Secretary’s wrap

Welcome to the first Loco Express of 2015.

We’re not even a month into the year and already 2015 is shaping up to be a busy and testing one for workers.

Just yesterday, the Productivity Commission revealed it is conducting a sweeping review of our industrial relations system. Penalty rates, unfair dismissal, the right to protected industrial action, and even the minimum wage are all going under the microscope.

It very clear that this is the Abbott Government’s latest attempt to revive some of the key measures from WorkChoices.

The ACTU has vowed to fight any attempt to rob us of our hard fought for conditions, and we’ll be joining with other unions to ensure our conditions are not eroded. We’re certainly up to the challenge. We’ve fought hard against attacks to our working conditions before, and we’ll do it again if need be.

We also know that unfortunately we can expect both Sydney Trains and NSW Trains to seek to continue their “reform” process this year, and we will all need to keep a very close eye on any attempts by the companies to erode the conditions in our EA. Unfortunately we know all too well that both Sydney and NSW Trains have a tendency to use “reform” as an excuse to attack existing work practices irrespective of whether they are in an EA or custom and practice.

In other news, the Freightliner enterprise agreement has finally reached in-principle agreement. It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing to this point, but the agreement is now in a form that will be put to members to vote on.

If you have any questions at all about the EA, please don’t hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Loco Division office.

I hope you all got the opportunity to spend some time relaxing with family and friends over the festive season, and that you’re refreshed and ready for a big 2015. I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead to continue improve our transport systems.

Stay safe on the tracks,

Bob Hayden
Secretary, Loco Division