from the coal and sand dust in the cab of the 3300 and 3400 Locomotives. Resulting in banning of these Locomotives being a command Locomotive until the problem can be fixed.

   QR's response is that there will be tests done on 16 November 1999, involving myself and a private company called Sitmar, who will be testing the dust particles. Then a full report will be given to our Union and the Cab Committee.

2. Triple Header Coal Trains
   There has been problems with the braking of these trains. The air gauges on the Locomotives are not accurate, they are showing the train is pumped up, in fact when tests were done on the rear, it was not pumped up. Also when brakes were applied not all the brakes were coming on.

   Members have requested a full brake test done before the train leaves the depot.

3. End of train communication device
   A Tutor Driver in Jilalan Kerrin Loweth has designed an end of train device. He showed Casey Douce and Casey asked me to present the system to Council and leave for Paul and Greg's perusal.
4. Members have requested that good quality sunglasses
   e.g.; Polaroid's be supplied to drivers, at least one pair per year.

That is all I have to report and on closing I would like to wish all Councillors and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We meet for our last Divisional Council Meeting of the year. At this stage we should be discussing the finer points of the new Train Crew Agreement. Unfortunately these negotiations are at a stalemate, but the go slow approach will hopefully prove to be a better benefit to train crew throughout the State. This will mean no rash or pressured decisions made on both sides.

For those of you who are not aware, a company by the name of Arco has called for tenders to move coal from their mines. I am led to believe that it may only be for contracts with the Stanwell and Gladstone Power-houses. A figure which is being quoted was in the vicinity of ten million tonnes. There has been some third party interest with FreightCorp being the most talked about, it is my opinion that QR will not lose these contracts, but in the event that they do, there must be questions asked of our management to hold off one of the first serious moves by the third party contractor into our coal industry.

Wally Timms

The passing of Wally Timms was a very sad occasion, not only for the people of Alpha but for all that knew and respected him. Wally was a gentleman and a very fine unionist. His efforts for the Union movement was inspirational to us all.

His last two requests were honoured, one being his last train ride in a coffin and secondly to be buried in his railway uniform. He used his railway pass one last time. Wally will be sadly missed and the people who had the benefit of working with and knowing him will have the same opinion that a truly fine man has passed on.

Gladstone

A new diagram has been introduced to Gladstone and so far seems to be working reasonably well. No deferments, actual sign on time that can't be changed and breaks in between blocks of available days, guaranteeing a night in bed. This adds up to a well constructed diagram that is of a great benefit to the lifestyle of the Gladstone train crew.

There is a growing trend when calling drivers in the Gladstone depot where these jobs are called as Gladstone Relief Pool. If there is vacant driver jobs in Gladstone they should be called as such, by calling relief jobs this could be a deterrent to classed drivers from applying for these jobs.

Problems with Bremshey seats on electric locomotives not being re-padded with high density foam was a problem for 18 months, but hopefully this problem has been rectified.

Bluff

A new diagram for Bluff with the introduction of permanent mates being looked at, hopefully a solution that will benefit all. Change points between Gladstone and Bluff causing some problem with schedules changes at tonnage grades being difficult as controllers are not aware of these. A letter from the local Secretary outlining problem areas is being sent to QR for their attention.

Housing in Bluff is being addressed by the Housing Committee.

Emerald

An operation review was carried out in Emerald with the DIC job in the area being abolished and concerns from Emerald crew as to who will tend to the need of the running crews, they feel it should come from some in their grade.

Concerns over self driving in night time hours with the problem of wild life on roads.

Feedback requested on stowing, starting and testing of grain trains at Nogoa. The fuelling of these trains is to be performed by train crew.

The Yuraka camp wagon is back in service and on trial for 2 months.

Alpha

The Alpha depot is pursuing a 4 day long weekend as their current 3 day is not long enough considering the town has no Doctor, Dentist or major shopping facility.

