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AURIZON DEPOT TOURS BRING MEMBERS TOGETHER
Aurizon members in bulk and containerised freight met up in a series of meetings during March to discuss their proposed Enterprise Agreement (EA).
The meetings were part of an epic depot tour into Parkes, Cootamundra, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Junee, Glenlee, Sunshine, Newcastle and Taree.
National Vice President Leanne Holmes – along with NSW Freight Divisional President Peter Mundey, and NSW Locomotive Division Organiser Brian Head - travelled 2,887 km by road and a further 1,736 km by air to see members at the nine depots.
Leanne said the purpose of these visits was to hear from directly members about their views on the EA so far and voice any concerns about areas that need some work.
“All meetings were robust and forthright – exactly how we’d hoped,” Leanne said.
“A strong and healthy union encourages and supports truth and honesty from members, and we got it.”
While there were varying issues from each region, members consistently identified five key issues:
» the length of the Agreement (currently 2 years);
» the standard of Aurizon’s amenities and barracks;
» the master roster not reflecting forecasts;
» Aurizon not delivering on promises; and
» too much car driving being rostered in dangerous times on dangerous roads.
Leanne said that another issue raised was the 'Short Term Temporary Transfer' concept.
“This concept was brought to the table in the early days of bargaining by Aurizon as a mechanism to do seasonal grain work out of Gunnedah,” Leanne said.
“At the time the RTBU spoke to affected members about the concept, understood that some Members supported the position, and did the work on a fair and reasonable clause to include in the EA.
“But it turns out that Aurizon now wants more.
“Not only has Aurizon now got more drivers on the books, it’s also added two more depots to the original proposal. This is not acceptable.
“Aurizon is now the biggest operator in Australia and doesn’t need any legs up with a proposal that is essentially relay-by-stealth.”
Leanne thanked all members who took the time to attend the meetings and be part of the conversation.
“Getting to hear directly from the rank-and-file members gives the bargaining team the mandate to go back to Aurizon and seek a better deal in the next EA.”