Secretary’s wrap

Aurizon seems intent on pushing ahead with its plans to introduce in-cab recording systems in order to monitor workers during their shifts.

The Loco Division has serious concerns about the impact this move would not only have on workers’ privacy, but also on safety.

In order to tick a box on worker consultation, Aurizon management recently put up a make-shift, unmanned survey box complete with a short survey for workers to complete. The Loco Division has created our own, more detailed and robust survey in order to properly gauge members’ views on the issue.

Aurizon’s track record on respecting the privacy of workers isn’t exactly good – this is the same company that just recently allowed employees’ personal files to be kept in an unlocked shed.

Stay tuned for more on this issue.

The Sydney Trains reform program is still ongoing, with delegate groups meeting regularly and feeding news back to members.

Interestingly, figures, which show how back-room jobs at Sydney Trains are increasing while at the same time frontline roles have been cut, were released recently.

For an organisation supposedly focused on customer service, there seems to be an increasingly discrepancy between the number of people hidden away in offices compared to those on the frontline.

I trust you’ll enjoy this edition of Loco Express.

Stay safe on the tracks.

Bob Hayden
Secretary, Loco Division