The Alpha crew are happy to keep the old camp wagons used on the Yuraka line with the inclusion of a microwave oven. To quote the Alpha crew let Emerald have the Marter home, we'll stick with the fibro version.

Longreach

After long consultation with management, to date nothing has been done about the problem of the Winton Quarters. A list of the problems has been forwarded some months ago, with the assurance these problems will be fixed but still nothing. I feel the delay is unwarranted and the matter should be resolved without further delay. These quarters are not a standard that the Longreach crew can continue to use.

The case of Noel Hart attending a Health and Safety Course so the running crew have a representative also has been side tracked. These issues are not unreasonable and should be dealt with without further delay.

I would like to take this opportunity to farewell Dennis Paidley from State Council. During his term as the No.2 District Councillor, Dennis was actively involved in all issues and negotiations that crossed this table and I wish him all the best for the future.

As we enter the new millennium we are still battling crucial issues very much on the minds of train crew throughout the State. Negotiations on the Train Crew Agreement have gone cold. QR's proposal of working Driver Only Operation without a Train Stop System for up to 11 hours on duty was highlighted by the recent train smash in England.

It was stated that after a fatal smash two years earlier, there was an inquiry which recommended that a system be installed to stop a train if it ran a red light. The cost approximately $2.5 million, the project was not proceeded with on account of the cost the end result is now there for all to see.

The company involved in the smash has had safety standards taken out of it's hands due to a conflict of interest between safety and profits.

The same could be said for QR, as they attempt to introduce Driver Only Operation in Dark Territory and work extended hours on duty on Driver Only Operation. Is QR prepared to accept a certain number of accidents if they introduce these proposals?

The shock waves from the train smash in England have been felt world-wide. So a Train Stop System should be installed on all Driver Only Operated trains or Locomotives and this system must be extended into the Brisbane suburban area.

QR should be working to lower the possibility of accidents or fatalities, not trying to introduce practices which will probably increase such events.

Maryborough

The depot is pleased to see that the 3900 Class Locomotives are to be refurbished. Feedback from all depots to be sent to the State Office.

The quarters at Acacia Ridge are in the process of being brought up to a suitable standard. A meeting on 1 November 1999 with QR Representatives and local Union officials resulted in most issues being attended to.

The air conditioning is posing some problems, as the system is old and the contractors are having difficulties with the in room air conditioners. Hopefully these faults can be fixed.

Gayndah

Working is constant at this time with the possibility of an increase of tonnage off the branch in the future.

The 1720 Class Retrofits is well overdue. Gayndah crews work these Locomotives on a regular basis. I have asked Ted Neuman to gather feedback from the depot and forward it to the State Secretary.

The Government's new Regional Forest Agreement will have an effect on the freight coming off this line, but we won't know the full impact for some time yet.

Bundaberg

This depot is flat out at this time, due to a shortage of drivers. Like other Wide Bay depots, they are fed up with being doubled up and being asked to work their SLP's or BLP's. When is QR going to recognise this problem and do something about it?

The only positive result at present is the Tilt Train working extended shifts, which has brought the depot shift lengths up to a more acceptable average.

The depot would also like to know what QR is doing about providing quarters for the Bundaberg crews once they close Mayne.

Bottled water or no bottled water. When are we going to know what crews are entitled to? Bundaberg drivers can not obtain bottled water from BNF and the Bundaberg Station Master refuses to keep any at all.

Then we hear that since they have no labourers in the Rockhampton shed, the water tanks on the Locomotives are not being flushed out. It is about time that all Locomotives were supplied with bottled water in all depots.

Gympie

The local branch reports that the depot is working their usual program of passenger services and freight up the Murgon line. Perhaps their could be an increase of services in the depot if they came under the Citytrain umbrella, but that proposal has been slow in being accepted by QR.

