> All this being the case, and I'm not thrashing a company line here, I
think
> most people have missed a point here. AN may well have been doing ok, but
it
> was still just a local identity. Parts of Westrail were ok too, and I'm
sure
> the other networks had their good performers as well. But overall,
> nationally that is, the whole picture was a disorganised mess. It was
> impossible to reform rail, as a national asset, without giving the whole
> system a good enema.
> It doesn't matter who owns NR, or even who it was, but the country as a
> whole must be better off with an operator at the lead who is at least
trying
> to improve things. NR isn't perfect by a long way, and I don't doubt for
a
> second that they've made and will make mistakes. But they are trying to
> improve things on a daily basis.
>
> When I worked for Westrail we used to do a 3 1/2+ hour trip, Merredin to
> Perth and book off. That night, 3 1/2+ hours back home. Plus mileage
> payments, shift and Sunday payments, kilowatt allowances, tuckerbox
money,
> and as a mileage train we couldn't shunt before or after the trip. We
> couldn't touch wagons or switches in the yards, use a computer, or drive
a
> car. Plus 100 other stupid little things.
So you and your union sold your collective souls to keep a job where you
now have great conditions. Come on mate!
> I'm sure all the other state systems had similar jokes to this.
>
> We still have to look past the signs on the loco's, who owns what and
where
> did they get it, and look at the whole deal as an asset to Australia. How
> can we improve the country as a whole?
> NR is a developing thing, and when it's gone, it will have left behind a
> better rail system for Australia.
Maybe you as an employee of NR can enlighten me. I was wondering the other
day what new business your company has attracted to rail since it's
inception. Or are you still hauling contracts that were negotiated prior to
the birth of NR?
The way I see it is that your company has attracted very little traffic to
rail. Sure the trains are longer, but Jeez there is not many of them.
Earlier in your post you bagged the conditions you once enjoyed at
WestRail. Tell me are you enjoying the 12 hour shifts, the two days away
from the family at a time. Oh yeah how about the prospect of DOO? Hope you
enjoy that too.
You also say that when NR are gone they will have left behind the legacy of
a better rail system. What actually will be NR's contribution to this
better system. You say you are not pushing the company line, but you are
whether you realise or not. Frank will be impressed.
I wait with anticipation for your reply
Rex