Secretary’s wrap

Could we be finally be nearing the end of the Asciano sale back and forth? The latest news is that Qube and Brookfield have agreed to divvy-up the assets, meaning the end of the saga could be nigh.

Added to the mix however is news today that the prospective new owners might also consider bidding for Glencore’s NSW rail operations, which Glencore is supposedly trying to get about $1billion at sale for.

Glencore’s decision to sell off its Hunter Valley coal haulage business came this week too, and since the announcement the Loco Division has been busily seeking to meet with the company to determine what any potential sale would mean for members.

In other news, the Sydney Trains reform issue is still ongoing. A tour of depots to discuss the reform issues finished earlier this month, which has hopefully given members the opportunity to get across the latest in the discussions and to have your say on what you want to see happen in the future. As always, if you have any questions or comments about the Sydney Trains reform issue, please don’t hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Loco Division office.

And, as you’ll see in the articles below, Aurizon has been causing members all sorts of concerns with the proposed introduction of in-cab recording systems. Have a read through the initial results from the member survey we conducted on the issue – there’s no doubting that the idea is hugely unpopular with members!

There’s certainly never a dull moment here at the Loco Division…

Stay safe on the tracks.

Bob Hayden
Loco Division Secretary