Resolution to Step 2 Dispute – Area Controllers Training Trainees on Panel

Bulletin 29 – 2016

To:       RTBU Signaller Members,

The RTBU is notifying members that a resolution to the Step 2 dispute regarding Sydney Trains expecting Area Controllers to train Trainees on panel has been resolved.

The background of the dispute was Area Controllers were requested by Sydney Trains to coach/train trainee Area Controllers that were taking up in Wollongong Signal Complex.

The Area Controllers had two concerns which were:

1. Sydney Trains had expectation of them to perform the Signaller Trainer duties and they are not qualified trainers.
2. Sydney Trains were refusing to take qualified Signaller Trainers off their roster to perform the duties of trainer.

A Step 2 dispute was raised on the 12^th July 2016 and while Sydney Trains initially responded a week later they didn’t resolve the dispute. A meeting with Sydney Trains was held on Monday 15^th August 2016 and the following was agreed:

1. If a Signaller Trainer is rostered on at the same time as a Trainee, the Signaller Trainer will be taken off panel to teach the Trainee.
2. Sydney Trains committed in the meeting and in an earlier document to ensure a Signaller Trainer available at most times.
3. In the event that the Trainee is not confident or competent, the Area Controller is not obliged to keep the Trainee on panel.
4. Sydney Trains agreed for the Area Controller to determine the length of time a Trainee operates the panel. It is noted that the time must be of at least three (3) hours.
5. In the event there is track work and the Area Controller is not comfortable with the Trainee performing signalling during the track work, the Area Controller can take control of the panel back from the Trainee. It is noted once the track work is completed the Trainee can return to operating the panel.

The membership were consulted after the meeting and briefed on the above items and as a result the dispute is now resolved.