Finally I would like to wish everybody in my district a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Train Crew Agreement Negotiations

The negotiations seem to be lost in the quagmire, nothing is happening. It appears more likely that the present Train Crew Agreement will be rolled over again for some months, while that scenario doesn't bother me, I am just disappointed with the negative package that QR management placed on the table.

Citytrain issues have progressed to a point where we are looking at rosters with part time train crew involved. The following is a list that the A.F.U.L.E. has requested from the new rosters for full time train crew. The list has been provided to the Management of Citytrain;

• Shift lengths 8.30 - 9.00
• Meal breaks to include walking time
• Maximum 36 shifts per cycle
• Minimise weekend work preferably work only (1) weekend in (3) weeks
• Meal times to be taken between the 4th and 6th hour
• Break up of long runs
• AFD's time frames placed on them (for the purpose of sign on)
• Minimise out depots working into BLP
• More frequent travel over all roads (e.g.; some out depots have no jobs on the dual gauge)
• No 00:01 hours sign on after BLP

This scenario of part time train crew bothers me; I believe the introduction of part time train crew is a backward step in our job. It would be far better for Citytrain to implement more services, therefore utilising train crew more productively and reaching management's target of 72% foot plate time.

I have expressed this view with our State Representatives who have encouraged my views at both QR management and political party meetings.

Shorncliffe and Petrie depot closures

Another part of the Train Crew Agreement 2000 negotiations was the closure of Petrie and Shorncliffe depots. I would like to say that due to combined work of the train crew members at both depots, A.F.U.L.E. representatives and Mr Gordon Nutall, MLA for the seat of Shorncliffe, QR management have revisited their decision to close these depots. Congratulations to all involved.

Nambour and Beenleigh Amenities

The fight continues to upgrade the amenities in these depots, I believe we should be looking at introducing a standard for amenities. These depots started out as small outposts of Mayne, however over the years a steady increase of train crew have not seen any money spent on train crew amenities. It is time this organisation developed a standard to assist these train crew in their appeal for a better class of amenities.

Ipswich

The Ipswich depot is pushing for a new stabling area to be located in the south yard. I have written a letter to the General Manager Citytrain asking that he investigate the suggestion, to date I have not received a reply. Also the Branch Chairperson Mr Gerry Lowien has spoken to his local MLA regarding the same issue. This is another effort to maintain the number of Citytrain train crew at Ipswich, as there is a push on to reduce the number in the depot.

QR Workers' Compensation

• Wrong payments for work performed
• Incorrect information from Workers' Compensation Representatives
• Lack of information regarding entitlements from Workers' Compensation Representatives

Length of Service

Length of service in train crew grades is presenting itself as an issue and members are becoming concerned about the seniority and exactly where they stand now that seniority numbers are not utilised.

In relation to a current driver applying for another driving position, the position goes to the applicant with the longest continuous in the relevant grade, this leaves a lot to be desired, especially as there could be up to ten (10) drivers appointed at the same time, so the question remains; which one is senior?

VER's

I was listening to the radio the other day and according to the DJ, a new word describing companies using the VER's scheme to downsize is dumb size. I hope this name is in relation to the managers who implement the scheme and not the employees left when the scheme finalises.

Thanks

In closing, as this is the last Divisional Council Meeting for the year, I would like to thank Greg and Paul, Citytrain Branch Officials and of course all the members for their help throughout the year. I believe I have received unprecedented support during my first year as the No. 5 Divisional Councillor and I would like thank each member sincerely.

Introduction

Here we are at the last Council for 1999. The year has gone so fast the year 2000 is just around the corner. What will be in store for us next year?

With the relocating of train crew from the Brisbane North Freight (BNF) depot and the closure of Mayne Diesel Shed, everything at last is coming together. Just about all the drivers have got the depots they preferred and everybody is settling in okay.

The only one's don't have a future are the Train Crew Resource Co-ordinators (TRC's) at BNF, because the work will be relocated to other depots as far as moving Locomotives and instructing train crew. QR management don't want jobs copied, but with all the extra work being introduced at these depots, particularly Acacia Ridge, QR management can't see a need to have TRC's work in with other Co-ordinators to get the job done. This also cuts off the chance to have train crew promoted to higher grade positions.

