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58-09
GET YOUR GRUBBY HANDS OFF OUR EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS!!!
CIRCULAR: 58-09 Ref: GET YOUR GRUBBY HANDS OFF OUR EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS!!!
2 October 2009
Dear Traincrew
GET YOUR GRUBBY HANDS OFF OUR EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS!!!
The AFULE is yet again disappointed by QR’s actions to cut Traincrew’s employment conditions. This time, QR is trying to get rid of your Health Failure Scheme that has been part of your conditions of employment since 1979.
As advised in a previous circular, QR unsuccessfully tried to convince the rail unions that the Health Failure Scheme ceased in 2005. Out of threats to lodge the matter in Fair Work Australia, QR backed down on the issue and advised that they intended to commence the consultation process.
To the AFULE’s surprise, we see that QR has once again tried to cease the Health Failure Scheme by emailing a sugar coated News Update to all affected employees which paints the picture that the cessation of the Health Failure Scheme is no big loss. This is not true! The AFULE is also concerned that QR has not bothered to notify the AFULE to consult on this matter in good faith, instead sending out an email to employees only in a vain hope that they can bypass the rail unions.
The emailed News Update sent by QR fails to highlight what Traincrew will be losing if the Health Failure Scheme were to cease and were to revert to the inferior Health Management Administration Standard. Below is what QR hasn’t told you:
Under the Health Failure Scheme, Traincrew who are unfit to perform their duties can be redeployed into a suitable position. For example, a Driver may be redeployed into a Driver Assistant position. Under the Health Management Administration Standard, Traincrew would be placed on a registrar and wait for a permanent position to become vacant.
The AFULE has noticed an alarming amount of members who have been medically certified to perform light duties for non-work related injuries/illnesses are being told to take leave as they cannot accommodate light duties. By ceasing the Health Failure Scheme, QR is eroding your employment security.
Under the Health Management Administration Standard, if no suitable permanent position can be found within a period of up to 3 to 6mths, then the employee will be exited from QR.
Under the Health Failure Scheme, Traincrew are entitled to a separation payment (equal to the payment for VR’s) if they have a condition that causes sudden unconsciousness. The Health Management Administration Standard does not have a separation payment.
It is imperative that I impress upon all members that this issue is serious. The cessation of the Health Failure Scheme means loss of job security for you. I urge all members to talk to each other and discuss the significance of this issue and ensure that your opposition to the proposed cessation of the Health Failure Scheme is heard by QR.
If you have any queries in relation to this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFULE State Office on (07) 3257 1151 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Yours fraternally
GREG SMITH
STATE SECRETARY