QR possible industrial action Riverfire weekend

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail Limited

Friday, 28 September 2018

SERVICE PROVISION OVER LONG WEEKEND (29 September – 1 October)

Statement from Queensland Rail's Chief Executive Officer, Nick Easy:

"Over the last couple of days we have seen an increase in absenteeism and unavailability of our
traincrew. We have been working with the Rail Tram and Bus Union to address this trend, but have
now reached the point where we are seeking the assistance of the Fair Work Commission.

"This is not an issue with traincrew supply, but relates to potential unprotected industrial action.

"Queensland Rail has worked hard to improve services for our customers over the past two years,
delivering 95 per cent of trains on time last financial year, and we are disappointed unprotected
industrial action is believed to be occurring.

"As a precaution, the Fair Work Commission will hear from Queensland Rail and the RTBU at
3.00pm today.

"At this point in time, our timetable across the long weekend and for the Riverfire event will
continue as planned.

"However, if we continue to see a reduction in available traincrew this may impact our ability to
service the Riverfire timetable.

"In the event this occurs, we will focus our resources in areas they are needed most for Riverfire
evening, including moving customers from South Bank and inner city areas by train following the
event, and utilising replacement bus services for outer areas of our network.

"Queensland Rail is focused on delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers this long
weekend, and as this situation progresses we will continue to keep our customers informed of any
required service changes via our social media channels and the TransLink website over the
weekend.

"We encourage customers to check the TransLink website prior to travelling this weekend, in the
event of any required service changes.

"We are committed to providing a reliable service and supporting important special events, like
Riverfire, and appreciate our customers' understanding."

ENDS

[red dragin]

Good move on the part of QR.

Just saw a similar post on their Facebook (which brought me here to post about).

Get the message out to people now, and also get the public on their side early.

[ozbob]

[BrizCommuter]

Queensland Rail Limited

Friday, 28 September 2018

SERVICE PROVISION OVER LONG WEEKEND (29 September – 1 October)

Statement from Queensland Rail's Chief Executive Officer, Nick Easy:

"Over the last couple of days we have seen an increase in absenteeism and unavailability of our
traincrew. We have been working with the Rail Tram and Bus Union to address this trend, but have
now reached the point where we are seeking the assistance of the Fair Work Commission.

"This is not an issue with traincrew supply, but relates to potential unprotected industrial action.

"Queensland Rail has worked hard to improve services for our customers over the past two years,
delivering 95 per cent of trains on time last financial year, and we are disappointed unprotected
industrial action is believed to be occurring.

"As a precaution, the Fair Work Commission will hear from Queensland Rail and the RTBU at
3.00pm today.

"At this point in time, our timetable across the long weekend and for the Riverfire event will
continue as planned.

"However, if we continue to see a reduction in available traincrew this may impact our ability to
service the Riverfire timetable.

"In the event this occurs, we will focus our resources in areas they are needed most for Riverfire
evening, including moving customers from South Bank and inner city areas by train following the
event, and utilising replacement bus services for outer areas of our network.

"Queensland Rail is focused on delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers this long
weekend, and as this situation progresses we will continue to keep our customers informed of any
required service changes via our social media channels and the TransLink website over the
weekend.

"We encourage customers to check the TransLink website prior to travelling this weekend, in the
event of any required service changes.

"We are committed to providing a reliable service and supporting important special events, like
Riverfire, and appreciate our customers' understanding."

ENDS

What is the industrial action? RTBU holding a second birthday celebration of delaying #RailFail recovery?
https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2018/09/2-years-of-rail-fail-no-end-in-sight.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Extra train services for Riverfire, long weekend at risk due to absentees

EXTRA train services for Riverfire and the long-weekend is at risk of being cancelled due to a spike in traincrew absentees.

Queensland Rail has this afternoon taken the Rail Tram and Bus Union before the Fair Work Commission over what they claim to be unprotected industrial action.

QR's CEO Nick Easy believed the significant increase in the number of absent and unavailable train crews was in retaliation to recent disciplinary action.

"We have information that we've provided to the Fair Work Commission, the necessary evidence that we feel supports the potential for unprotected action by our train crew and it's for that reason that we are seeking their assistance so that we can ensure the provision of services for our customers," he said.

"We understand that this is based on disciplinary matters we have undertaken with train crew that has resulted in dismissals. They are matters we can't comment on because they do involve private information. That is our understanding.

"What we do understand is that we took disciplinary action against a driver and a guard and based on that we see is the reasoning for the action being taken and that is our understanding but perhaps you should ask the RTBU."

