Future Operations Update

Bulletin 49 – 2016

To: RTBU Sydney Trains Guard Members,

In response to the Future Operations Update from Sydney Trains dated 21^st November 2016:

The Sydney Trains update shows that the RTBU had proposed to remove the 1:4:2 relief ratio from Guards as part of the Future Operations process.

During these talks it was discussed by Sydney Trains that relaxing the 1:4:2 ratio would need to occur for the decentralisation of Central. It was Sydney Trains’ initiative through the Decentralisation process not the RTBU to relax the Guards 1:4:2 relief ratio so that Relief Guards from Central could be appointed to other depots without having any restrictions on the relief numbers. The RTBU Guards Representatives position was that any change to the relief ratios would have to be positive for all Guards and without loss of potential earnings.

Other issues that were discussed include;

• Aggregation of allowances where cab allowances and security could be rolled into the hourly rate;
• Weekend hours to be increased to nine hours and five with no reduction of weekend work;
• Guard practice drives, Sydney Trains believe that they are no longer required;
• Sydney Trains also believe that Guards and Drivers will only be trained in route knowledge and traction as required by their depots;

Members are assured that there is no agreement on any of the above issues at this point in time and there is no agreement to progress to ballot.

For further information please contact your Delegate or the RTBU office.