The world's first railway union — and still standing strong
The AFULE is one of the few remaining stand-alone craft unions in Australia, exclusively representing traincrew in Queensland. We date back to 1861 — the first and oldest railway union in the world — and today we represent the majority of traincrew across the state, under the motto "Traincrew Representing Traincrew".
- 1861The first railway union in the world
Twenty locomotive drivers band together in Melbourne to form the Locomotive Engine Drivers Association of Victoria — the forerunner of the AFULE.
- 1891Queensland organises
The Queensland Locomotive Enginemen, Firemen & Cleaners Association forms as enginemen’s associations spread across the colonies.
- 1920One national union
At the Brisbane Conference, NSW delegate Ben Chifley — later Prime Minister — moves the resolution to form the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.
- 1921First federal registration
The AFULE becomes the first union of state-instrumentality employees to register federally after a High Court decision opens the Federal Arbitration Court.
- 1925A landmark award
The Federal Arbitration Court rules in the AFULE’s favour — the first Federal Award binding state instrumentalities.
- 1993Queensland stands alone
Queensland members vote against amalgamation into the Public Transport Union. Queensland becomes the only state where the world’s oldest railway union continues to represent traincrew.
- 1997Enginemen becomes Employees
The name changes to the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees (Queensland), reflecting a changing workforce.
- 2008Dual registration
The Full Bench grants federal registration with coverage restricted to Queensland. The AFULE can now represent traincrew in both state and federal industrial systems.
- 2017ETU Queensland — AFULE Division
The AFULE merges with the Electrical Trades Union of Employees Queensland, continuing as its AFULE Division.
The AFULE has a broad delegate base and decision-making authority devolved to the membership. Every location with traincrew has a sub branch, run by an elected committee. The governing body is the Divisional Council — State President, Vice President, State Secretary and seven Divisional Councillors, all elected from the traincrew ranks.
Sub branch meetings run from many depots. Write to the State Office and we will put you in touch with your local sub branch. traincrew@afule.org.au
Join AFULEDivisions & sub branches
The state is divided into seven divisions. One Councillor (and one proxy) is elected every three years by and from the members in each division.
Cloncurry, Hughenden, Mackay, Mt Isa, Stuart, Townsville PN & Queensland QUBE
Bowen, Bowen BRC, Coppabella, Coppabella PN, Hay Point, Jilalan, Pring, Sarina & Sarina 1Rail
Bluff, Callemondah, Gracemere, Stanwell & Gladstone
Acacia Ridge, Emerald, Longreach, Maryborough, Moolabin, Rockhampton & Rockhampton PN
Beenleigh, Caboolture, Ferny Grove, Gympie, Ipswich, Kippa Ring, Manly, Mayne, Nambour, Petrie, Redbank, Robina, Shorncliffe & Springfield
Queensland WATCO, Toowoomba Aurizon, Willowburn & Rosewood
Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald QR, Brisbane (Mayne Regional), Roma QR, Toowoomba QR & Townsville QR