Mr Easy said there had been double the number of drivers usually unavailable for their shift over the past couple of days.

"We are seeing a rate that's probably double than the norm," he said.

"That's enough for us to monitor the situation, to be concerned that if we see any further reductions that we might need to look at contingency options.

"Today we have 60 carts that are absent and a number less than that of train drivers. Together that is necessary for us to take it to the Fair Work Commission."

Mr Easy said the matter was being heard before the Fair Work Commission at 3pm today.

[#Metro]

At least there will be fireworks!

[PoliticalFootball]

My understanding is there is no industrial action being taken. QR are completely blowing this out of the water.

Train crew are basically sick of being treated like sh%t from upper management. They've bent over backwards to keep services running the best they can even after the poor decision making they have to endure. The place is still being run on overtime (for drivers and out depots) and people are frankly sick of it.

Unfortunately it has all come to a head at the same time some of their colleagues have been sacked so that's why QR think it's illegal industrial action.

[PoliticalFootball]

Imo it paints a pretty poor view of the organisation that they have to jump to these lengths because people don't want to work on their day off.

[SurfRail]

At the moment it's hard to see how anybody could pretty up QR's image.  The people getting paid to fix the public's perception of QR certainly aren't having any more success than QR is in actually fixing itself.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Riverfire services in jeopardy as train drivers skip work

Riverfire rail services this weekend could be in jeopardy after an increase in the number of train crews not turning up to their shifts during the past few days, according to Queensland Rail.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union said the missed shifts were a result of morale among train crews hitting "rock-bottom" and workers did not want to work on any more of their days off.

The situation has become so serious that QR and the RTBU will both appear before the Fair Work Commission in Brisbane on Friday afternoon.

QR chief executive Nick Easy said the Riverfire timetables would continue as planned, but if the level of staff not being available for their shifts continued, it may force a last-minute rethink.

"Over the last couple of days, we have seen an increase in absenteeism and unavailability of our train crew," he said.

"We have been working with the RTBU to address this trend, but have now reached the point where we are seeking the assistance of the Fair Work Commission.

"This is not an issue with train crew supply, but relates to potential unprotected industrial action.

"At this point in time, our timetable across the long weekend and for the Riverfire event will continue as planned.

"However, if we continue to see a reduction in available train crew this may impact our ability to service the Riverfire timetable.

"In the event this occurs, we will focus our resources in areas they are needed most for Riverfire evening, including moving customers from South Bank and inner-city areas by train following the event, and utilising replacement bus services for outer areas of our network."

RTBU state secretary Owen Doogan said he was not surprised QR was struggling to find enough train crews with morale so low.

"Morale has hit rock-bottom in the workplace," he said.

"With school holidays, Riverfire and the footy on TV, some crews just don't want to work on their days off anymore.

"Don't get me wrong, there are a huge number of workers turning up, but with the amount needed for the extra trains ... the system cannot run without the goodwill of drivers going the extra mile.

"I can't tell you how many times I have asked RTBU members to go and ask crews to go to work."

Mr Easy said passengers should check QR social media channels and the TransLink website for updates over the weekend.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Extra train services for Riverfire, long weekend at risk due to absentees

EXTRA train services for Riverfire and the long-weekend is at risk of being cancelled due to a spike in traincrew absentees.

Queensland Rail has this afternoon taken the Rail Tram and Bus Union before the Fair Work Commission over what they claim to be unprotected industrial action.

QR's CEO Nick Easy believed the significant increase in the number of absent and unavailable train crews was in retaliation to recent disciplinary action.

"We have information that we've provided to the Fair Work Commission, the necessary evidence that we feel supports the potential for unprotected action by our train crew and it's for that reason that we are seeking their assistance so that we can ensure the provision of services for our customers," he said.

"We understand that this is based on disciplinary matters we have undertaken with train crew that has resulted in dismissals. They are matters we can't comment on because they do involve private information. That is our understanding.

"What we do understand is that we took disciplinary action against a driver and a guard and based on that we see is the reasoning for the action being taken and that is our understanding but perhaps you should ask the RTBU."

Mr Easy said there had been double the number of drivers usually unavailable for their shift over the past couple of days.

"We are seeing a rate that's probably double than the norm," he said.

"That's enough for us to monitor the situation, to be concerned that if we see any further reductions that we might need to look at contingency options.

"Today we have 60 carts that are absent and a number less than that of train drivers. Together that is necessary for us to take it to the Fair Work Commission."