The position that is offered to a Tutor Driver at Acacia Ridge is not a TRC position and is to open for QR to abuse. A QR manager once said that "train crew have their heads in the sand"; I think this manager has his head in the sand when it comes to TRC's. The A.F.U.L.E. will have to fight all the way if we are going to hold onto this position and take this fight as far as necessary.

Serviceability Standard of Locomotives

Drivers are going to have to do some checks on Locomotives while en route or at the end of their shifts, because Locomotives will not be going into servicing depots for some time. (15 weeks service interval).

So to keep up Locomotives up to standard, these checks will have to be done all the time and reported so they can be repaired. If a Locomotive does not meet the serviceability standard, it does not go into traffic. There are no Log Books on Locomotives any more, all repairs are to be reported to the RDC.

Acacia Ridge

Rumour is that DIC Luke Bond is going to be relocated to Acacia Ridge on 15 November 1999, that should fix the stores problem.

When the Albion to Northgate section is opened, there will be problems with road tuition, not only at Acacia Ridge, but for all Brisbane depots.

The fuelling point at Acacia Ridge has still not commenced yet, but I'm told work will begin any day now.

Ipswich

The Coal depot is running flat out at the moment with plenty of work for everyone. Three drivers have been transferred from BNF, with just one to go.

There were to be tests done on a coal train from Ipswich fitted with the electric pneumatic braking system. QR has now advised that this will not occur until some time in the future.

BNF

This depot has been reduced from 66 train crew to about 25. The train crew have been transferred to Acacia Ridge, Fisherman Islands and Ipswich. Train crew that are left are waiting to go to Citytrain or other depots outside of Brisbane. They will slowly leave as the work disappears from BNF. By around the middle of 2000 next year, there will be no BNF depot.

Fisherman Islands

I know Ken and Col are trying to have a Union meeting, it's just a matter of getting the right time and place to have it. So keep trying fellas it may snow shortly.

Footnote

In closing I would like to send all my best to Dennis Paidley, he has done a great job over the years as the No.2 District Representative for the A.F.U.L.E. and he will be sadly missed.

Recently QR lost a lot of experience when Percy Hanlon retired, Percy was a member of the A.F.U.L.E. for 46 years. I hope Percy and his family have a long and happy retirement.

I would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The first south west district consultative meeting was held some five (5) weeks ago, with train crew representatives from all depots attending. I haven't received any minutes yet, so I will report on the notes that I have taken.

The General Manager Operations Mr Greg Coughlan attended the meeting with other management. He opened the meeting and went on to say that he hoped these meeting would be held every two (2) months and would also involve operations staff.

He then explained the business buy in concept and discussed Train Crew Agreement items such as remote control shunting and the Q Link integration. Mainline fuelling at Roma and Toowoomba was also discussed. We were told that a truck had been purchased for Toowoomba and that it would most likely begin in February.

The Branch Chairperson from Toowoomba attended a meeting regarding the mainline fuelling of Locomotives and forming a Committee for the implementation, but his nomination was rejected and there are no train crew representatives on the Committee. Mention was made of extending two crossing loops and removing up to four crossing loops.

Investigations by QR are being undertaken to examine the viability of Train crew quarters to be built in Toowoomba. They are also investigating the purchase of a mobile simulator.

Driver Only Operation in Dark Territory was mentioned and the possibility of QR using other people to assist trains with the loading and unloading operations. Graincorp facility at Goondiwindi is nearing completion and there is the possibility that they will be loading their own trains and back loading of fertiliser.

Livestock loading from Quilpie was expected to be heavy, but it hasn't eventuated and the already low grain forecasts will need to be reassessed due to recent heavy rains. QR wish to implement a Driver Only Operation shunt in Quilpie for the loading of stock trains with the station officer trains as a DA. If they can not get this, they threatened using a relief pool to work these trains.

