LocoTV – 11 June 2014

In this edition of LocoTV, hear about Sydney Trains attempt to roster everyone off on the long weekend, the new equipment monitoring your speed, PN’s redundancy program and the push to make the State Government more accountable for safety on the network.

1. 

Once again Sydney Trains tried to get away with rostering every guard and driver off at a depot over the long weekend – but once again they didn’t get away with it.

In what is becoming a regular ploy by Sydney Trains, all drivers and guards at Campbelltown were rostered off over the June long weekend – going against the provisions of the rostering and working arrangements.

Quick thinking delegates at Campbelltown lodged a dispute as soon as the problem was realised, prompting a rethink by management who changed the rosters before dispute proceedings began.

Congratulations to members at Campbelltown for protecting your entitlements.

2. 

Sydney Trains has started using trackside equipment to monitor train speeds at 16 locations across the network.

The monitoring devices are already in place and are currently used to measure wheel load.

When the devices detect a speeding train, an automatic email is sent to an arm of the RMC unit. That information will now be noted and actioned according to the Speed Compliance Police guidelines.

This new system will impact all NSW and Sydney Trains drivers as well as all freight trains operating between Newcastle, Lithgow, Wollongong and Macarthur.

If you have any questions or concerns about the system, please contact the Loco Division office.

3. 

The RTBU’s strong action has resulted in Pacific National agreeing to slow down its current redundancy program, with a view to avoiding or at least minimising any compulsory redundancies.

The move comes after the union initiated a series of disputes in the Fair Work Commission in relation to the company’s rash redundancy plans.

The union has had grave concerns that the company’s redundancy program has been an attempt to casualise the workforce rather than resulting from a genuine need.

Compulsory redundancies at Intermodal and Coal are currently on hold. We will keep members updated as the situation progresses.

4. 

The Loco Division is stepping up its call on the State Government to address failing security measures on our transport network, following a recent spate of brutal attacks on train drivers and other staff.

The union is calling on the Transport Minister to introduce measures to guarantee the safety of workers and commuters, saying the Government’s slashing of security on the network is a major factor in the increase in violence.

The Coalition government cut security positions on the network when it came into power, replacing transit officers with fewer police officers.

Loco Division Secretary Bob Hayden says it is clear the current situation isn’t working and said the union will continue to pressure the Minister to take immediate action to address the serious concerns.

If you have any information about violence on the network or would like to share your concerns, we would love to hear about it. There’s information on how to share your story on the Loco express website.

5. 

And finally, don’t forget to secure your tickets to the Port Kembla 50 year reunion which is coming up on the 21^st of June. For more information on how to purchase your tickets, go to the Loco Express website.