But the RTBU state secretary Owen Doogan has fired back, claiming train crew were being poorly managed and asked to work extra shifts for the long weekend.

"We've got to a stage now where my delegates are saying they are being asked to do extra shifts and my delegates are saying they can't do that anymore," he said.

"The only reason this system has been working the past few years is because we have been working really hard with our drivers, and they have been fabulous going the extra mile. They're getting pushed and made to do over time.

"You have got a situation that management have put extra services on in a workplace where morale is at the very bottom. They've put extra services on, it's school holidays, it's Riverfire and people are being asked to work their days off. (QR) have managed the system so badly that they can't run their services.

"The fact they're trying to blame the train crew, gives me the impression they can't run the services. It's a crisis for QR."

Mr Doogan said he wasn't sure what to expect from this afternoon's hearing.

"I don't know what they want," he said. "We'll listen. If there's any orders, we'll follow any orders. We're not even concerned about orders. We just see people in a panic. "

The matter will be heard before Fair Work Commission at 3pm.

[#Metro]

That's quite a claim...

The FWC heard claims an RTBU delegate told members to call in sick for their shifts with less than 30 minutes' notice and 100 drivers and guards had already taken the day off on Friday.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/riverfire-services-in-jeopardy-as-train-drivers-skip-work-20180928-p506oc.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Riverfire train services could be reduced over QR, union feud

QUEENSLAND Rail was last night in a desperate face-off against the train-crew union in a last-ditch bid to provide enough train services for tonight's Riverfire event.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey and QR chief executive Nick Easy yesterday refused to rule out reduced services, which could cause widespread delays on Brisbane's second-busiest night of the year.

It comes after a significant spike in absent and unavailable train workers in the past couple of days, during a bizarre feud between QR and the Rail Tram and Bus Union that's before the Fair Work Commission.

QR has claimed the RTBU is behind an unprotected industrial action in retaliation for the sacking of a driver and a guard last week.

It has resulted in 21 drivers and 18 guards calling in sick for today, and leaves only five employees free to fill in should anyone else call in sick.

The commission last night heard that number could almost double today. Yesterday 40 drivers and 63 guards called in sick — a number Mr Easy said was unprecedented.

"We understand that this is based on disciplinary matters we have undertaken with train crews that has resulted in dismissals," he said.

However, the union has hit back, claiming train crews were being asked to work extra shifts for the long weekend.

"They've put extra services on, it's school holidays, it's Riverfire, and people are being asked to work their days off. (QR) have managed the system so badly, they can't run their services," a union spokesman said.

"The fact they're trying to blame the train crew, gives me the impression they can't run the services. It's a crisis for QR."

Minister Mr Bailey said contingency plans were being put in place but added: "There is a risk to some services and I'm urging all parties to get together to resolve this matter in good faith as quickly as possible."

The parties were still before the commission last night and it was unclear if the matter would be resolved.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Riverfire services in jeopardy as train drivers skip work

Riverfire rail services this weekend could be in jeopardy after an increase in the number of train crews not turning up to their shifts during the past few days, Queensland Rail has warned.

The situation became so serious that QR pulled the Rail, Tram and Bus Union before the Fair Work Commission in Brisbane on Friday afternoon.

The FWC heard claims an RTBU delegate told members to call in sick for their shifts with less than 30 minutes' notice and 100 drivers and guards had already taken the day off on Friday.

Earlier in the day, QR chief executive Nick Easy said the Riverfire timetables would continue as planned, but if the level of staff availability remained low, it could force a last-minute rethink.

"Over the last couple of days, we have seen an increase in absenteeism and unavailability of our train crew," he said.

"We have been working with the RTBU to address this trend, but have now reached the point where we are seeking the assistance of the Fair Work Commission.

"This is not an issue with train crew supply, but relates to potential unprotected industrial action."

He said any potential timetable rethink would focus on the areas critical to Riverfire - moving passengers from South Bank and the inner-city by train - and using buses in other areas.

RTBU state secretary Owen Doogan said he was not surprised QR was struggling to find enough train crews.

"Morale has hit rock-bottom in the workplace," he said.

"With school holidays, Riverfire and the footy on TV, some crews just don't want to work on their days off anymore.

"Don't get me wrong, there are a huge number of workers turning up, but with the amount needed for the extra trains ... the system cannot run without the goodwill of drivers going the extra mile.

"I can't tell you how many times I have asked RTBU members to go and ask crews to go to work."

