Mandatory Train on / off function in Drivers App – NO CONSULTATION WIN

 As a result of Pacific National issuing an Employee Update titled “Gunnedah/Bowen Driver App Change”: IT Communication: Driver App is now ready to be deployed to all Coal Train Crew”, a Notice of Dispute was issued locally. 

As a result of the Notice of Dispute, Pacific National Coal NSW has now responded outlining the following: 

• The communication sent out last week to Coal NSW & QLD drivers made reference to it being mandatory to use the loco on/off function. 
• The Business agreed that the issue of the “loco on/off” function had not been explicitly discussed previously. This, coupled with the roll out of iPhones across Freight, has lead to a decision to take a “PN wide approach” to which components of the Driver App are mandatory and which are optional. 
• While PN wished to “strongly encourage” drivers to use the loco on/off function, they have confirmed that use of this function remains optional until a PN wide decision is made. 

Whilst Pacific National has now committed to appropriate consultation the Locomotive Division will continue to ensure that all affected members and their representatives are consulted in the appropriate manner before any introduction of any technology or update of functions. 

It also shows how effective a Notice of Dispute can be when issued locally, which should be taken on board by all members who are entitled to issue a notice of dispute should they believe proper consultation has not occurred locally. 

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