Dual cabs for Charleville also reappeared and this was disappointing as it was thought that this issue had been resolved by the state officials. The vehicle suggested offered little in the way on passenger comfort and was rough to drive and ride in. We hope that this matter is now resolved even though one manager was overheard commenting as to the intelligence of the people looking at the vehicles.

DTC is going to be extended from Goondiwindi to Dirranbandi from March 2000 and the rest of the southern lines, it is expected that it will start extending to the west for May 2000.

Goondiwindi representatives were seeking a telephone installed in the Dirranbandi quarters and the rain water tank cleaned out and a quality water filter required. Management stated that there was no need for a car to be permanently allocated to Goondiwindi.

QR are investigating toilet facilities between Toobeah and Thallon. Train crew in this depot are also seeking the entitlement of safety footwear which has been rejected. The Roma depot has been asked to consider laying off in Miles, Chinchilla and Dalby and if accepted, to look at the motel accommodation at these locations.

The Toowoomba branch asked about the Westlander sitting over a bridge at Chinchilla and the procedure issued. They wrote to the State Office about removing part of the instruction due to possible legal ramifications and nothing was done with the instruction being reissued. A process of shunting Roma whilst unattended was accepted as it was per the Train Crew Agreement, however the issue of partly attended and assisting with shunting was to be further discussed as the Toowoomba branch had not be informed of any trial.

The Toowoomba branch thought that this issue had been on us to 'bail up" to keep their members in work and start to protect their members employment. The motel problems in Roma have hopefully been resolved with QR booking us into the agreed alternative if the motel is booked out.

Regarding the Enterprise Agreement, branch's would like to know what items we put to the combined unions for consideration. Was the corporate health cover issue or improvements to family leave entitlements mentioned to name a couple.

All mentioned that it seemed a bit rushed. The branch's also expressed a concern about the Train Crew Agreement items rejected, there is a perception that there may be room for negotiations on some of the items, especially if rejection leads to a loss of QR employment due to out sourcing.

Branch's wish to know the item that we have put forward for consideration. Every Divisional Council Meeting I have attended, items have been put forward for the next Train Crew Agreement. What has happened to them? All branch's see these items i.e.; increasing the cancelled tucker box allowance to 16 hours and changes to the self drive as suggested by the Toowoomba branch.

As to the Train Crew Agreement I am somewhat bemused and confused. I am on the working party and I don't know what to tell people about how it is going, it has been suggested that there are some payroll issues such as brought ahead time that could be discussed and ideas such as payments of BLP as tossed around by the working party.

It is good to see that the 1720 Class Locomotive is to gain a retrofit. Hopefully all branch's will give the Cab Committee some ideas. The serviceability standard implemented is not working, I think that we are heading for a fight with management about Locomotive working through to Toowoomba and if repairs are to be effected.

QR asked Toowoomba to trial a people mover to which the Branch Secretary forwarded a list of vehicles that they wished to investigate, but no reply was received before a Tarago was used on a limited basis for a fortnight, there were differing comments made as to it's suitability and I would hope that further consultation will take place if a vehicle is to be purchased.

The holiday rosters from February 2000 to February 2001 have been completed. Toowoomba branch would like to know if the rumours of quarters being built at Fisherman Islands are true and if so, when are they to be consulted.

They have also expressed a disappointment in the position of DIC and they can see that the way it is heading that the job is more management and the driving part will be removed.

On behalf of the Union I attended a workshop on the Shunting Manual, there is little for train crew to worry about in the manual, however I would like to know if there had been Union input into train crew being reassessed on shunting duties and if so, why we have not received any reports.

Automatic Train Protection is getting another go on with schools to be held and there are many waiting on tuition. One last query is what has happened regarding the DA progression problems raised by the Toowoomba branch.