On Friday afternoon, the FWC heard QR built significant allowances for unplanned leave into its rostering but the number of absentees on Friday and potential numbers for Saturday placed "extreme stress" on the rosters.

As of 1.30pm on Friday, 62 guards and 39 drivers had already taken Friday off as unplanned leave, roughly doubling the average levels of 30 guards and 27 drivers, the FWC heard.

Mr Broad said the only explanation he could see was that industrial action had been organised.

He said QR liked to have a minimum of 30 drivers in reserve on Saturdays to cover the average absentee rate on that day, but based on Friday's absentee figures, double the usual number would be needed in reserve for Saturday.

Under cross-examination, Mr Broad said 19 drivers had already notified QR they would be taking Saturday off as unplanned leave.

The RTBU legal representative argued that as it stood, there was a shortfall of only 12 drivers for the Saturday services.

Mr Broad also conceded that the percentage of QR drivers unavailable for Saturday was on average.

Passengers have been urged to check QR social media channels and the TransLink website for updates over the weekend.

In numbers

    212 - Drivers need for Riverfire
    144 - Normal shifts
    68 - Overtime shifts
    101 - Friday 'sickies'
    19 - Planned Saturday 'sickies' so far

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th September 2018

Riverfire rail ruined?

Good Morning,

On the 730th day since the first wave of service cancellations it seems we might have more this weekend.



Queensland Rail Statement > Service provision over long weekend (29 September – 1 October) https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/Service-provision-over-long-weekend.aspx

Brisbanetimes --> Riverfire services in jeopardy as train drivers skip work

It is very difficult for the travelling public who have suffered years of reduced service to now have to face up to even more possible disruptions this weekend.   And will this now flow onto to future services?

It has been clear for some time now that the present structures for the management and delivery of public transport services in Queensland, particularly SEQ are in tatters.

A dedicated Minister for Public Transport is needed, together with a proper authority, Public Transport Queensland to get on with fixing the trains and the failed network generally.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12649.msg214237#msg214237 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1045644297045987329

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1045588009528123393

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/DebFrecklington/status/1045533263425466369

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SteveMinnikinMP/status/1045606983431118848

[red dragin]

I've always thought they've had about 600ish drivers.

You'd have about 400 working any one day, right? To have a normal expectation of nearly 7% (based on my assumptions) call in sick seems quite high to me? 14% is certainly not reflective of the typical work place.

And if you don't want to work weekends or whilst the football is on, take a Monday to Friday 9 to 5 job (and the associated pay cut) and let those that want to do shift work take your place.

[achiruel]

Higher than normal absenteeism is typical of occupations involving shift work. It does take a toll on health, which is one of the reasons workers are often granted more leave than in regular occupations.

[BrizCommuter]

My workplace is based on shift work and only has around 3-4% sick rate. Somethings fishy!

[verbatim9]

Higher than normal absenteeism is typical of occupations involving shift work. It does take a toll on health, which is one of the reasons workers are often granted more leave than in regular occupations.

My workplace is based on shift work and only has around 3-4% sick rate. Somethings fishy!

I do shift work as well and no way that we have that kind of rate of absenteeism just before a long weekend. It's a rort! I hope the union is brought to justice on this one.

[#Metro]

I'm curious as to why QR, an organisation with regular timetables, has irregular shift work.

Is there some way to regularise the shifts?

[verbatim9]

I'm curious as to why QR, an organisation with regular timetables, has irregular shift work.

Is there some way to regularise the shifts?

^^More employees or Driver Only operation. The latter would be good!

[#Metro]

Maybe someone who knows more than I do can explain... If the trains come at the same time each day, why don't the shifts?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1045827212551827456

[achiruel]

Maybe someone who knows more than I do can explain... If the trains come at the same time each day, why don't the shifts?

Shifts rotate, so that crew don't always have to work late night shifts, weekend shifts, the unsociable hours are distributed more evenly then.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1045878162905804800

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Riverfire train services could be reduced over QR, union feud

BACK-up plan is in place if any of Queensland Rail's scheduled services fail during Riverfire tonight.

More than 500,000 people are expected to flock into Brisbane for the event.

Asked if there was any concern about QR's reliability, Riverfire Commander Superintendent Virginia Nelson said they had a back-up plan ready.

"All trains are running as scheduled," she said.

"We don't expect any changes to services. But there's a contingency plan in place if that does happen."

Police remain tight-lipped about how many officers are on-hand for the event but it's expected to be more than 1000. Specialist units will also be watching.

