LocoTV – 6 November 2013

In this edition of LocoTV, hear the latest on the Aurizon Coal EA, the upcoming QUBE negotiations, the concern around hours at Sydney Trains and what the company is looking at targeting in the Rail Entities agreement.

Transcript

Aurizon Coal has sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission after failing to negotiate a new enterprise agreement.

The company made an application to the Fair Work Commission calling for the independent umpire to begin conciliation hearings on the new EA after negotiations with the union negotiating team stalled.

The company has so far refused to budge on key issues for members such as fatigue management, long service leave and shift change provisions.

The Loco Division has made an application for a protected industrial action ballot of members, should it be required.

Stay tuned for further information.

Negotiations for a new QUBE enterprise agreement are coming up very shortly.

Members will soon receive a log of claims for endorsement, which was pulled together based on member surveys and meetings held over the past months.

If you’re a member or delegate interested in playing a greater role in the QUBE negotiations and campaign, Loco Division Freight Organiser Kevin Pryor would love to hear from you.

And with things about to heat up, now is also the time to make sure your contact details are up-to-date with the union.

Members at Sydney Trains have raised concerns about management requesting drivers work above the legal maximum number of hours per shift.

It’s very important that members know what their limits are, and that any pressure to work longer hours is reported to the union immediately.

Worker and passenger safety must be the primary concern at all times, so if you feel like you’re being pushed into unsafe territory make sure you report it.

Information on the legal limits of hours can be found on the Loco express website.

And finally, preliminary discussions on the 2014 Rail Entities enterprise agreement have kicked off.

While very little detail was provided by the Sydney and NSW Trains representatives at the meetings, there was a clear indication that maintenance productivity, train crew productivity and payroll automation are among the key areas they’re looking to address.

We’ll keep you updated as these negotiations progress.