Pacific National figures debunk Locomotive Driver productivity myths

Internal reports on driver productivity show that Locomotive Drivers in Pacific National spend between 80 per cent and 95 per cent of their time in productive work, the Rail Tram & Bus Union said today.

RTBU national Secretary Roger Jowett said that PN's own figures directly contradict media claims by Pacific National Managers that drivers were spending just 30 percent to 40 per cent of their time behind the throttle.

The figures are summarised below:

• does not include Permanent Part Time workers - all at 95% PU

Mr Jowett said the figures exposed as 'spin' attempts by Pacific National to portray Locomotive Drivers as unproductive. The CEO of Pacific National has been quoted to say he wants 70 per cent throttle time.

"By an reckoning, 80 per cent to 90 per cent productivity is a spectacular performance. Any more would mean drivers are skipping vital safety and maintenance functions," said Roger Jowett.

"The reality is our members work hard and productively," he said. "They are committed to building a strong Australian freight rail industry that delivers rewards and secure jobs.

"The best way to achieve this is for Pacific National to negotiate an enterprise agreement that delivers secure jobs, secure hours and secure rosters to its committed workforce," Jowett concluded.