While thunderstorms are likely to strike, it's not expected to see the event called off or change the game plan for police.

Following revelations there had been a spike in train driver absenteeism that could possibly lead to the cancellation of services for Riverfire, TransLink confirmed on Saturday afternoon that there had been no service cancellations so far.

"We will continue to monitor the network and train crew numbers as the afternoon progresses to keep you updated," TransLink said in an online statement.

They advised commuters to regularly check back in on their website for updates.

Queensland Rail workers have been ordered not to disrupt Brisbane's biggest annual event with industrial action.

The network operator has convinced the Fair Work Commission to order Rail, Tram and Bus Union delegates not to organise or undertake action when hundreds of thousands descend on South Brisbane for the Riverfire celebration on Saturday night.

But the smooth running of trains to and from the Brisbane River fireworks event remains clouded, the Queensland opposition says.

"People will go to Riverfire tonight not knowing whether they can get home tonight safely," deputy LNP leader Tim Mander told reporters on Saturday.

"The public are the people who are disadvantaged by the play by the unions."

The union has not confirmed any industrial action, but Mr Mander said the spike in absenteeism was too "coincidental" to suggest they weren't.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey and QR chief executive Nick Easy yesterday refused to rule out reduced services, which could cause widespread delays on Brisbane's second-busiest night of the year.

It comes after a significant spike in absent and unavailable train workers in the past couple of days, during a bizarre feud between QR and the Rail Tram and Bus Union that's before the Fair Work Commission.

QR has claimed the RTBU is behind an unprotected industrial action in retaliation for the sacking of a driver and a guard last week.

It has resulted in 21 drivers and 18 guards calling in sick for today, and leaves only five employees free to fill in should anyone else call in sick.

The commission last night heard that number could almost double today. Yesterday 40 drivers and 63 guards called in sick — a number Mr Easy said was unprecedented.

"We understand that this is based on disciplinary matters we have undertaken with train crews that has resulted in dismissals," he said.

However, the union has hit back, claiming train crews were being asked to work extra shifts for the long weekend.

"They've put extra services on, it's school holidays, it's Riverfire, and people are being asked to work their days off. (QR) have managed the system so badly, they can't run their services," a union spokesman said.

"The fact they're trying to blame the train crew, gives me the impression they can't run the services. It's a crisis for QR."

Minister Mr Bailey said contingency plans were being put in place but added: "There is a risk to some services and I'm urging all parties to get together to resolve this matter in good faith as quickly as possible."

[ozbob]

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/Update-on-service-provision-for-long-weekend-%2829-September-%E2%80%93-1-October%29-.aspx

Update on service provision for the long weekend (29 September – 1 October)

29/09/2018

​Statement from Queensland Rail's Chief Executive Officer, Nick Easy:

"Queensland Rail welcomes the Fair Work Commission's decision last night to issue an order to the Rail Tram and Bus Union and their delegates to cease organising and to not engage in any unprotected industrial action.

"Despite a spike in unavailability and unplanned absences of traincrew, no service cancellations resulted yesterday (Friday, 28 September) due to this matter.

"At this stage, services throughout today and for Riverfire will continue as planned and we will monitor traincrew numbers as the day progresses.

"Queensland Rail has worked hard to improve services for our customers over the past 18 months, delivering 95 per cent of trains on time last financial year.

"In the event any service alterations are required, we will keep our customers informed via www.translink.com.au and Twitter @QueenslandRail.

"We encourage customers to check online prior to travelling for the latest service information.

"Contingency bus services and drivers will remain on standby to support rail customers as needed."

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/riverfire-trains-get-green-light-as-union-blamed-for-absent-crews-20180929-p506su.html

In an updated statement issued at 4.30pm, Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said services for Sunsuper Riverfire were expected to continue as planned on Saturday.

"QR welcomes the Fair Work Commission's decision last night to issue an order to the RTBU and their delegates to cease organising and to not engage in any unprotected industrial action," he said.

"Despite a spike in unavailability and unplanned absences of train crew, no service cancellations resulted yesterday due to this matter.

"Services are due to run as planned for Riverfire this afternoon and into this evening.

"We have not experienced abnormal levels of unplanned leave by our traincrew today which is pleasing to see.

"We are committed to delivering reliable services for our customers and look forward to supporting a successful Riverfire event this evening.

"We thank our customers for their understanding as we monitored this situation.

"I'd like to thank all of our staff working tonight who I know will be working hard to deliver for our customers and support a successful event.